A) TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention is generally related to electrical vehicle
chargers. The present invention is particularly related to a system and a method
for charging electrical vehicles. The present invention is more particularly
related to a system and a method for simultaneously charging a plurality of
electric vehicles using a plurality of direct current (DC) and alternating current
(AC) charging protocols at the same instant.
B) BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] With the development of electric vehicle (EV) technology, there is
a rapid growth in the manufacture and use of electric vehicles (EVs), for
example, electric cars, battery EVs, plug-in EVs, plug-in hybrid electric-gasoline
vehicles, etc., and hence a requirement for EV charging stations. An EV
charging station, also referred to as a charging station, an electric recharging
point, a charging point, a charging dock, or an EV charger, is an infrastructural
unit that supplies electric energy drawn from a power grid to EVs for charging
the EVs. The EV charging stations comprise, for example, residential charging
stations where owners of the EVs plug in their EVs for charging; public or
commercial charging stations where owners of the EVs plug in their EVs and
pay a fee for charging their EVs; stations that implement EV battery swaps
where a discharged EV battery is replaced with a fully-charged EV battery;
mobile charging stations, etc.
[0003] An EV charging station comprises electric vehicle supply
equipment (EVSE) that allows two-way communication between the EV
charging station and the EV. The EVSE comprises conductors, including the
ungrounded, grounded, and equipment grounding conductors, EV connectors,
attachment plugs, and other fittings, devices, power outlets, etc., installed
specifically for delivering energy from a power grid to an EV. The EVSE allows
safe charging of EVs by providing an optimal charging current that the EV
charging station can provide based on an optimal charging current that the EV
can receive. Two-way communication ensures that the current passed to the EV
is both below the limits of the EV charging station itself and below the limits of
what the EV can receive. The EVSE provides a safety lock that prevents current
from flowing from the EV charging station when an EV is not plugged into the
EV charging station. Most EVs have on-board chargers that use rectifier circuits
to transform alternating current (AC) from the power grid, for example, AC
mains, to direct current (DC) suitable for recharging battery packs of the EVs.
Cost and thermal issues limit how much power the rectifier circuits can handle.
[0004] Alternating current that is available on the power grid is typically
used for charging EVs at slow speeds, while direct current that is converted from
the alternating current, is typically used for fast or rapid charging of EVs. There
are three levels of charging EVs, where level 1 charging provides a charge of,
for example, 120 volts (V), 20 ampere (A), and 1.4 kilowatts (kW) and takes
about 17 hours to about 25 hours to fully charge an EV; level 2 charging
provides a charge of, for example, about 208 V to about 240 V, 40 A, and about
6.2 kW to about 7.6 kW, and level 3 charging is provided by a DC fast charger.
Level 1 provides the slowest level of charge, while level 3 provides the fastest
level of charge. EVs typically have AC Type 1 or AC Type 2 charging interfaces
for slow or fast charging and CHArge de MOve (CHAdeMO), Combined
Charging System (CCS) and Guobiao (GB)/T charging interfaces for rapid DC
charging.
[0005] The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J1772, also referred to
as the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Type 1 connector or J
plug, is a connector that implements a charging protocol that allows level 1 and
level 2 charging, while the CCS or SAE combo charging protocol, the
CHAdeMO charging protocol, and the GB/T charging protocol allow level 3
charging. The SAE J1772 connector is configured for single phase electrical
systems with 120 V or 240 V such as those used in North America. The IEC
62196 Type 2 connector, also referred to as “mennekes”, is used for charging
EVs within Europe. The IEC 62196 Type 2 connector is circular in shape, with a
flattened top edge and originally specified for charging battery EVs with singlephase
or three-phase alternating current, or direct current at about 3 kW to about
50 kW, with a plug modified by Tesla Inc., capable of an output of 120 kW. The
CHAdeMO charging protocol provides a fast charging method for battery EVs
delivering, for example, up to 62.5 kilowatts (kW) by 500 V, 125 ampere (A)
direct current via a CHAdeMO charging connector. The CCS comprises Combo
1 and Combo 2 connectors used to charge EVs at, for example, up to 80 kW or
350 kW. The Combo 1 and the Combo 2 connectors are extensions of the AC
Type 1 and AC Type 2 connectors respectively, with two additional DC contacts
to allow high-power DC fast charging. Some CCS connectors allow AC
charging using the Type 1 and Type 2 connectors depending on the geographical
region. The GB/T 20234 charging protocol is similar to the IEC 62196
connector. The GB/T charging protocol supports both level 2 and level 3
alternating current, may support three-phase alternating current, and supports,
for example, 250 V and 400 V direct current.
[0006] To charge EVs, owners of the EVs need to find an EV charging
station having charging connectors that match EV-side charging interfaces of the
EVs. Different EVs typically have charging interfaces of different types and
hence it is difficult to find EV charging stations having charging connectors that
match the different charging interfaces of the EVs. While some EV charging
stations may provide only DC charging connectors that implement a single type
of DC charging protocol for supplying only direct current to the EVs, other EV
charging stations may provide only AC charging connectors that implement a
single type of AC charging protocol for supplying only alternating current to the
EVs. While some EV charging stations are adapted to provide both DC charging
connectors and AC charging connectors, these charging connectors may
implement only a single type of DC charging protocol and a single type of AC
charging protocol. AC and DC charging connectors are not interchangeable. For
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example, an EV with a CHAdeMO charging interface cannot be charged using a
CCS connector and vice versa.
[0007] Furthermore, while some EV charging stations are adapted to
provide both DC charging and AC charging, the DC and AC charging protocols
cannot be used simultaneously, and therefore cannot simultaneously charge
multiple EVs having different charging interfaces that implement mutually
different DC charging protocols and AC charging protocols, at the same time. If
two EVs arrive at a single EV charging station at the same time for charging, the
EV charging station can charge only one EV, while a driver of the other EV has
to wait until the first EV completes charging at the EV charging station. This
leads to high waiting times when multiple EVs arrive at the EV charging station.
[0008] EV charging stations with two different DC charging connectors
and one AC charging connector do not allow the use of all three charging
protocols at same time. Therefore, at least one of the charging connectors is
always not in use, thereby resulting in an inadequate percentage of utilization of
charging facilities.
[0009] Hence, there is a need for a system and a method for
simultaneously charging multiple electric vehicles using multiple mutually
different DC and AC charging protocols at the same time.
[0010] The above-mentioned shortcomings, disadvantages and problems
are addressed herein and which will be understood by reading and studying the
following specification.
C) OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide a system and a
method for simultaneously charging multiple electric vehicles (EVs) using both
a plurality of mutually different direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC)
charging protocols.
[0012] Another object of the present invention is to execute parallel
operation of at least two DC charging connectors that implement two different
DC charging protocols, and at least one AC connector that implements one AC
charging protocol, in a single electric vehicle (EV) charging station.
[0013] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide multiple
charging connectors, where each of the charging connectors implements one of
multiple mutually different DC and AC charging protocols, and where the
charging connectors are configured to simultaneously charge multiple EVs using
multiple mutually different DC and AC charging protocols at the same time.
[0014] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a DC bus
component operably connected to a power supply unit and electrically connected
to at least two of the charging connectors via first control switches, herein
referred to as “DC control switches”, where at least two charging connectors
implement different DC charging protocols, for example, a Combined Charging
System combo 2 protocol, a CHArge de MOve (CHAdeMO) protocol, and a
Guobiao (GB)/T protocol.
[0015] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a merger
switch electrically connected to the DC bus component and configured to
selectively control flow of direct current from the power supply unit to at least
two of the charging connectors that implement different DC charging protocols,
via the DC control switches.
[0016] Yet another object of the present invention is to selectively open
and close the merger switch to allow the flow of the direct current from one or
more of the switch mode rectifiers to one or more of the charging connectors that
implement different DC charging protocols.
[0017] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an AC bus
component operably connected to the power supply unit and electrically
connected to at least one of the charging connectors that implement one of the
AC charging protocols, for example, an International Electrotechnical
Commission (IEC) AC Type 2 protocol, via a second control switch, herein
referred to as an “AC control switch”.
[0018] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a control
unit configured to communicate with charging interfaces of multiple EVs and to
control the merger switch, the DC control switches, and the AC control switch
for operating multiple charging connectors in different modes to facilitate the
simultaneous charging of multiple EVs using the different DC and AC charging
protocols at the same time.
[0019] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a cyclic
mode of operating the charging connectors, where the merger switch is closed
and the DC control switches are selectively closed to allow the flow of a
substantial portion of the direct current from the power supply unit via the DC
bus component to one of the charging connectors that implements one of the
different DC charging protocols.
[0020] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
standalone mode of operating the charging connectors, where the merger switch
is opened and the DC control switches are closed to allow the flow of a generally
equal portion of the direct current from the power supply unit via the DC bus
component to the charging connectors that implement different DC charging
protocols.
[0021] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a standby
mode of operating the charging connectors, where the merger switch is closed
and one of the DC control switches is opened while another one of the DC
control switches is closed to allow the flow of a substantial portion of the direct
current from the power supply unit via the DC bus component to one of the
charging connectors that implements one of the different DC charging protocols.
[0022] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a critical
mode of operating the charging connectors, where the merger switch is
selectively opened and closed to allow the flow of a generally equal portion of
the direct current from the power supply unit via the DC bus component to the
charging connectors that implement different DC charging protocols.
[0023] Yet another object of the present invention is to reduce waiting
times at a single EV charging station by allowing simultaneous charging of
multiple EVs using multiple mutually different DC and AC charging protocols at
the same time.
[0024] Yet another object of the present invention is to adequately utilize a
single EV charging station by allowing parallel and simultaneous use of all the
charging connectors that implement different DC and AC charging protocols
provided by the EV charging station to charge multiple EVs simultaneously.
[0025] The objects disclosed above will be realized and achieved at least
by the elements, features, and combinations particularly pointed out in the
claims. The objects disclosed above have outlined, rather broadly, the features of
the present invention in order that the detailed description that follows may be
better understood. The objects disclosed above are not intended to determine the
scope of the claimed subject matter and are not to be construed as limiting of the
present invention. Additional objects, features, and advantages of the present
invention are disclosed below. The objects disclosed above, which are believed
to be characteristic of the present invention, both as to its organization and
method of operation, together with further objects, features, and advantages, will
be better understood and illustrated by the technical features broadly embodied
and described in the following description when considered in connection with
the accompanying drawings.
D) SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0026] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better
appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following
description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however,
that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred embodiments and
numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of
limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of
the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the
embodiments herein include all such modifications.
[0027] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a
simplified form that are further disclosed in the detailed description. This
summary is not intended to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0028] The embodiments of the present invention addresses the aboverecited
need for a simultaneous, multiprotocol, electric vehicle charging system
(SMEVCS) and a method for simultaneously charging multiple electric vehicles
(EVs) using multiple mutually different direct current (DC) and alternating
current (AC) charging protocols at the same time. The SMEVCS comprises
multiple charging connectors, a DC bus component, a merger switch, an AC bus
component, and a control unit. Each of the charging connectors is configured to
implement one of multiple mutually different charging protocols. The charging
protocols comprise mutually different DC charging protocols and AC charging
protocols. The mutually different DC charging protocols comprise, for example,
a Combined Charging System (CCS) combo 2 protocol, a CHArge de MOve
(CHAdeMO) protocol, a Guobiao (GB)/T protocol, etc. The AC charging
protocols comprise, for example, an International Electrotechnical Commission
(IEC) alternating current Type 2 protocol. The charging connectors are
configured to simultaneously charge multiple EVs using the mutually different
charging protocols at the same time.
[0029] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the DC bus
component of the SMEVCS is operably connected to a power supply unit and
electrically connected to at least two of the charging connectors via first control
switches, herein referred to as “DC control switches”. At least two of the
charging connectors implement the mutually different DC charging protocols.
The merger switch of the SMEVCS is electrically connected to the DC bus
component. The merger switch is configured to selectively control flow of direct
current from the power supply unit to the charging connectors that implement
the mutually different DC charging protocols, via the DC control switches. In an
embodiment, the SMEVCS further comprises at least two switch mode rectifiers
electrically connected to the DC bus component and the AC bus component. The
switch mode rectifiers are configured to convert an alternating current received
from the power supply unit via the AC bus component into a direct current and
to feed the direct current to the DC bus component. In this embodiment, the
merger switch is selectively opened and closed to allow the flow of direct
current from one or more of the switch mode rectifiers to one or more of the
charging connectors that implement the mutually different DC charging
protocols.
[0030] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the AC bus
component of the SMEVCS is operably connected to the power supply unit and
electrically connected to at least one of the charging connectors via a second
control switch, herein referred to as an “AC control switch”. At least one of the
charging connectors implements one of the AC charging protocols. The control
unit of the SMEVCS is configured to communicate with charging interfaces of
multiple EVs and to control the merger switch, the DC control switches, and the
AC control switch for operating the charging connectors in multiple modes to
facilitate the simultaneous charging of multiple EVs using multiple mutually
different charging protocols at the same time.
[0031] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the modes
of operating the charging connectors comprise a cyclic mode, a standalone
mode, a standby mode, and a critical mode. In the cyclic mode of operation, the
merger switch is closed and the DC control switches are selectively closed to
allow the flow of a substantial portion of the direct current from the power
supply unit via the DC bus component to one of the charging connectors that
implements one of the mutually different DC charging protocols. In the
standalone mode of operation, the merger switch is opened and the DC control
switches are closed to allow the flow of a generally equal portion of the direct
current from the power supply unit via the DC bus component to the charging
connectors that implement the mutually different DC charging protocols. In the
standby mode of operation, the merger switch is closed and one of the DC
control switches is opened while another one of the DC control switches is
closed to allow the flow of a substantial portion of the direct current from the
power supply unit via the DC bus component to one of the charging connectors
that implements one of the mutually different DC charging protocols. In the
critical mode of operation, the merger switch is selectively opened and closed to
allow the flow of a generally equal portion of the direct current from the power
supply unit via the DC bus component to the charging connectors that implement
the mutually different DC charging protocols.
[0032] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method
for simultaneously charging multiple electric vehicles using multiple mutually
different direct current and alternating current charging protocols at the same
time, is provided. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the
method disclosed herein, is executed with the SMEVCS disclosed above. The
control unit of the SMEVCS communicates with charging interfaces of the EVs
and generates multiple commands for simultaneously charging the EVs using the
mutually different DC and AC charging protocols at the same time. In response
to one or more of the commands from the control unit, the merger switch
selectively controls flow of direct current, after conversion from alternating
current, from the power supply unit to the DC charging connectors that
implement the mutually different DC charging protocols via the first control
switches. In response to another one or more of the commands from the control
unit, the second control switch controls flow of alternating current from the
power supply unit to the AC charging connector that implements one of the AC
charging protocols. The flow of the direct current from the power supply unit to
the DC charging connectors and the flow of the alternating current from the
power supply unit to the AC charging connector simultaneously charges the EVs
using the mutually different charging protocols at the same time.
[0033] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the
embodiments, related systems comprise circuitry and/or programming for
effecting the methods disclosed herein. The circuitry and/or programming can be
any combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware configured to effect the
methods disclosed herein depending upon the design choices of a system
designer. Also, in an embodiment, various structural elements can be employed
depending on the design choices of the system designer.
[0034] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully
reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying
current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such
specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and,
therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be
comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed
embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology
employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.
Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of
preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the
embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and
scope of the appended claims.
E) BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed
description, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended
drawings. For illustrating the present invention, exemplary constructions of the
system and the method are shown in the drawings. However, the present
invention is not limited to the specific components and methods disclosed
herein. The description of a component or a method step referenced by a
numeral in a drawing is applicable to the description of that component or
method step shown by that same numeral in any subsequent drawing herein.
[0036] The other objects, features and advantages will occur to those
skilled in the art from the following description of the preferred embodiment and
the accompanying drawings in which:
[0037] FIG. 1 illustrates a functional block diagram of a simultaneous,
multiprotocol, electric vehicle charging system for simultaneously charging
multiple electric vehicles using multiple mutually different direct current and
alternating current charging protocols at the same time, according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 2 illustrates a circuit diagram of the simultaneous,
multiprotocol, electric vehicle charging system, according to one embodiment of
the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 3 illustrates a block circuit diagram of a portion of the
simultaneous, multiprotocol, electric vehicle charging system, showing
connection of a power supply unit to two charging connectors that implement
two mutually different direct current charging protocols, via switch mode
rectifier groups and a merger switch, according to one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0040] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart explaining a method for
simultaneously charging multiple electric vehicles using mutually different
direct current and alternating current charging protocols at the same time,
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0041] Although the specific features of the present invention are shown in
some drawings and not in others. This is done for convenience only as each
feature may be combined with any or all of the other features in accordance with
the embodiments herein.
F) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0042] In the following detailed description, a reference is made to the
accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which the specific
embodiments that may be practiced is shown by way of illustration. These
embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to
practice the embodiments and it is to be understood that the logical, mechanical
and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the
embodiments. The following detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a
limiting sense.
[0043] The various embodiments herein provide a system and a method for
simultaneously charging multiple electric vehicles using mutually different
direct current and alternating current charging protocols at the same time.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a simultaneous,
multiprotocol, electric vehicle charging system is provided. The system
comprises a plurality of charging connectors, wherein each one of the plurality
of charging connectors is configured to implement/execute one of a plurality of
mutually different charging protocols, and wherein the plurality of mutually
different charging protocols comprises a plurality of mutually different direct
current charging protocols and a plurality of mutually different, alternating
current charging protocols, and wherein the plurality of charging connectors is
configured to simultaneously charge a plurality of electric vehicles using the
plurality of mutually different charging protocols at a same time.
[0044] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a direct
current bus component is operably connected to a power supply unit and
electrically connected to at least two of the plurality of charging connectors
through a plurality of first control switches, and wherein the at least two of the
plurality of charging connectors is configured to implement/execute the mutually
different direct current charging protocols.
[0045] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a merger
switch is electrically connected to the direct current bus component and wherein
the merger switch is configured to selectively control a flow of direct current
from the power supply unit to the at least two of the plurality of charging
connectors that implement/execute the mutually different direct current charging
protocols, through the first control switches.
[0046] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an
alternating current bus component is operably connected to the power supply
unit and electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of charging
connectors through a second control switch, and wherein the at least one of the
plurality of charging connectors is configured to implement/execute one of the
mutually different alternating current charging protocols.
[0047] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a control
unit is configured to communicate with charging interfaces of the plurality of
electric vehicles and to control the merger switch, the plurality of first control
switches, and the second control switch for operating the plurality of charging
connectors in a plurality of modes to facilitate the simultaneous charging of the
plurality of electric vehicles using the mutually different charging protocols at
the same time.
[0048] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the
plurality of mutually different direct current charging protocols comprise a
combined charging system combo 2 protocol, a CHArge de MOve protocol, and
a Guobiao/T protocol, and wherein the plurality of mutually different alternating
current charging protocols comprise an International Electrotechnical
Commission alternating current Type 2 protocol.
[0049] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the system
further comprises at least two switch mode rectifiers electrically connected to the
direct current bus component and the alternating current bus component, and
wherein the at least two switch mode rectifiers are configured to convert an
alternating current received from the power supply unit through the alternating
current bus component into the direct current and to feed the direct current to the
direct current bus component respectively.
[0050] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the merger
switch is selectively opened and closed to allow the flow of the direct current
from one or more of the at least two switch mode rectifiers to one or more of the
at least two of the plurality of charging connectors.
[0051] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least
two of the plurality of charging connectors is operated in a cyclic mode, and
when the merger switch is closed and the first control switches are selectively
closed to pass a portion of the direct current from the power supply unit through
the direct current bus component to one of the at least two of the plurality of
charging connectors.
[0052] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least
two of the plurality of charging connectors is operated in a standalone mode,
when the merger switch is opened and the plurality of first control switches is
closed to pass an equal portion of the direct current from the power supply unit
through the direct current bus component to the at least two of the plurality of
charging connectors.
[0053] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least
two of the plurality of charging connectors is operated in a standby mode, and
when the merger switch is closed and one of the first control switches is opened
while another one of the first control switches is closed to pass a portion of the
direct current from the power supply unit through the direct current bus
component to one of the at least two of the plurality of charging connectors.
[0054] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least
two of the plurality of charging connectors is operated a critical mode, when the
merger switch is selectively opened and closed to pass an equal portion of the
direct current from the power supply unit through the direct current bus
component to the at least two of the plurality of charging connectors.
[0055] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method is
provided for simultaneously charging a plurality of electric vehicles using a
plurality of mutually different charging protocols at the same time, the method
comprising steps of connecting a plurality of charging connectors, with a
plurality of charging interfaces charging interfaces of the plurality of electric
vehicles, and wherein each of the plurality of charging connectors is configured
to implement one of a plurality of mutually different charging protocols, and
wherein the plurality of charging protocols comprises mutually different direct
current charging protocols and alternating current charging protocols; operably
connecting a direct current bus component to a power supply unit, and
electrically connecting the direct current bus component to at least two of the
plurality of charging connectors through a plurality of first control switches,
wherein the at least two of the plurality of charging connectors is configured to
implement/execute the mutually different direct current charging protocols;
connecting a merger switch electrically the direct current bus component;
operably connecting an alternating current bus component to the power supply
unit and electrically connecting the alternating current bus component to at least
one of the plurality of charging connectors through a second control switch and
wherein the at least one of the plurality of charging connectors is configured to
implement/execute one of the alternating current charging protocols; establishing
communication with charging interfaces of the plurality of electric vehicles
through the control unit and generating a plurality of commands for
simultaneously charging the plurality of electric vehicles using the plurality of
mutually different charging protocols at the same time; selectively controlling a
flow of direct current from the power supply unit to the at least two of the
plurality of charging connectors that implements the direct current charging
protocols through the first control switches based on the one or more of
commands received from the control unit, and controlling a flow of alternating
current from the power supply unit to the at least one of the plurality of charging
connectors that implements one of the alternating current charging protocols
through the second control switch based on the one or more of commands
received from the control unit, wherein the direct current supplied from the
power supply unit to the at least two of the plurality of charging connectors and
the alternating current supplied from the power supply unit to the at least one of
the plurality of charging connectors are utilized to simultaneously charge the
plurality of electric vehicles using the plurality of mutually different charging
protocols at the same time.
[0056] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the
mutually different direct current charging protocols comprise a combined
charging system combo 2 protocol, a CHArge de MOve protocol, and a
Guobiao/T protocol, and wherein the alternating current charging protocols
comprise an International Electrotechnical Commission alternating current Type
2 protocol.
[0057] FIG. 1 illustrates a high-level circuit diagram of a simultaneous,
multiprotocol, electric vehicle charging system (SMEVCS) 100 for
simultaneously charging multiple electric vehicles (EVs), for example, 113, 114,
and 115, using multiple mutually different direct current (DC) and alternating
current (AC) charging protocols. The SMEVCS 100 comprises multiple
charging connectors, for example, 101, 102, and 103, a DC bus component 109,
a merger switch 110, an AC bus component 105, and a control unit 116
exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 2-3. As used herein, “charging connectors”
comprise outlet ports or sockets configured based on different charging protocols
to connect to charging interfaces, for example, 113a, 114a, and 115a of EVs, for
example, 113, 114, and 115, respectively. The charging connectors 101, 102, and
103 transfer charge from the SMEVCS 100 to the EVs 113, 114, and 115 via the
charging interfaces 113a, 114a, and 115a respectively. Also, as used herein,
“charging interfaces” of the EVs refer to inlet ports that receive and mate with
the outlet sockets or ports of the charging connectors 101, 102, and 103 for
receiving charge from the SMEVCS 100 to charge the EVs 113, 114, and 115.
[0058] Each of the charging connectors 101, 102, and 103 is configured to
implement one of multiple mutually different charging protocols. The charging
protocols comprise mutually different DC charging protocols and an AC Type 2
charging protocol. The mutually different DC charging protocols comprise, for
example, a Combined Charging System (CCS) combo 2 protocol, a CHArge de
MOve (CHAdeMO) protocol, a Guobiao (GB)/T charging protocol, etc. The
CCS combo 2 protocol is an extension of a Type 2 protocol that uses two
additional DC contacts for high power DC fast charging. The AC Type 2
charging protocol is customized based on AC charging standards of a country.
[0059] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the
SMEVCS 100 provides two DC charging connectors 101 and 102 and one AC
charging connector 103 as exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 1, the two DC
charging connectors 101 and 102 implement two different DC charging
protocols, and the AC charging connector 103 implements an AC charging
protocol. For example, the DC charging connector 101 implements the CCS
combo 2 protocol, the DC charging connector 102 implements the CHAdeMO
protocol, and the AC charging connector 103 implements the IEC AC Type 2
protocol. For purposes of illustration, the detailed description refers to the DC
charging protocols being the CCS combo 2 protocol, the CHAdeMO protocol,
and the GB/T charging protocol, and the AC charging protocol being the IEC
AC Type 2 protocol; however the scope of the present invention is not limited to
the DC charging protocols being the CCS combo 2 protocol, the CHAdeMO
protocol, and the GB/T charging protocol, and the AC charging protocol being
the IEC AC Type 2 protocol, but may be extended to include other CHAdeMO,
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), IEC and advanced DC and AC
charging protocols developed in the future. The charging connectors 101, 102,
and 103 are configured to simultaneously charge multiple EVs, for example,
113, 114, and 115, using the mutually different charging protocols at the same
time.
24
[0060] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the DC bus
component 109 of the SMEVCS 100 is operably connected to a power supply
unit 104, for example, a power grid or AC mains. The DC bus component 109 is
an electrical conductor that carries and distributes direct current. The DC bus
component 109 is electrically connected to the power supply unit 104 via the AC
bus component 105. The DC bus component 109 is also electrically connected to
at least two of the charging connectors, for example, 101 and 102, via first
control switches 111 and 112 respectively. As used herein, the term “switch”
refers to an electrical, mechanical, electronic or electromechanical component
structured to open or close an electrical circuit, by interrupting the flow of
current or diverting the flow of current from one electrical conductor to another.
The first control switches 111 and 112 are herein referred to as “DC control
switches”. At least two of the charging connectors, for example, 101 and 102,
implement the mutually different DC charging protocols as disclosed above. The
merger switch 110 of the SMEVCS 100 is electrically connected to the DC bus
component 109. The merger switch 110 is configured to selectively control flow
of direct current from the power supply unit 104 to the charging connectors 101
and 102 that implement the different DC charging protocols, via the DC control
switches 111 and 112 respectively.
[0061] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the
SMEVCS 100 further comprises at least two switch mode rectifiers, for
example, the switch mode rectifier (SMR) group 1 107 and the SMR group 2
108, electrically connected to the DC bus component 109 and the AC bus
component 105. In an embodiment, the SMR group 1 107 comprises three
rectifiers, for example, with 20 kW capacity each, resulting in a total capacity of
60 kW. In this embodiment, the SMR group 2 108 also comprises three
rectifiers, for example, with 20 kW capacity each, resulting in a total capacity of
60 kW. The SMR group 1 107 and the SMR group 2 108, therefore, provide a
total capacity of, for example, 120 kW. The SMR group 1 107 and the SMR
group 2 108 convert an alternating current received from the power supply unit
104 via the AC bus component 105 into a direct current and feed the direct
current to the DC bus component 109. In an embodiment, the merger switch 110
is selectively opened and closed to allow the flow of direct current from the
SMR group 1 107 and/or the SMR group 2 108 to the charging connectors 101
and/or 102 respectively, that implement the different DC charging protocols. For
example, the merger switch 110 is selectively opened and closed to allow the
flow of direct current from the SMR group 1 107 to the DC charging connector
101, and from the SMR group 2 108 to the DC charging connector 102 as
exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0062] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the AC bus
component 105 of the SMEVCS 100 is operably connected to the power supply
unit 104 and electrically connected to at least one of the charging connectors, for
example, 103, via a second control switch 106, herein referred to as an “AC
control switch”. At least one of the charging connectors, for example, 103,
implements one of the AC charging protocols as disclosed above. The control
unit 116 of the SMEVCS 100 is configured to communicate with charging
interfaces 113a, 114a, and 115a of multiple EVs 113, 114, and 115 respectively.
The control unit 116 is further configured to control the merger switch 110, the
DC control switches 111 and 112, and the AC control switch 106 for operating
the charging connectors 101, 102, and 103 in multiple modes to facilitate the
simultaneous charging of multiple EVs 113, 114, and 115 using the mutually
different charging protocols at the same time as disclosed in the detailed
description of FIG. 2.
[0063] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the modes
of operating the charging connectors 101, 102, and 103 comprise a cyclic mode,
a standalone mode, a standby mode, and a critical mode. In the cyclic mode of
operation, the merger switch 110 is closed and the DC control switches 111 and
112 are selectively closed to allow the flow of a substantial portion of the direct
current from the power supply unit 104 via the DC bus component 109 to one of
the DC charging connectors, for example, 101 or 102, that implements one of the
different DC charging protocols. In the standalone mode of operation, the
merger switch 110 is opened and the DC control switches 111 and 112 are
closed to allow the flow of a generally equal portion of the direct current from
the power supply unit 104 via the DC bus component 109 to the DC charging
connectors 101 and 102. In the standby mode of operation, the merger switch
110 is closed and one of the DC control switches, for example, 111, is opened
while another one of the DC control switches, for example, 112, is closed to
allow the flow of a substantial portion of the direct current from the power
supply unit 104 via the DC bus component 109 to one of the DC charging
connectors, for example, 101 or 102. In the critical mode of operation, the
merger switch 110 is selectively opened and closed to allow the flow of a
generally equal portion of the direct current from the power supply unit 104 via
the DC bus component 109 to the DC charging connectors 101 and 102. In an
embodiment, the SMEVCS 100 comprises a display screen, for example, a touch
screen, with a graphical user interface (GUI) that displays the modes of
operation. A user may manually select or set a mode of operating the charging
connectors 101, 102, and 103 via the GUI, for example, using touch or tactile
inputs.
[0064] According to one embodiment of the present invention, in addition
to simultaneously charging multiple EVs, for example, 113 and 114, using
different DC charging protocols at the same time, the SMEVCS 100 also allows
simultaneous charging of multiple EVs using AC charging protocols at the same
time. The SMEVCS 100, therefore, executes parallel operation of multiple DC
charging connectors 101 and 102 that implement different DC charging
protocols and multiple AC charging connectors 103, etc., that implement
different AC charging protocols in a single unit. The simultaneous charging of
multiple EVs 113, 114, and 115 reduces waiting times at the SMEVCS 100. For
example, if three EVs arrive at the SMEVCS 100 at the same time for charging,
drivers of all three EVs can connect the charging interfaces of their respective
EVs to the charging connectors that implement different DC and AC charging
protocols of the SMEVCS 100 at the same time without waiting, and have their
respective EVs charged by the SMEVCS 100 simultaneously. As the SMEVCS
100 allows use of multiple different charging protocols at same time, all the
charging connectors 101, 102, and 103 provided by the SMEVCS 100 are mostly
in use, thereby allowing adequate utilization of the charging facilities provided
by the SMEVCS 100.
[0065] FIG. 2 illustrates a low-level circuit diagram of the simultaneous,
multiprotocol, electric vehicle charging system (SMEVCS) 100, for example, a
120 kW charger. Consider an example where the SMEVCS 100 comprises one
alternating current (AC) charging connector, for example, an IEC AC Type 2
charging connector 103 that implements the IEC AC Type 2 charging protocol,
and two direct current (DC) charging connectors, for example, a CCS combo 2
charging connector 101 that implements the CCS combo 2 charging protocol and
a CHAdeMO charging connector 102 that implements the CHAdeMO charging
protocol, as exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 2. As disclosed in the detailed
description of FIG. 1, in addition to the charging connectors 101, 102, and 103,
the AC bus component 105, the DC bus component 109, the switch mode
rectifier (SMR) groups 107 and 108, the merger switch 110, and the control
switches 106, 111, and 112, the SMEVCS 100 further comprises the control unit
116. In an embodiment, the control unit 116 is a pilot controller or a control card
that pilots or drives the charging function of the SMEVCS 100 by controlling the
merger switch 110 via a merge control port 118 and the control switches 106,
111, and 112. The control logic in the control unit 116 controls the operation of
the merger switch 110 and the control switches 106, 111, and 112 in a way that
allows parallel and simultaneous use of multiple charging protocols with a less
waiting time and optimal use of time for charging, while increasing the usability
of the SMEVCS 100.
[0066] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the control
unit 116 also communicates with the charging interfaces of the electric vehicles
(EVs) that are connected to the charging connectors 101, 102, and 103 of the
SMEVCS 100 in accordance with the respective charging protocols. For
example, the control unit 116 establishes two-way communication with a CCS
combo 2 charging interface of an EV connected to the CCS combo 2 charging
connector 101, a CHAdeMO charging interface of an EV connected to the
CHAdeMO charging connector 102, and an IEC AC Type 2 charging interface
of an EV connected to the IEC AC Type 2 charging connector 103. Since the
CCS combo 2 charging protocol operates on power line communication (PLC),
the SMEVCS 100 establishes a two-way communication with the CCS combo 2
charging interface of the EV connected to the CCS combo 2 charging connector
101 via a PLC controller 117. The control unit 116 controls the PLC controller
117 via a controller area network (CAN) communication implemented by a
CAN bus. The CAN bus is a message-based protocol configured to allow the
control unit 116 to communicate with the PLC controller 117. The control unit
116 communicates with the PLC controller 117 for charging the EV connected
to the CCS combo 2 charging connector 101.
[0067] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the
SMEVCS 100 establishes a two-way communication with the CHAdeMO
charging interface of the EV connected to the CHAdeMO charging connector
102 via a CAN communication implemented by another CAN bus. The CAN
bus is configured to allow the control unit 116 to communicate with the
CHAdeMO charging interface of the EV via the CHAdeMO charging connector
102. The control unit 116 comprises on-board CAN support that enables the
SMEVCS 100 to communicate with the EVs directly. Similarly, the SMEVCS
100 establishes communication with the IEC AC Type 2 charging interface of
the EV connected to the IEC AC Type 2 charging connector 103 via AC pulse
width modulation (PWM). The control unit 116 communicates with the IEC AC
Type 2 charging interface of the EV via the IEC AC Type 2 charging connector
103.
[0068] According to one embodiment of the present invention,
furthermore, the control unit 116 communicates with an upper controller 119 for
transferring necessary parameters, for example, via a recommended standard
(RS) 232 protocol. The control unit 116 also communicates with insulation
controllers 120 and 121 configured to perform insulation tests for the CCS
combo 2 charging connector 101 and the CHAdeMO charging connector 102
respectively. The control unit 116 also controls a light emitting diode (LED)
board 122 provided in the SMEVCS 100, for example, for indicating status of
the SMEVCS 100, outcome of the insulation tests, etc.
[0069] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the control
unit 116 also performs DC bus sensing and controls voltage or direct current
flowing to the CCS combo 2 charging connector 101 and the CHAdeMO
charging connector 102 via the DC bus component 109. The control unit 116
also controls contactors or switches associated with the AC mains and the AC
charging connector 103. The control unit 116 also controls flow of direct current
from the SMR groups 107 and 108 via CAN communication. Furthermore, the
control unit 116 performs other control functions, for example, system
temperature sensing, DC fan control, door, emergency power off (EPO), surge
protection device (SPD) sensing, etc.
[0070] According to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3
exemplarily a high-level circuit diagram of a portion of the simultaneous,
multiprotocol, electric vehicle charging system (SMEVCS) 100 shown in FIGS.
1-2, showing connection of a power supply unit 104, for example, 3-phase
alternating current (AC) mains, to two charging connectors 101 and 102 that
implement two mutually different direct current (DC) charging protocols, via
switch mode rectifier groups 107 and 108 and the merger switch 110. Consider
an example where the SMEVCS 100 comprises two DC charging connectors
101 and 102 that implement two different DC charging protocols and one AC
charging connector 103 that implements one AC charging protocol as
exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 1. The SMR group 1 107 and the SMR group 2
108 convert the AC input received from the power supply unit 104 via the AC
bus component 105 into direct current and feeds the direct current to the DC bus
component 109. The output of the DC bus component 109 is connected to the
DC charging connector 1 101 and the DC charging connector 2 102 via the
control switches, that is, switch 1 111 and switch 2 112 respectively. The merger
switch 110 that is positioned between the DC bus component 109 controls the
32
flow of direct current to the DC charging connector 1 101 and the DC charging
connector 2 102. The control unit 116 installed at the SMEVCS 100 exemplarily
illustrated in FIGS. 2-3, controls the merger switch 110, switch 1 111, and
switch 2 112. The AC charging connector 103 can be used for AC charging of an
EV, irrespective of the operations of the DC charging connector 1 101 and the
DC charging connector 2 102.
[0071] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the
SMEVCS 100 executes the different modes of operating the charging connectors
101 and 102 as follows. In mode 1, also referred to as a “first-come, first-served”
mode or a cyclic mode, the SMEVCS 100 makes 100% power available for one
of the DC charging connectors, that is, the DC charging connector 1 101 or the
DC charging connector 2 102. During mode 1, the control unit 116 closes the
merger switch 110 and allows flow of direct current from both the SMR group 1
107 and the SMR group 2 108 to the active DC charging connector, that is, the
DC charging connector 1 101 or the DC charging connector 2 102. Furthermore,
in mode 1, the control unit 116 closes switch 1 111 or switch 2 112 to allow flow
of direct current from both the SMR group 1 107 and the SMR group 2 108
based on the connection of an EV to one of the DC charging connectors, that is,
the DC charging connector 1 101 or the DC charging connector 2 102. Consider
an example where the DC charging connector 1 101 implements the CCS combo
2 protocol and the DC charging connector 2 102 implements the CHAdeMO
protocol. In this example, if a driver of an EV connects the DC charging
connector 1 101 of the SMEVCS 100 to a CCS combo 2 charging interface of
the EV, the control unit 116 closes the merger switch 110 and switch 1 111,
thereby allowing 100% of the direct current to flow to the EV via the DC
charging connector 1 101. Similarly, if a driver of an EV connects the DC
charging connector 2 102 of the SMEVCS 100 to the CHAdeMO charging
interface of the EV, the control unit 116 closes the merger switch 110 and switch
2 112, thereby allowing 100% of the direct current to flow to the EV via the DC
charging connector 2 102.
[0072] According to one embodiment of the present invention, in mode 2,
also referred to as a standalone mode or an isolated mode, the SMEVCS 100
makes 50% power available to both the DC charging connectors, that is, the DC
charging connector 1 101 and the DC charging connector 2 102 at the same time.
Mode 2 is used when both the DC charging connectors, that is, the DC charging
connector 1 101 and the DC charging connector 2 102 are connected to EVs
having power demands of less than or equal to the 50% rated capacity of the
SMEVCS 100. In mode 2, the control unit 116 opens the merger switch 110 and
closes switch 1 111 and switch 2 112. The SMR group 1 107 feeds the direct
current to the DC charging connector 1 101, while the SMR group 2 108 feeds
the direct current to the DC charging connector 2 102. In mode 2, as the merger
switch 110 is open, the SMR group 1 107 and the SMR group 2 108 operate in
parallel to feed the direct current to the DC charging connector 1 101 and the DC
charging connector 2 102 respectively, on receiving a voltage and current
demand packet from each EV. A battery management system (BMS) of the EV
operates as a master, while the SMEVCS 100 operates as a slave. When a
command is received from the BMS, the SMEVCS 100 checks its capability of
supplying the charge. When the SMEVCS 100 confirms the capability of
supplying the charge by sending packets to the BMS, the charging of the EV is
initiated.
[0073] According to one embodiment of the present invention, in Mode 3,
also referred to as the standby mode, is used when an EV is connected to either
of the DC charging connectors, that is, the DC charging connector 1 101 or the
DC charging connector 2 102, and has a power demand equal to 100% or less
than 100% and greater than 50% of the power rating of the SMEVCS 100. In
mode 3, if the EV is connected to the DC charging connector 1 101, the control
unit 116 closes the merger switch 110, closes switch 1 111, and retains switch 2
112 in an open condition, and allows the flow of direct current from both the
SMR group 1 107 and the SMR group 2 108 to the charging interface of the EV
via the DC charging connector 1 101. Similarly, if the EV is connected to the
DC charging connector 2 102, the control unit 116 closes the merger switch 110,
closes switch 2 112, and retains switch 1 111 in an open condition, and allows
the flow of direct current from both the SMR group 1 107 and the SMR group 2
108 to the charging interface of the EV via the DC charging connector 2 102. If
another EV is connected to an available DC charging connector 101 or 102, the
SMEVCS 100 does not initiate charging of the other EV until the state of charge
of the first EV goes below 50% of the charger rating.
[0074] According to one embodiment of the present invention, during
mode 4, also referred to as the critical mode, one DC charging connector, that is,
35
the DC charging connector 1 101 or the DC charging connector 2 102 is already
in use to charge an EV. In an example, when an EV connects to the DC charging
connector 1 101, the control unit 116 closes the merger switch 110 and switch 1
111 and allows flow of 100% of the direct current to the DC charging connector
1 101 for charging the EV. When another EV connects to the DC charging
connector 2 102, the control unit 116 opens the merger switch 110, closes switch
2 112, and splits the flow of direct current to the DC charging connector 1 101
and the DC charging connector 2 102 to 50% rated capacity of the SMEVCS
100. While in mode 2, if an EV demands more current than the SMEVCS 100 is
capable of supplying, the SMEVCS 100 meets the demand in mode 1 or mode 4.
In mode 1, mode 2, mode 3, and mode 4, a driver of another EV can connect the
AC charging connector 103 of the SMEVCS 100 to an IEC AC Type 2 charging
interface of the EV for AC charging, irrespective of the operations of the DC
charging connector 1 101 and the DC charging connector 2 102. The SMEVCS
100 thereby allows adequate utilization of different DC charging protocols and
AC charging protocols at the same time.
[0075] According to one embodiment of the present invention, Consider an
example where an EV connects to the CCS combo 2 charging connector 1 101.
On detecting the connection, the PLC controller 117 sends a signal to the control
unit 116 via CAN communication. The control unit 116 sends the signal to the
merger switch 110 and switch 1 111 via a merge control port and a charge
connector 1 control port of the control unit 116 respectively. On receiving the
signal from the control unit 116, the merger switch 110 closes and the full power
of the SMEVCS 100, for example, 120 kW, is available to the CCS combo 2
charging connector 101. If another EV arrives at the SMEVCS 100 and connects
to the CHAdeMO charging connector 2 102, the CHAdeMO charging connector
2 102 sends a signal to the control unit 116. The control unit 116 then sends a
signal to the merger switch 110 to open and then sends a signal to switch 2 112
to close. The SMEVCS 100 provides a power of, for example, 60 kW to each of
the charging connectors 101 and 102, thereby charging both EVs at 60 kW. The
AC charging is independent of the DC charging in the SMEVCS 100.
[0076] According to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4
illustrates a method for simultaneously charging multiple electric vehicles (EVs)
using mutually different direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC)
charging protocols at the same time. In the method disclosed herein, the
simultaneous, multiprotocol, electric vehicle charging system (SMEVCS) 100
comprising multiple charging connectors, for example, 101, 102, and 103, that
implement DC and AC charging protocols, a DC bus component 109, an AC bus
component 105, a merger switch 110, and a control unit 116 as exemplarily
illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, is provided 401. The control unit 116 of the SMEVCS
100 communicates 402 with charging interfaces 113a, 114a, and 115a of the
EVs 113, 114, and 115 respectively shown in FIG. 1, and generates multiple
commands for simultaneously charging the EVs 113, 114, and 115 using the
mutually different DC and AC charging protocols at the same time In response
to one or more of the commands from the control unit 116, the SMEVCS 100
controls 403 flow of alternating current from the power supply unit 104 to the
AC charging connector 103 and at least two DC charging connectors 101 and
102 via control switches, for example, 106, 111, and 112 exemplarily illustrated
in FIGS. 1-2, as follows. The SMR group 1 107 and the SMR group 2 108
exemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, convert 403a AC input power supply into
direct current and feed the direct current to the DC bus component 109. The
control unit 116 controls the merger switch 110, switch 1 111, and switch 2 112
to selectively control the flow of direct current from the DC bus component 109
to the DC charging connectors 101 and 102. In response to one or more of the
commands from the control unit 116, the merger switch 110 selectively controls
403b the flow of direct current from the DC bus component 109 to the DC
charging connectors 101 and 102 via switch 1 111 and switch 2 112 respectively.
The control unit 116 controls switch 3 106 to feed the AC input power supply to
the AC charging connector 103. In response to one or more of the commands
from the control unit 116, switch 3 106 controls 403c the flow of the AC input
power supply to the AC charging connector 103. The flow of the direct current
from the power supply unit 104 to the DC charging connectors 101 and 102 and
the flow of the alternating current from the power supply unit 104 to the AC
charging connector 103 simultaneously charge 404 the EVs 113, 114, and 115
using the mutually different DC and AC charging protocols at the same time.
The SMEVCS 100 is used, for example, for charging private EVs and an electric
fleet at public charging stations.
[0077] The foregoing examples and illustrative implementations of various
embodiments have been provided merely for explanation and are in no way to be
construed as limiting of the present invention. While the present invention has
been described with reference to various embodiments, illustrative
implementations, drawings, and techniques, it is understood that the words,
which have been used herein, are words of description and illustration, rather
than words of limitation. Furthermore, although the present invention has been
described herein with reference to particular means, materials, techniques, and
embodiments, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the
particulars disclosed herein; rather, the present invention extends to all
functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are within the
scope of the appended claims. While multiple embodiments are disclosed, it will
be understood by those skilled in the art, having the benefit of the teachings of
this specification, that the present invention is capable of modifications and other
embodiments may be effected and changes may be made thereto, without
departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

We Claim:
1. A simultaneous, multiprotocol, electric vehicle charging system (100)
comprising:
a plurality of charging connectors (101, 102, and 103), wherein each
one of the plurality of charging connectors (101, 102, and 103) is configured
to implement/execute one of a plurality of mutually different charging
protocols, and wherein the plurality of mutually different charging protocols
comprises a plurality of mutually different direct current charging protocols
and a plurality of mutually different, alternating current charging protocols,
and wherein the plurality of charging connectors (101, 102, and 103) is
configured to simultaneously charge a plurality of electric vehicles (113,
114, and 115) using the plurality of mutually different charging protocols at
a same time;
a direct current bus component (109) operably connected to a power
supply unit (104) and electrically connected to at least two of the plurality of
charging connectors (101 and 102) through a plurality of first control
switches (111 and 112), and wherein the at least two of the plurality of
charging connectors (101 and 102) is configured to implement/execute the
mutually different direct current charging protocols;
a merger switch (110) electrically connected to the direct current bus
component (109), and wherein the merger switch (110) is configured to
selectively control a flow of direct current from the power supply unit (104)
to the at least two of the plurality of charging connectors (101 and 102) that
implement/execute the mutually different direct current charging protocols,
through the first control switches (111 and 112);
an alternating current bus component (105) operably connected to the
power supply unit (104) and electrically connected to at least one of the
plurality of charging connectors (103) through a second control switch (106),
and wherein the at least one of the plurality of charging connectors (103) is
configured to implement/execute one of the mutually different alternating
current charging protocols; and
a control unit (116) configured to communicate with charging
interfaces of the plurality of electric vehicles (113, 114, and 115) and to
control the merger switch (110), the plurality of first control switches (111
and 112), and the second control switch (106) for operating the plurality of
charging connectors (101, 102, and 103) in a plurality of modes to facilitate
the simultaneous charging of the plurality of electric vehicles (113, 114, and
115) using the mutually different charging protocols at the same time.
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of mutually
different direct current charging protocols comprise a combined charging
system combo 2 protocol, a CHArge de MOve protocol, and a Guobiao/T
protocol, and wherein the plurality of mutually different alternating current
charging protocols comprise an International Electrotechnical Commission
alternating current Type 2 protocol.
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprises at least two switch
mode rectifiers (107 and 108) electrically connected to the direct current bus
component (109) and the alternating current bus component (105), and
wherein the at least two switch mode rectifiers (107 and 108) are configured
to convert an alternating current received from the power supply unit (104)
through the alternating current bus component (105) into the direct current
and to feed the direct current to the direct current bus component (109)
respectively.
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the merger switch (110) is
selectively opened and closed to allow the flow of the direct current from
one or more of the at least two switch mode rectifiers (107 and 108) to one or
more of the at least two of the plurality of charging connectors (101 and
102).
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least two of the
plurality of charging connectors (101 and 102) is operated in a cyclic mode,
and when the merger switch (110) is closed and the first control switches
(111 and 112) are selectively closed to pass a portion of the direct current
from the power supply unit (104) through the direct current bus component
(109) to one of the at least two of the plurality of charging connectors (101
and 102).
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least two of the
plurality of charging connectors (101 and 102) is operated in a standalone
mode, when the merger switch (110) is opened and the plurality of first
control switches (111 and 112) is closed to pass an equal portion of the direct
current from the power supply unit (104) through the direct current bus
component (109) to the at least two of the plurality of charging connectors
(101 and 102).
7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least two of the
plurality of charging connectors (101, 102, and 103) is operated in a standby
mode, and when the merger switch (110) is closed and one of the first
control switches (111 or 112) is opened while another one of the first control
switches (112 or 111) is closed to pass a portion of the direct current from
the power supply unit (104) through the direct current bus component (109)
to one of the at least two of the plurality of charging connectors (101 or 102).
8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least two of the
plurality of charging connectors (101, 102, and 103) is operated a critical
mode, when the merger switch (110) is selectively opened and closed to pass
an equal portion of the direct current from the power supply unit (104)
through the direct current bus component (109) to the at least two of the
plurality of charging connectors (101 and 102).
9. A method for simultaneously charging a plurality of electric vehicles using a
plurality of mutually different charging protocols at the same time, the
method comprising steps of:
connecting a plurality of charging connectors (101, 102, and 103),
with a plurality of charging interfaces charging interfaces (113a, 114a,
and 115a) of the plurality of electric vehicles (113, 114, and 115), and
wherein each of the plurality of charging connectors (101, 102, and 103)
is configured to implement one of a plurality of mutually different
charging protocols, and wherein the plurality of charging protocols
comprises mutually different direct current charging protocols and
alternating current charging protocols;
operably connecting a direct current bus component (109) to a
power supply unit (104), and electrically connecting the direct current
bus component (109) to at least two of the plurality of charging
connectors (101 and 102) through a plurality of first control switches
(111 and 112), wherein the at least two of the plurality of charging
connectors (101 and 102) is configured to implement/execute the
mutually different direct current charging protocols;
connecting a merger switch (110) electrically the direct current
bus component (109);
operably connecting an alternating current bus component (105)
to the power supply unit (104) and electrically connecting the alternating
current bus component (105) to at least one of the plurality of charging
connectors (103) through a second control switch (106), and wherein the
at least one of the plurality of charging connectors (103) is configured to
implement/execute one of the alternating current charging protocols;
establishing communication (402) with charging interfaces (113a,
114a, and 115a) of the plurality of electric vehicles (113, 114, and 115)
through the control unit (116) and generating a plurality of commands for
simultaneously charging the plurality of electric vehicles (113, 114, and
115) using the plurality of mutually different charging protocols at the
same time;
selectively controlling (403b) a flow of direct current from the
power supply unit (104) to the at least two of the plurality of charging
connectors (101 and 102) that implements the direct current charging
protocols through the first control switches (111 and 112) based on the
one or more of commands received from the control unit (116), and
controlling (403c) a flow of alternating current from the power
supply unit (104) to the at least one of the plurality of charging
connectors (103) that implements one of the alternating current charging
protocols through the second control switch (106) based on the one or
more of commands received from the control unit (116),
wherein the direct current supplied from the power supply unit
(104) to the at least two of the plurality of charging connectors (101 and
102) and the alternating current supplied from the power supply unit
(104) to the at least one of the plurality of charging connectors (103) are
utilized to simultaneously charge the plurality of electric vehicles (113,
114, and 115) using the plurality of mutually different charging protocols
at the same time.
10. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the mutually different direct
current charging protocols comprise a combined charging system combo 2
protocol, a CHArge de MOve protocol, and a Guobiao/T protocol, and
wherein the alternating current charging protocols comprise an International
Electrotechnical Commission alternating current Type 2 protocol.