Description

Underground 'Smart' Grid: The house mains (3-phase, 400V) can be used in conjunction with external chargers to charge large capacity batteries faster, without much alteration of the existing infrastructure. The external charger converts 3-phase AC in DC (Gleichstrom). DC charging is much faster than AC charging and charging slots/bays are occupied for shorter periods of time. This means fewer external chargers need to be installed. To optimise the usage of the chargers while allowing flexibility in parking (park anywhere, charge anywhere), an underground 'smart' grid of chargers, charging sockets, and node controllers can be imagined. The nodes of the grid are the charging sockets. The chargers provide the grid feed. Using a proper mathematical model, the optimum number of external chargers for the estimated demand/load can be calculated. This would allow for greater flexibility and efficiency. The smart grid would provide grid stability and optimise use of the charging infrastructure by monitoring load, mains supply, demand at each node. Node controllers would be communicating with each other and the chargers to create this optimised scenario. Depending on the mains load, charging status or charging demand at a node, the node (=charging socket) would be disabled/enabled. In the event of an overloading of the mains, batteries with greater charge status would be disconnected from the grid. This would allow batteries with lower charge status to be charged. Network: As there are many different external chargers in the market (Tesla Super Charger, BMW, Nissan, etc.), the underground charging grid can offer 3rd parties installation space for their chargers. This would create revenues for the housing societies while expanding the network of specific chargers, thereby inceasing the options for EV owners. E.g. an underground charging grid can host external chargers from Tesla, BMWi, other 3rd. parties. This would allow different cars to be charged without any issues. Similar to my previous idea, the TimeCard concept can be implemented here too. This would lead to better capacity utilisation and increased revenues.