Sequential charging is an advanced method for managing the charging of multiple electric vehicles (EVs) connected to a shared power source. Rather than dividing the available power equally among all connected vehicles or charging them one at a time, this innovative approach dynamically allocates power based on various factors such as charging priority, vehicle needs, and available infrastructure capacity.
Consider this scenario: An individual plans to watch a movie and dine at a nearby mall, expecting to stay for about 4 hours. AC charging would be too slow to fully charge the vehicle within this timeframe, while DC fast charging would be too quick, requiring the owner to return to the vehicle within 40-50 minutes to avoid parking fines for occupying the charger.
Sequential charging technology offers an elegant solution to this charging time predicament. This article will explain how sequential charging works and explore its various advantages, demonstrating its potential to revolutionize EV charging infrastructure.
Operational Mechanism
Single Charger Usage: In a sequential charging system, a single charger or a limited number of chargers are used to charge multiple vehicles in a predetermined order. When one vehicle is fully charged or reaches a specific state of charge (SoC), the charger automatically switches to the next vehicle.
Charging Priority: The system can be configured to prioritize charging based on various criteria, such as state of charge (SoC), departure time, or user preferences, ensuring that the most urgent charging needs are met.
Automated Control System: Modern sequential charging systems often include automated control mechanisms that monitor each vehicle’s SoC and manage the transition from one vehicle to the next without the need for manual intervention.
Infrastructure and Technology
Load Balancing: These systems utilize advanced load balancing technology to efficiently distribute the available power among all connected vehicles. This ensures that the grid is not overloaded and each vehicle receives optimal power based on its needs.
The Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT): The introduction of AIoT enables the system to determine the charging sequence based on the urgency of charging, departure schedules, and current battery levels. These algorithms can also dynamically adjust charging rates to optimize overall energy usage.
Revisiting the scenario presented at the beginning, we can now see how sequential charging addresses the dilemma faced by the EV owner visiting the mall.
In such situations, EV owners can select a charging power option that aligns with their expected duration of stay. The sequential charging system can prioritize higher-power charging based on user preferences and needs.
For instance, if all six charging terminals are in use when a seventh EV arrives. If this new user is willing to pay a premium for faster charging, the system can intelligently reallocate power from lower-priority users. This reallocation is managed through a compensation mechanism that ensures the charging rights of other vehicles are not adversely affected.
Advantages of Sequential Charging
Improved Efficiency through Sequential Charging
Sequential charging optimizes power utilization by charging one vehicle at a time, preventing the power grid from being overwhelmed by high-power demands and ensuring efficient power supply usage. This approach eliminates the need for costly infrastructure upgrades to support simultaneous charging, making it ideal for environments with limited power capacity. Additionally, it maintains system stability by evenly distributing the power load over time, reducing the risk of power outages and system failures.
The Cost-Effectiveness of Implementing Sequential Charging Systems
Implementing sequential charging systems is cost-effective as it avoids the need for significant electrical upgrades by operating with existing power supplies. This approach reduces installation costs and decreases operational expenses by lowering overall energy consumption and taking advantage of off-peak electricity rates. Furthermore, sequential charging minimizes demand charges by spreading the charging load over a longer period, reducing peak power usage and associated costs.
Sequential Charging Systems Offer Scalability for Future Growth
Sequential charging systems are inherently scalable, allowing for the easy addition of more vehicles to the charging sequence as EV numbers increase without major infrastructure changes. This scalability makes them a future-proof investment, capable of adapting to growing demand and evolving technology. Businesses and residential complexes can start with a basic setup and expand incrementally, managing costs and resources effectively to keep pace with the rising number of EVs.
ZEROVA is actively planning to implement sequential charging. The DZ480kW power main cabinet currently supports simultaneous charging for up to six vehicles. Looking ahead, ZEROVA plans to integrate sequential charging technology, which will allow up to 12 charging terminals to be connected and managed using AIoT technology. This will optimize charging and power distribution, extending the benefit from six to twelve vehicles and maximizing efficiency.
Conclusion
Sequential charging offers a balanced solution to the challenges of power management, infrastructure limitations, and user convenience, this technology not only maximizes resource utilization but also provides a more flexible and user-friendly charging experience.
As the EV market continues to grow, the adoption of sequential charging systems will play a crucial role in creating a more sustainable and accessible charging infrastructure, paving the way for wider EV adoption and a greener future.