FI3969323T3

FI3969323T3 - Charging management device for a charging arrangement

Info

Publication number: FI3969323T3
Application number: FIEP20720029.6T
Authority: FI
Inventors: Hermann Obergünner; Srdan Skrbic; Ingo Kledewski
Original assignee: Compleo Charging Tech Gmbh
Priority date: 2019-05-15
Filing date: 2020-04-17
Publication date: 2023-09-22
Also published as: DE102019112684A1; WO2020229087A1; DK3969323T3; EP3969323A1; EP3969323B1

Description

CHARGING MANAGEMENT DEVICE FOR A CHARGING ARRANGEMENT

The application relates to a load management device for a charging arrangement having a plurality of charging stations for charging electric vehicles. Additionally, the application relates to a charging system, a method and a computer program.

The composition of the charging infrastructure is of decisive importance for comprehensively establishing electric mobility. For this, it is necessary in particular to install large-scale charging stations for electric vehicles in public and also in semi-public — spaces. As a rule, charging systems are installed with a back-end system and a plurality of charging stations.

In addition to setting up charging stations on roads and paths, in particular installing charging stations in parking arrangements, in particular in the form of car parks, is being — offered. In this connection, increasingly charging arrangements with a plurality of charging stations are being installed.

In principle, when operating an electric consumer, such as for example a charging station, the aim is to reduce, in particular (almost) completely to compensate, the reactive power caused by the consumer in normal operation. For this, it is known from the prior art to equip a charging station with a reactive power compensation module. A reactive power compensation module is configured to reduce the reactive power caused by the charging station in operation, thus when exchanging electric power with an electric vehicle, in particular for charging the battery of the electric vehicle.

Reactive power compensation modules are known from EP 3 335 925 Al and US 2018/0159360 Al. Moreover, a load distribution module is known from US 2010/0134067A1.

However, the disadvantage with installing a reactive power compensation module in the form of electric components in the charging station is that there is an increased electric power loss in the charging station. Moreover, the installation space available in a charging station is generally limited, with the result that the installation regularly proves complex and difficult. Ultimately, production costs of a charging station increase considerably due to a corresponding installation of a reactive power compensation module inside the housing of the charging station.

Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a possibility in which a reactive power caused, in simple manner, during normal operation of a plurality of charging stations, can be at least reduced.

The object is achieved according to a first aspect of the application by a load management device for a charging arrangement having a plurality of charging stations for charging electric vehicles according to claim 1. The load management device comprises at least one load management module, configured to set a power distribution at the plurality of charging stations, at least based on at least one distribution rule and a maximum available power.

The load management device comprises at least one activatable reactive power compensation module, configured to reduce a reactive power caused by the charging arrangement. The load management module is configured to activate the reactive power compensation module based on at least one provided reactive power parameter and the set power distribution such that the reactive power caused by the charging arrangement is (at least) reduced.

In contrast to the prior art, according to the application by a load management device being provided for a charging arrangement having a plurality of charging stations, which device is configured to compensate the reactive power caused by the charging arrangement in addition to controlling load management, at least one reduction of this reactive power is achieved in simpler, and simultaneously improved, manner. Installing a reactive power compensation module in a charging station can be dispensed with. Costs can be reduced. It is particularly advantageous that the reactive power compensation is dependent not only on a provided reactive power parameter, but additionally on the power distribution at the overall charging arrangement (and not only at a charging station), with the result that in particular switching processes in the reactive power compensation module can be reduced, and substantially quicker reaction times can be achieved.

The load management device according to the application is used in particular for a charging arrangement with two or preferably more charging stations. A charging station according to the application comprises at least one charging point, configured for delivering electric power (or energy or current). Preferably, the charging point can also be configured to receive electric power. The charging point can be in particular an electric interface, for example in the form of a fixed charging cable with a charging connection (e.g. charging plug) and/or a charging connection for connecting a charging cable (e.g. a charging plug receiver, for example in the form of a charging plug socket). A fixed charging cable is in — particular understood to mean that it is not possible for a user to separate the charging cable from the charging device non-destructively.

Commercially available charging stations can for example supply a maximum active power of 22 kW. It is self-evident that charging stations with other maximum active power values can also be used in other variants of the application.

The charging station can comprise a charging device which conventionally can have components in order to make possible a flow of current from a current source (e.g. a public power grid, energy producer etc.) via the charging point and a charging cable. An electrically operated vehicle or its electric energy store can be charged (or discharged) by doing this. In the present case an electric vehicle is understood to mean a vehicle which can be operated at least partially electrically and comprises a rechargeable electric store.

The charging device can be integrated in the charging station or be formed as a "wall box".

In particular, the charging device can be part of the charging station. The charging device, in particular the components or the charging technology, can also be integrated in a wall or a floor. It is self-evident that a bidirectional current or power transmission can take place via the charging cable and the charging technology of the charging device.

Preferably, a charging arrangement can have a common electric charging arrangement connection to an electric power supply. For example, the connection can comprise a transformer. In particular, each charging station can be connected to an intermediate voltage supply (with at least one distribution line to the charging stations) or an intermediate voltage level (e.g. an AC intermediate voltage level) which in turn can be connected to the electric preferably to the electric power supply (or another current source such as a generator). The load management device can be arranged in the intermediate voltage level. At least the reactive power compensation module can be interposed between the electric charging arrangement connection and the charging stations. For example, an electric input of the reactive power compensation module can be coupled to the common electric charging arrangement connection. Furthermore, the reactive power compensation module can have an electric output to which the charging stations of the charging arrangement can be — connected via at least one distribution line.

The load management device comprises at least one load management module configured to set an (electric) power distribution at the plurality of charging stations, at least based on at least one distribution rule and the maximum available power, in particular the power made available at the aforementioned electric connection of the charging arrangement. This means in particular that, corresponding to the at least one distribution rule, the available electric power is distributed at the plurality of charging stations, with the result that, depending on the respectively distributed power, this power can in turn be delivered respectively to an electric vehicle to be charged.

As already described, the load management device can have at least one reactive power compensation module. If a multiphase power supply is provided, a separate, activatable reactive power compensation module can be provided in particular for each phase of the multiphase power supply. The reactive power compensation module can have available at — least one switchable (reactive) element which can be switched in or out by a corresponding activation, in order thereby at least to reduce the reactive power caused by the charging arrangement (at a phase).

For corresponding activation, the load management device comprises the load management — module. In particular it is provided, according to the application, that the load management module is configured to distribute the available power and to activate the reactive power compensation module. In so doing, activation takes place depending on the set power distribution and a provided reactive power parameter, in particular a parameter measured at or in the charging arrangement and relevant to the reactive power of the charging arrangement. In particular, activation takes place such that the reactive power caused by the charging arrangement is at least reduced, in particular minimised. 5

According to a first embodiment of the load management device according to the application, the reactive power compensation module can comprise at least one activatable switching element (preferably a plurality of switching elements) and at least one capacitive consumer and/or at least one inductive consumer. In particular, at least one switching — element or switch can be assigned to each capacitive consumer or capacitive element (e.g. capacitor), in order to switch this consumer (if necessary) in or out. Additionally, at least one switching element or switch can be assigned to each inductive consumer or inductive element (e.g. inductor), in order to switch this consumer (if necessary) in or out. — The switching element can be configured to switch in the at least one capacitive consumer and/or the at least one inductive consumer based on an item of activation information of the load management module. Preferably, a plurality of inductive and/or capacitive consumers can be provided with preferably at least a corresponding number of individually activatable switching elements. This makes possible an optimum reactive power — compensation also with a plurality of different operating points in which the charging arrangement can be operated (in particular on the basis of the temporally variable power history).

According to a preferred embodiment of the load management device according to the application, the load management module can be configured to set the (electric) power distribution at the plurality of charging stations based on a set switching state of the reactive power compensation module. In particular it can be provided that, when a load change is detected (for example on the basis of a finished or newly started charging process), the power distribution is adapted such that the operating point of the charging arrangement remains substantially the same in order to avoid switching of a switching element. For example, when setting the (electric) power distribution according to a distribution rule, a power reserve (still to be distributed) can be taken into consideration which, if necessary, can be distributed by the load management module to maintain an operating point.

A switching of high powers thus causes a disruption in the power supply, and can lead to undesired peaks and/or fluctuations. Moreover, the lifespan of a switching element is reduced, in particular depending on the switching processes carried out. The switching processes can be minimised by the embodiment according to the application.

In particular, when detecting a change in load or one such change (immediately) about to — take place at the charging arrangement, firstly a power distribution adaptation can take place, and, preferably downstream (if still necessary), the above-described activation of the reactive power compensation module, in particular by a switching element, in order to reduce the reactive power.

To set the power distribution, according to a further embodiment of the load management device according to the application, the load management device can comprise at least one (wired and/or wireless) communication module. The load management module can be configured to set the power distribution at the plurality of charging stations by bringing about transmission of at least one item of control information to at least one charging station — by the communication module. The item of control information can be a target data set containing target parameters, such as target current, target power etc. and optionally a period for which these target parameters are valid. Preferably, each charging station can be activatable individually with a corresponding item of target information. A local control unit of the charging station then brings about operation of the charging station according to — the received item of control information. A power distribution can be set in a charging arrangement simply and reliably.

According to a further embodiment of the load management device according to the application, the at least one provided reactive power parameter can be selected from the — group comprising: - current, - voltage,

- apparent power, - active power, - reactive power, - grid frequency.

In particular, the load management device can comprise at least one measuring module configured to measure the at least one reactive power parameter (at or in the charging arrangement). Preferably, a plurality of the aforementioned parameters can be measured in particular at the intermediate voltage level and for example be made available to the load management module, in order to bring about a reactive power compensation at least dependent on the measured and provided at least one reactive power parameter. In particular, the current, or momentary, reactive power of the charging arrangement can be determined from the at least one reactive power parameter, for example by the load management module.

According to a preferred embodiment of a load management device, the load management module can comprise at least one reactive power controller, at least one load management control unit and at least one superordinate control unit. The at least one load management control unit can be configured to set the power distribution at the plurality of charging stations at least based on the at least one distribution rule, the maximum available power and in particular the switching state of the reactive power compensation module provided by the superordinate control unit. The reactive power controller can be configured to activate the reactive power compensation module, based on the at least one provided reactive power parameter and the set power distribution provided by the superordinate — control unit, such that the reactive power caused by the charging arrangement is reduced.

An in particular optimum reactive power compensation can take place simply with the smallest possible number of switching processes.

Preferably, the superordinate control unit can furthermore be configured to activate the reactive power controller and/or the load management control unit based on historical switching states of the reactive power compensation module and/or historical states of charge of the charging arrangement. In particular, an (at least almost) continuous recording of the corresponding states (e.g. by the load management device) can take place, preferably together with the respectively measured at least one reactive power parameter and/or the at least one applied distribution rule. The superordinate control unit can for example comprise at least one machine learning algorithm (for example a neural network or the like). Based onan evaluation of the historical data, in particular the power distribution (e.g. by adapting the at least one distribution rule and/or adding a further distribution rule) can be optimised and/or the reactive power compensation activation can be optimised.

As already described, the power distribution takes place at least also depending on at least — one distribution rule. The distribution rule to be applied can depend on the number of charging stations currently actually in use for charging (or discharging). The at least one determined distribution rule can for example be stored in a readable store of the load management device. — According to an embodiment, the at least one determined distribution rule can be selected from the group comprising: - the available power (the maximum at the charging arrangement) is distributed completely up to an end of a charging process being detected at the charging station first coupled to a charging connection of an electric vehicle, —- the available power (the maximum at the charging arrangement) is distributed evenly over the at least two charging stations (in order words, a static distribution can take place), - the available power (the maximum at the charging arrangement) is distributed depending on a predetermined priority of charging stations over the at least two charging stations, - the available power (the maximum at the charging arrangement) is distributed depending on a received priority of the electric vehicles to be charged over the at least two charging stations, and - the available power (the maximum at the charging arrangement) is distributed, stepped, depending on a predetermined step function, at the at least two charging stations.

According to a first distribution rule, the available power can be distributed completely, up to an end of this charging process being detected at the charging station (or a determined charging point of a charging station) first coupled to a charging connection of an electric vehicle. In other words, the "first come, first served" principle is implemented in this distribution rule. The electric vehicle, which was connected first (chronologically) is fully charged with the maximum permissible power at the corresponding charging point. If there is further power also available, a further electric vehicle which was connected at a later time to a further charging station (and/or further charging point) can be charged with the remaining power (etc.). Subsequently, the electric vehicle which (chronologically) was connected next to the charging arrangement is the fully charged or charged with the maximum permissible power, etc.

In a further distribution rule the principle of "equal charging" can be implemented. The maximum power available at the charging arrangement can be distributed evenly over the atleast two charging stations (for which an item of coupling information is present, thus at which in each case one electric vehicle is charged). With this distribution rule all connected electric vehicles receive the same power, with the result that e.g. with a 33 kW charging arrangement with three (coupled) (e.g. 22 kW) charging stations, thus with three items of coupling information received, each vehicle receives approx. 11 kW.

Prioritisations can be provided in other distribution rules. For example, depending on the respective priority of the at least two charging stations and/or the electric vehicles to be charged, the available power can be distributed over the at least two charging stations.

Furthermore, the principle of "stair charging" can be implemented can in an alternative distribution rule. With this distribution rule, depending on a predetermined step function, the available power at the charging arrangement can be distributed, stepped, at the at least two charging stations (for which an item of coupling information is present). Each vehicle connected to the charging arrangement can receive power, wherein, in stepped manner, the — first electric vehicle can receive the most power and, after each further "step by step” charge, similar to a step function, can receive less power in a gradual manner.

At this juncture, a distribution rule can be at least partly adapted or overloaded (e.g. by the superordinate control unit) in order to keep in particular an operating point (as described above). In particular, by doing this, switching processes in the reactive power compensation module can be minimised. Additionally, a power reserve (described above) can be considered in a distribution rule. Furthermore, specifications from a network operator can be shown in a distribution rule.

According to a further embodiment, the charging arrangement, in particular a charging station of the charging arrangement, can comprise at least one interface configured to — reproduce the at least one determined distribution rule. For example, predetermining can comprise selecting a distribution rule from a plurality of previously described distribution rules by means of the interface. The distribution rules can be stored (in advance) for example in a store of the load management device. Also, predetermining can comprise a transmission of a determined distribution rule at the load management device by means of — the interface, for example from a back-end system.

A further aspect of the application is a charging system for electric vehicles. The charging system comprises at least one charging arrangement having a plurality of charging stations.

The charging system comprises at least one previously described load management device according to one of the preceding claims. In particular with this load system, the load management device is switched between the charging stations of the charging arrangement and the charging arrangement connection (e.g. comprising a transformer).

Yet another aspect of the application is a method for operating a load management device, — in particular a previously described load management device. The method comprises: - setting a power distribution at the plurality of charging stations at least based on at least one distribution rule and the maximum available power and - activating a reactive power compensation module based on at least one provided reactive power parameter and the set power distribution such that the reactive power caused by the charging arrangement is reduced.

Yet another aspect of the application is a computer program comprising instructions capable of being executed on a processor, in particular a processor of the load management device such that a (e.g. previously described) load management device is operated according to the previously described method.

The computer program, in particular the program instructions, can be stored in a computer program product, in particular a program memory. For example, a program memory can be a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory, a magnetic memory, an EEPROM memory (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory) and/or an optical memory.

In addition to the program memory, a load management device can preferably additionally have a main memory, for example a volatile or non-volatile memory, in particular a random-access memory (RAM) such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM) and/or magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM). The processor of — the load management device can for example store interim results or the like in the main memory.

It should be noted that elements, modules etc. according to the application can be formed from hardware components (e.g. processors, interfaces, storage means etc.) and/or software — components (e.g. code which can be executed by a processor).

The features of the load management devices, charging systems, method and computer programs can be freely combined with one another. In particular, features of the description and/or the dependent claims, also by completely or partly circumventing features of the independent claims, can be inventive separately, on their own or freely combined with one another.

There is now a plurality of possibilities for developing and refining the load management device according to the application, the charging system according to the application, the method according to the application and the computer program according to the application.

On this point, reference should be made on the one hand to the claims subordinate to the independent claims, and on the other hand to the description of embodiment examples, in connection with the drawings. There are shown, in the drawings:

Fig. 1 a schematic view of an embodiment example of a load management device according to the present application,

Fig. 2 a schematic view of an embodiment example of a reactive power compensation module according to the present application,

Fig. 3 a schematic view of a further embodiment example of a load management device according to the present application,

Fig. 4 a schematic view of an embodiment example of a charging system according to the present application,

Fig. 5 a diagram of an embodiment example of a method according to the present application, and

Fig. 6 a diagram for illustrating the reactive power compensation according to an embodiment example of the present application.

Identical reference numbers are used for identical elements in the Figures.

Figure 1 shows a schematic view of an embodiment example of a load management device 100 according to the present application. The load management device 100 can be interposed in particular between a charging arrangement connection 120 (comprising e.g. at least one transformer 114) and an intermediate voltage supply 144 (with at least one distribution line) or level of the charging arrangement (not shown).

In particular, the load management device 100 can have at least one electric input connection 110 and at least one electric output connection 112, in order to connect the load management device 100 electrically to the input connection 120 of a charging arrangement and a connection of the intermediate voltage supply 144 of the charging arrangement.

As can also be seen, the load management device 100 has at least one reactive power compensation module 104 and at least one load management module 102. An input 122 of the reactive power compensation module 104 is connected in particular to the input 110 of the load management device 100 and an output 124 of the reactive power compensation module 104 is connected in particular to the output 112 of the load management device 100. In other words, the charging arrangement is electrically connected to a current source 116, in the present case an electric distribution network 116, (only) via the at least one reactive power compensation module 104. An electric current flows accordingly in the present case (always) (only) via the reactive power compensation module 104.

As already described, a separate reactive power compensation module can be provided, preferably for each electric phase. For example, three separate reactive power compensation modules can be provided in a three-phase AC network.

The at least one reactive power compensation module 104 activatable by the load management module 102 is configured to reduce the reactive power caused by the charging arrangement. The load management module 102 is configured to set a power distribution at the plurality of charging stations, at least based on at least one distribution rule and the maximum power available (at the charging arrangement overall).

In particular, the load management device 100 can comprise at least one (wireless and/or — wired) communication module 106. The communication module can be connected to a (wireless and/or wired) communication network 146 and in particular configured for a bidirectional communication with the plurality of charging stations of the charging arrangement. The load management module 102 can in particular be configured to set the power distribution at the plurality of charging stations by bringing about a transmission of at least one item of control information (comprising at least one (previously described) power distribution target value) to at least one charging station (preferably each charging station of the charging arrangement) by the communication module 106.

According to the application, it is furthermore provided that the load management module 102 is configured to activate the reactive power compensation module 104, based on at least one provided reactive power parameter (e.g. via a further optional communication input 108) and the set power distribution, such that the reactive power caused by the charging arrangement is reduced, preferably (almost) fully compensated. The operation is described in more detail with the help of the following embodiment examples.

Figure 2 shows a schematic view of an embodiment example of a reactive power — compensation module 204 according to the present application. As can be seen, the reactive power compensation module 204 has in particular a reactive power compensation circuit 204, a previously described input 222 and a previously described output 224.

Furthermore the reactive power compensation module 204 comprises at least one — activatable switching element Sri to SLs and Sci to Scs (preferably a plurality of switching elements Sri to Ste and Sci to Sc3) and at least one capacitive consumer Ci to Cs and/or at least one inductive consumer Li to Ls. In particular, at least one switching element Sci to

Sca or switch Sci to Sc3 can be assigned to each capacitive consumer Ci to Cs or capacitive element Ci to Cs (e.g. capacitor), in order to switch to or away from this consumer Ci to Cs (or a consumer group) (if necessary). Additionally, a switching element Sr; to Sre or switch

Sn1 to Sue can be allocated to each inductive consumer Li to Ls or inductive element (e.g. inductor) L to Ls and/or (each) (inductive) consumer group, in order to switch to or away from this consumer Li to Ls or this consumer group (if necessary). — The switching element Sri to Sie and Sci to Sc3 can be configured to switch in the at least one capacitive consumer Ci to Cs and/or inductive consumer St; to Sie, based on an item of activation information or an activation signal of the load management module.

The pictured reactive power compensation circuit 204 is provided for a phase. A corresponding number of reactive power compensation modules 204 (one for each phase) can therefore be provided for a multiphase network. The circuit 204 has an input 222 which for example can be connected, electrically, to a transformer of the charging arrangement input.

Furthermore, an output 224 is provided which can be connected, electrically, to the intermediate voltage level or the charging stations connected at this level.

In the present case, the inductors Li, L2 and L3 are connected in series to compensate capacitive loads. Each inductor L to Ls can be switched "in" or "out” by means of a switch

Sui to Ste. Thereby, the resulting inductive capacitance can be set such that a determined — reactive power can be compensated. To tweak the inductive capacitance, in the present case switchable inductors L3, L4 and Ls are switched parallel to one another. The position of the switches Sri to Sie and Sci to Scs is determined or predetermined by activation signals of the load management module. If a relatively high inductive capacitance is required, then for example switches Sri, Sr2 and Sis can be switched closed and Sis, Sis and Sie open.

Furthermore, in the present case, three capacitors (Ci to Cs) are switched parallel to one another between the input 222 and the N conductor 226 of the AC current system (not shown). A determined capacitive inductance can be set by means of the activatable switches

Sci to Scs. The precise capacitance or inductance values are system-dependent and can in — particular be dimensioned such that an optimum reactive power compensation of the charging system is possible. It is likewise possible that additional (or fewer) capacitors and/or inductors (coils) can be used for a reactive power compensation. It is important in particular that the capacitors or the coils can be switched "in" or "out", with the result that a determined region of capacitive or inductive reactive powers can be compensated.

Figure 3 shows a schematic view of a further embodiment example of a load management device 300 according to the present application. To avoid repetitions, in the following, essentially only the difference from the previous embodiment examples is illustrated, and otherwise reference is made to the above embodiments.

As can be seen, the load management device 300 has in the present case a measurement module 330 configured to measure (and/or determine, based on a measured parameter) at least one reactive power parameter (e.g. current, voltage, apparent power, active power, reactive power and/or grid frequency) of the charging arrangement. This at least one reactive power parameter can be taken into consideration in particular during reactive power compensation.

The load management module 302 is formed by three elements 302.1 to 302.3 in the present case. The load management module 302 comprises at least one reactive power controller 302.1, at least one load management control unit 302.2 and at least one superordinate control unit 302.3, which in particular can access a database 332.

The at least one load management control unit 302.2 is in particular configured to set the power distribution at the plurality of charging stations, at least based on the at least one distribution rule, the maximal power available at the charging arrangement and the switching state of the reactive power compensation module 304 provided by the — superordinate control unit 302.3. The reactive power controller 302.2 is in particular configured to activate the reactive power compensation module 304, based on the at least one provided, in particular measured and/or determined reactive power parameter and the power distribution set and provided by the control unit 302.3, such that the reactive power caused by the charging arrangement is reduced, in particular is minimised.

For example, the reactive power controller 302.1 can ascertain a current reactive power of the charging arrangement using the at least one physically measured reactive power parameter. Subseguently, the reactive power controller 302.1 takes into consideration the current load of the charging arrangement or the set power distribution. The current load of — the charging system can be made available to the reactive power controller 302.1 by the superordinate control unit 302.3 (and/or the load management control unit 302.2). In particular, the components 302.1 to 302.3 can be connected to one another by means of communication technology. Taking into consideration the current reactive power and the current load, the reactive power controller 302.1 can generate the at least one activation — signal or the item of activation information for the reactive power communication module 304, with the result that the reactive power is compensated in particular as well as possible and a (rapid) switching in and out of the physical components of the reactive power communication module 304 is not necessary.

The reactive power controller 302.1 and/or the superordinate control unit 302.3 can in particular solve an optimisation problem in which the reactive power of the charging arrangement is intended to be reduced to 0 if possible, and as an auxiliary condition, the freguency of the switching in and out of the physical components of the reactive power communication module 304 is intended to be as low as possible.

Preferably, in one embodiment the reactive power controller 302.1 can be implemented by means of a translation table (or lookup table), with the result that a set of activation signals 300 is stored which are to be executed for a determined date tuple (current load or power distribution, current reactive power). The load management control unit 302.2 can, as previously described, execute a local load management, and for this in particular communicate bidirectionally with the charging stations using the communication module 306.

In an embodiment, the load management control unit 302.1 and the reactive power controller 302.2 can act largely autonomously. However, these can preferably be influenced — by the superordinate control unit 302.3 (or controller). The control unit 302.3 can for example detect the current state of the charging arrangement and give a possible instruction to the load management control unit 302.2 and/or the reactive power controller 302.1, preferably additionally, based on the present historical data (e.g. historic states of the charging arrangement which can be stored in the database 332). Where the generated instruction cannot be reconciled with the instruction of the load management control unit 302.2 and/or the reactive power controllers 302.1, the instruction of the superordinate control unit 302.3 can be followed. The superordinate control unit 302.3 can for example comprise a machine learning algorithm (e.g. a neural network or the like).

Figure 4 shows a schematic view of an embodiment example of a charging system 440 according to the present application. The charging system 440 is configured in particular for charging electric vehicles 460 and comprises in the present case at least one charging arrangement 442 having a plurality of charging stations 448 (in the present case two charging stations 448 are shown by way of example) and at least one previously described load management device 400 (e.g. the device shown in Figures 1 or 3).

A charging station 448 comprises at least one charging point 456. The charging point 456 can in particular be formed by a charging connection 456 which is configured to charge (or discharge) an electric vehicle 460 (in particular at least its traction battery) via a charging cable 458. The shown charging stations 448 (in particular charging points) comprise a housing in which a charging device 454 (e.g. charging technology coupled with the — charging connection 450) can be integrated. Furthermore, it can be seen that the charging stations 448 can be connected to an electric grid 444, in particular an intermediate voltage supply 444 (or intermediate voltage level) in order to make possible a power drain (or also power consumption) in conventional manner, using the charging device 454. — Additionally, each charging station 448 can have available a communication module 452 which can be connected to a (wireless and/or wired) communication network 446. This makes possible in particular the previously described bidirectional communication and in particular a power distribution by the load management device 400 corresponding to at least one distribution rule, as described previously.

For example, the charging arrangement 442 can be used in a multi-storey car park and/or a car park. The charging stations 448 can in particular transmit electric power, capacitively or inductively, to an electric vehicle 460 via a charging cable 458. This means in particular that reactive power can arise during a charging process on the basis of the electric — components used, thus during the power exchange.

The charging station 448 is preferably connected, in three-phased manner, to an AC intermediate voltage level 444. It is also possible that a charging station 448 is connected only to one phase of the AC intermediate voltage level 444. The AC intermediate voltage level 444 is coupled to an electric power supply 416 in particular via a charging arrangement connection 420 comprising a transformer 414. As previously described, the power made available in the AC intermediate voltage level 444 can be distributed to the charging stations 448 of the car park by the load management device 400 according to a load management algorithm (or a distribution rule).

The power of the overall charging arrangement 442 required to charge electric vehicles 460 can vary. Therefore, it can be said that in practice, more operating points can be set or appear in the charging arrangement 442. In general, charging stations 448 can supply up to 22 kW electric active power. It is self-evident that other power values are also possible.

The caused physical reactive power is dependent on several factors in such a charging arrangement, such as e.g. the rectifier used in the electric vehicle 460 to be charged, the — charging cables used etc.

A load management device 400 is inserted in the AC intermediate voltage level 444 in the present case. As already described above, the load management device 400 comprises a load management module 402 and a reactive power compensation module 404. Preferably, areactive power compensation module 404 can be implemented for each phase of the AC intermediate voltage level 444. Thus up to three reactive power compensation modules 404 can be used in a three-phase AC system 444. An embodiment of a reactive power compensation module 404 is described in Figure 2. — The load management device 400 has essentially two tasks. On the one hand, the load management device 400 carries out the described local load management for the charging stations 448 connected to the AC intermediate voltage level 444. On the other hand, the load management device 400 controls in particular a reactive power compensation. — The essential advantage at the load management device 400 is that the load management can be matched very well to the reactive power compensation, as both are carried out in a physical device 400 (in particular in a common housing). Substantially guicker reaction times are possible as a result. For example, it is possible in particular by means of the load management that the operating point of the overall system is kept constant for as long as possible. In such a case, the reactive power compensation can be better controlled, as a new operating point need not always be configured.

An operating point in such a system 440 can for example therefore be kept for as long as the maximum possible power of each charging station 448 is limited in advance or reduced, with the result that a sort of power reserve is available if necessary. For example, at the end of a charging process at a charging station 448, the power available at the further charging station 448 can be increased correspondingly, in order to leave the operating point of the overall system the same.

Likewise it is conceivable that the active power made available in the AC intermediate voltage level 444 is limited in advance or reduced, in order likewise to have power reserves — available. In this case, the load management device 400 can send corresponding control signals for example to the transformer 414.

A local load management of the load management device 400 can for example be based on the application of at least one distribution rule or a distribution algorithm (e.g. "first come, — first served", "equal charging", "stair charging" etc.), as described above. It is self-evident that stipulations can be made additionally from the grid side.

A local load management can be carried out via a bidirectional communication connection 446 between in each case a charging station 448 and the load management device 400. By means of the bidirectional communication connection 446, the load management device 400 can for example transmit control signals or an item of control information (e.g. containing a previously described target data set) to a charging station 448 and/or obtain (state) information or feedback from the charging station 448. — The reactive power compensation of the load management device 400 is carried out by means of the previously described reactive power communication module 404. For this, the load management module can send control signals to the reactive power communication module 404 and e.g. receive at least one measured reactive power parameter which is measured and/or ascertained in or around the reactive power communication module 404.

After evaluating the at least one measured reactive power parameter, the reactive power communication module 404 can be activated such that the reactive power of the charging system 440 is minimised.

An essential difference from the known prior art is that the charging stations 448 (can) (also) charge an electric vehicle 460 (only) in a single phase. The consequence of this is that the phases can be loaded differently. As a result, a phase-individual reactive power compensation may be necessary. By means of the present teaching, a phase-individual reactive power compensation can be (relatively simply) implemented, as each phase can have available its own reactive power communication module 404.

Figure 5 shows a diagram of an embodiment example of a method according to the present — application.

In a first step 501, an electric power distribution at the plurality of charging stations can be set (as already described previously), at least based on at least one distribution rule and the available power.

The, in step 502, a reactive power compensation module can be activated (as already described previously), based on at least one provided reactive power parameter and the set power distribution, such that the reactive power caused by the charging arrangement is reduced. It is self-evident that the steps 501 and 502 can be carried out at least partly in — parallel.

Figure 6 shows a diagram to illustrate the reactive power compensation according to an embodiment example of the present application. A coordinates system with regard to the reactive powers is outlined in Figure 6 in particular by way of example. The abscissa is characterised by a current present reactive power of the load (QLoad). The ordinate characterises a current present reactive power of the reactive power compensation module (a precise axis scaling is not necessary for comprehension).

The ideal case of a reactive power compensation is shown by the dotted straight line. In the ideal case, the complete reactive power of the load is compensated by the reactive power of the reactive power compensation module (in real operation this straight line is not achieved). The operating principle of the application is illustrated, by way of example, by means of the step function, drawn in.

It is self-evident that this course is not designed to be exactly stepped in practice, as the current and the voltage in the charging system are dynamic and may vary.

It is only important to show that the current reactive power of the reactive power compensation module which is present can be changed abruptly by switching capacitors and/or coils in or out.

This is shown by means of the leaps in function.

Claims

PatenttivaatimuksetPatent Claims

1. Kuormanhallintalaite (100, 300, 400) latausjärjestelyä (442) varten kera useiden latausasemien (448) sähköajoneuvojen (460) lataamiseen, mihin sisal- — tyy: - vähintään yksi kuormanhallintamoduuli (102, 302, 402), joka on asetettu asettamaan tehonjako useille latausasemille (448), perustuen vähintään yhden jakelusaannon ja käytettävissä olevaan enimmäistehoon, tunnettu siitä, että - kuormanhallintalaite (100, 300, 400) käsittää ainakin yhden ohjattavan lois- tehon kompensointimoduulin (104, 204, 404), joka on asetettu vähentämään la- tausjärjestelyn (442) aiheuttamaa loistehoa, - jolloin kuormanhallintamoduuli (102, 302, 402) on asetettu ohjaamaan lois- tehon kompensointimoduulia (104, 204, 404) ainakin yhden toimitetun loistehopa- —rametrin ja asetetun tehon jakautumisen perusteella siten, että latausjärjestelyn (442) aiheuttama loisteho pienenee.1. A load management device (100, 300, 400) for a charging arrangement (442) with several charging stations (448) for charging electric vehicles (460), comprising: - at least one load management module (102, 302, 402) set to set the power distribution for several charging stations (448), based on at least one distribution output and the maximum available power, characterized in that - the load management device (100, 300, 400) comprises at least one controllable reactive power compensation module (104, 204, 404), which is set to reduce the load reactive power caused by the backup arrangement (442), - where the load management module (102, 302, 402) is set to control the reactive power compensation module (104, 204, 404) based on at least one delivered reactive power parameter and the set power distribution, so that the charging arrangement (442) the induced reactive power decreases.

2. Patenttivaatimuksen 1 mukainen kuormanhallintalaite (100, 300, 400), tun- nettu siitä, että - loistehon kompensointimoduuli (104, 204 ) 404) sisältää vähintään yhden ohjattavan kytkinelementin (S1 - Sie, Sci - Scs) ja vähintään yhden kapasitiivisen kuluttajan (C+ - Ca) ja/tai vähintään yhden induktiivisen kuluttajan (L1 - Ls), - jolloin kytkinelementti (SL1 - Sie, Sc1 - Scs) on asetettu laittamaan päälle vä- hintään yksi kapasitiivinen kuluttaja (C1 - Cs) ja/tai vähintään yksi induktiivinen ku- — luttaja (L1 - Ls) kuormanhallintamoduulin (102, 302, 402) ohjausinformaation pe- rusteella.2. The load management device (100, 300, 400) according to claim 1, known for the fact that - the reactive power compensation module (104, 204 ) 404) contains at least one controllable switch element (S1 - Sie, Sci - Scs) and at least one capacitive consumer ( C+ - Ca) and/or at least one inductive consumer (L1 - Ls), - where the switch element (SL1 - Sie, Sc1 - Scs) is set to turn on at least one capacitive consumer (C1 - Cs) and/or at least one inductive consumer (L1 - Ls) based on the control information of the load management module (102, 302, 402).

3. Patenttivaatimuksen 1 tai 2 mukainen kuormanhallintalaite (100, 300, 400), tunnettu siitä, että - kuormanhallintamoduuli (102, 302, 402) on asetettu säätämään tehonjakoa useissa latausasemissa (448) loistehon kompensointimoduulin (104, 204, 404) asetetun kytkentätilan perusteella.3. Load management device (100, 300, 400) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that - the load management module (102, 302, 402) is set to adjust the power distribution in several charging stations (448) based on the set switching mode of the reactive power compensation module (104, 204, 404) .

4. Jonkin edellisistä patenttivaatimuksista mukainen kuormanhallintalaite (100, 300, 400), tunnettu siitä, että - kuormanhallintalaite (100, 300, 400) käsittää ainakin yhden viestintämoduu- lin (106, 306, 406), ja - kuormanhallintamoduuli (102, 302, 402) on asetettu säätämään tehonjakoa useilla latausasemilla (448) lähettämällä ainakin yksi ohjausinformaatio ainakin yhdelle latausasemalle (448) viestintämoduulin (106, 306, 406) kautta.4. A load management device (100, 300, 400) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the load management device (100, 300, 400) comprises at least one communication module (106, 306, 406), and - the load management module (102, 302, 402) is set to adjust the power distribution at multiple charging stations (448) by sending at least one control information to at least one charging station (448) via the communication module (106, 306, 406).

5. Jonkin edellisistä patenttivaatimuksista mukainen kuormanhallintalaite (100, 300, 400), tunnettu siitä, että - ainakin yksi toimitettu loistehoparametri on valittu ryhmästä, johon sisältyy: - virta, - jännite, - näennäisteho, - pätöteho, - loisteho, - verkkotaajuus, - jolloin erityisesti kuormanhallintalaite (100, 300, 400) käsittää ainakin yhden — mittausmoduulin (330), joka on asetettu mittaamaan ainakin yhtä loistehopara- metria.5. A load management device (100, 300, 400) according to one of the preceding patent claims, characterized in that - at least one delivered reactive power parameter is selected from a group that includes: - current, - voltage, - apparent power, - active power, - reactive power, - network frequency, - where in particular the load management device (100, 300, 400) comprises at least one — measurement module (330), which is set to measure at least one reactive power parameter.

6. Jonkin edellisistä patenttivaatimuksista mukainen kuormanhallintalaite (100, 300, 400), tunnettu siitä, että - kuormanhallintamoduuli (102, 302, 402) käsittää vähintään yhden loiste- hosäätimen (302.1), vähintään yhden kuormanhallinnan ohjausyksikön (302.2) ja vähintään yhden korkeamman tason ohjausyksikön (302.3), - jolloin ainakin yksi kuormanhallinnan ohjausyksikkö (302.2) on asetettu sää- tämään tehonjakoa useilla latausasemilla (448) loistehon kompensointimoduulin (104, 304, 404) vähintään yhden jakelusäännön, suurimman käytettävissä olevan tehon ja ylemmän tason ohjausyksikön (302.3) tarjoaman kytkentätilan perus- teella,6. A load management device (100, 300, 400) according to one of the preceding patent claims, characterized in that - the load management module (102, 302, 402) comprises at least one reactive power controller (302.1), at least one load management control unit (302.2) and at least one higher level of the control unit (302.3), - where at least one load management control unit (302.2) is set to adjust the power distribution at several charging stations (448) by the reactive power compensation module (104, 304, 404) at least one distribution rule, the maximum available power and the higher level control unit (302.3) provided based on the switching mode,

- jolloin loistehosaadin (302.1) on asetettu ohjaamaan loistehon kompensoin- timoduulia (104, 304, 404) ainakin yhden toimitetun loistehoparametrin ja ylem- män tason ohjausyksikön tarjoamaan asetetun tehojakauman (302.3) perusteella siten, että latausjärjestelyn (442) aiheuttama loisteho pienenee.- where the reactive power gainer (302.1) is set to control the reactive power compensation module (104, 304, 404) based on at least one delivered reactive power parameter and the power distribution (302.3) set to be provided by the higher-level control unit, so that the reactive power caused by the charging arrangement (442) is reduced.

7. Patenttivaatimuksen 6 mukainen kuormanhallintalaite (100, 300, 400), tun- nettu siitä, että - ohjausyksikkö (302.3) on lisäksi asetettu ohjaamaan loistehosäädintä (302.1) ja/tai kuormanhallinnan ohjausyksikköä (302.2) loistehon kompensointi- moduulin (104, 304, 404) historiallisten kytkentätilojen ja/tai veloitusjärjestelyn (442) historiallisten lataustilojen perusteella.7. The load management device (100, 300, 400) according to claim 6, characterized in that - the control unit (302.3) is additionally set to control the reactive power regulator (302.1) and/or the load management control unit (302.2) of the reactive power compensation module (104, 304, 404) based on historical connection states and/or historical charging states of the charging arrangement (442).

8. Sähköajoneuvojen latausjärjestelmä (440) (460), mihin sisältyy: - vähintään yksi latausjärjestely (442), jossa on useita latausasemia (448), ja - vähintään yksi jonkin edellisen patenttivaatimuksen mukainen kuormanhal- lintalaite (100, 300, 400).8. Electric vehicle charging system (440) (460), which includes: - at least one charging arrangement (442) with several charging stations (448), and - at least one load management device (100, 300, 400) according to one of the previous claims.

9. Menetelmä edellisen patenttivaatimuksen mukaisen latausjärjestelmän käyt- tämiseksi, mihin sisältyy: - tehonjakelu asetetaan useille latausasemille (448) ainakin yhden jakelu- säännön ja käytettävissä olevan tehon perusteella, tunnettu siitä, - että menetelmään sisältyy loistehon kompensointimoduulin (102, 302, 402) ohjaaminen ainakin yhden toimitetun loistehoparametrin ja asetetun tehoja- —kauman perusteella siten, että latausjärjestelyn (442) aiheuttama loisteho piene-9. A method for using the charging system according to the previous claim, which includes: - power distribution is set to several charging stations (448) based on at least one distribution rule and available power, characterized in that - the method includes controlling the reactive power compensation module (102, 302, 402) based on at least one supplied reactive power parameter and the set power distribution, so that the reactive power caused by the charging arrangement (442)

nee.no.

10. Jonkin patenttivaatimuksista 1-7 mukainen tietokoneohjelma, mihin sisältyy kuormanhallintalaitteen (100, 300, 400) prosessorilla suoritettavia käskyjä siten, — että menetelmää käytetään patenttivaatimuksen 9 mukaisesti.10. A computer program according to one of claims 1-7, which includes instructions to be executed by the processor of the load management device (100, 300, 400) in such a way that — the method is used according to claim 9.