NO347669B1

NO347669B1 - Assembly for variable phase grid charging

Info

Publication number: NO347669B1
Application number: NO20220299A
Authority: NO
Inventors: Torben Aune
Original assignee: Enua As
Priority date: 2022-03-09
Filing date: 2022-03-09
Publication date: 2024-02-19
Also published as: NO20220299A1; AU2023232639A1; WO2023172145A1

Description

ASSEMBLY FOR VARIABLE PHASE GRID CHARGING

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an arrangement for providing and managing single- and polyphase AC electrical power to an electric an electric vehicle.

Background Art

An electric vehicle charging station, also known as electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), is a device intended to provide electrical power from the power grid for electric vehicles (EVs), such as electric- and hybrid automobiles. Most current EVs have an embedded AC-to-DC converters in the actual vehicle, thus when charging from home or the office, subtransmission lines provide AC electric power at a low voltage to the EVSE, which further redirects the AC power to a EV for charging. In layman’s terms an EVSE is a controlled access point to the power grid for the EV.

However, acquiring an EVSE, e.g. for private or commercial use, is a costly acquisition, wherein the actual EVSE hardware must be provided in addition to the necessary labor to install said EVSE. In addition, in many countries, it is very likely that the installer of the EVSE is required to be a certified electrician in order to do the necessary on-site installment, adjustments or both, further increasing the cost of installation.

A EVSE installer must also take into account the type of earthing system that is available for the EVSE, such as if the power network is a Terra-Neutral network or an Isolated-Terra network, which are two very different systems requiring their own installation protocols for the same EVSE, respectively. In addition, the installer also be aware of what type of AC electrical power is provided at the installation site, e.g. if it is single-phase power, three-phase power, etc., in order install an EVSE in an optimal manner.

It is known that some EVSE have embedded systems, such as an electrical phase distribution unit, that can handle receiving one to three electrical phases, which are provided to an electrical vehicle, such as the prior art EP3924214A1. However, concerning said prior art, when utilized in an Isolated-Terra network it is not possible actively determine which of the electrical phases shall be a neutral conductor for the electrical vehicle. Having the possibility to determine which of the electrical phases is a neutral conductor is beneficial in relation to the provided electrical power output to the electric vehicle, in addition to its electrical safety.

It is therefore coveted to describe a technical and inventive solution for managing and providing available electrical phases from an electrical power network to an electrical vehicle.

Summary of invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a system for an EVSE that can manage electrical power from a plurality of phases and earthing systems.

It is an object of the present invention to achieve an electrical phase distribution (EPD) unit, an assembly comprising of electrical components, receiving at least one electrical phase power from an electrical power grid, wherein the assembly includes; a plurality of input terminals receiving said at least one electrical phase power from the electrical power grid, a plurality of output terminals, a plurality of switches and a primary switch, wherein the plurality of output terminals of the assembly provide said at least one electrical phase power to an electric device.

It is an object of the present invention to achieve an EPD unit, wherein at least two switches from the plurality of switches and the primary switch are closed or switched or both to provide said at least one electrical phase power from the plurality of input terminals to the plurality of output terminals.

It is an object of the present invention to achieve an EPD unit, wherein the EPD unit further includes a secondary switch for providing said at least one electrical phase power from the plurality of input terminals to the plurality of output terminals.

It is an object of the present invention to achieve an EPD unit, wherein the secondary switch is closed to provide said at least one electrical phase power from the plurality of input terminals to the plurality of output terminals.

It is an object of the present invention to achieve an EPD unit, wherein at least three switches closed or switched or both to provide said at least two electrical phase powers from the plurality of input terminals to the plurality of output terminals.

It is an object of the present invention to achieve an EPD unit, wherein at least one of the switches provides a neutral circuit between at least one of the plurality of input terminals and at least one the plurality of output terminals.

It is an object of the present invention to achieve an EPD unit, wherein the at least one electrical phase power provided to the electrical vehicle is at a predetermined current level.

It is an object of the present invention to achieve an EPD unit, wherein the EPD unit change to another electrical phase power that is within the predetermined current level if the current electrical phase power providing power to the electric device exceeds the predetermined current level.

It is an object of the present invention to achieve an EPD unit, wherein the EPD unit change to an electrical phase power with a higher current than the current electrical phase power providing power to the electric device and is within the predetermined current level.

It is an object of the present invention to achieve an EPD unit, wherein the plurality of switches , the secondary switch and the primary switch, are relays or contactors or a combination both.

It is an object of the present invention to achieve an EPD unit, wherein the relays are SPST-, SPDT- DPST-switches or a combination.

It is an object of the present invention to achieve an EPD unit, wherein the EPD unit is used in an arrangement for electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE).

It is an object of the present invention to achieve an EPD unit, wherein the EPD unit is located in a housing module of the EVSE arrangement.

It is an object of the present invention to achieve an EPD unit, wherein the electric device is an electric vehicle.

The object of the present invention is achieved as described in the following claims.

Brief description of drawings

Fig. 1 illustrates a schematic view of an EVSE arrangement receiving electric power from the power grid and charging an electric vehicle,

Fig. 2 illustrates a detailed schematic view of a first embodiment of an electrical phase distribution unit for single phase and three phase charging,

Fig. 3 illustrates a detailed schematic view of a second embodiment of an electrical phase distribution unit for single phase and three phase charging,

Fig. 4 illustrates a detailed schematic view of a third embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, of an electrical phase distribution unit for single phase and three phase charging.

Detailed description of the invention

Figure 1 shows an electric to vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) arrangement 1 receiving electric power from the electric power grid 100 for managing and distributing said electric power to an electric vehicle 101 for charging.

The EVSE arrangement 1 receives electric power from the electric power grid 100, typically electric power provided to residential homes, cabin or parking facilities, constructions which receives electricity from a three phase transformer (not shown) of an electrical power grid 100, such as a low-voltage network whose voltages are typically below 1000 V, however the current provided for the EVSE arrangement 1 is much more than the 15 A (ampere), preferably more than 10 A, typically provided from a residential socket.

EVSE arrangements 1 are generally designed to receive electric power from a low-voltage network, such as a Terra-Neutral (TN) system. The TN network generally includes an earthing system wherein its three-phase transformers (not shown) are connected to earth, and its protected earth (PE) conductor, neutral conductor, first phase conductor, second phase conductor and third phase conductor are provided to the consumer’s electrical device. Said phase conductors can provide first phase power L1, second phase power L2 or third phase power L3, or all, respectively. One of the phases and the neutral conductor provides single phase power L1, L2, L3 to a device, and for three phase power L1, L2, L3 all three of the phase conductors and the neutral conductor are connected to a device. TN-systems can provide voltages of 230 V and 400 V, respectively.

The EVSE arrangement 1 is also capable of receiving electric power from a Terra-Terra (TT) system, similar to the previously mentioned TN-system, however, only its three-phase transformer (not shown) is connected to earth, nor is a PE- and a neutral conductor from the three-phase transformer provided to the consumer’s electrical device. For single phase power L1 in a TT-system, two of the three phase conductors are connected to an electrical device. For three phase power L1, L2, L3 all three of the phase conductors are connected to an electrical device. The EVSE arrangement 1 can also receive power from an Isolated-Terra (IT) system, similar to a TT-system, wherein the difference is that its three-phase transformer is not connected to earth. TT- and IT-systems can also provide voltages of 230 V and 400 V, respectively.

The EVSE arrangement 1 includes a first electrical power distribution (EPD) unit 3, which further includes a plurality of input terminals 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and a plurality of output terminals 20, 21, 22, 23, 24. A housing module 2 for is also provided to the EVSE arrangement 1 for containing the EPD unit 3 and it connected components.

Said power from the power gird 100 is received through the plurality of input terminals 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, comprising a first input terminal 11, a second input terminal 12, a third input terminal 13, a fourth input terminal 14 and a fifth input terminal 10. The first, second, third and fifth input terminals 10, 11, 12, 13 are further connected to the first EPD unit 3.

The plurality of output terminal 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, comprising a first output terminal 21, a second output terminal 22, a third output terminal 23, a fourth output terminal 24 and a fifth output terminal 20, are connectable to a commercially available multi-conductor cable, or charging cable, for providing the electric power to the EV 101. The first, second, third and fifth output terminals 20, 21, 22, 23 are further connected to the first EPD unit 3.

In a TN network the fifth input terminal 10 can be utilized as a part of a neutral circuit, whereas the first, second and third input terminals 11, 12, 13 can conduct at least one of the three phase power L1, L2, L3, or all phases L1, L2, L3, from a transformer of the power grid 100, respectively.

Furthermore, in a TN network the fifth output terminal 20 can be utilized as a part of neutral circuit, whereas the first, second and third output terminals 21, 22, 23 can provide at least one of the three phase power L1, L2, L3 for single phase charging, or all phases L1, L2, L3 for three phase charging, to the electric vehicle 101.

In a TT-network or an IT-network a neutral conductor is not applicable, therefore in this setup the fifth input terminal 10 conduct a first phase power L1, first input terminal 11 conduct a second phase power L2 and the second input terminal 12 receives a third phase power L3. Whereas the third input terminal 13 can be looped to the fifth input terminal 10, thus also conducting a first phase power Additionally, in a TT-network or an IT-network the first, second, third and fifth output terminals 20, 21, 22, 23 can provide at least two of the three phase power L1, L2, L3 for single phase charging, or all phases L1, L2, L3 for three phase charging, to the electric vehicle 101.

The fourth input terminal 14 and the fourth output 24 are connected to provide a PE connection or circuit between the power grid 100 and the electric vehicle 101.

First EPD unit 3

As shown in figure 1 and figure 2, the first EPD unit 3 can reconfigure the connections of a neutral circuit or at least one of the three phase power L1, L2, L3 or both between the first, second, third and fifth input terminals 10, 11, 12, 13 and the first, second, third and fifth output terminals 20, 21, 22, 23.

The first EPD unit 3 can reconfigure said connections through a plurality of switches 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g, 3h and a primary switch 7. The plurality of switches 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g, 3h comprise of a first switch 3a, a second switch 3b, a third switch 3c, a fourth switch 3d, a fifth switch 3e, a sixth switch 3f, a seventh switch 3g, and an eighth switch 3h.

The first switch 3a controls a connection to the fifth input terminal 10, the second switch 3b controls a first connection to the first input terminal 11, the third switch 3c controls a first connection to the second input terminal 12, the fourth switch 3d controls a second connection to the first input terminal 11, the fifth switch 3e controls a second connection to the second input terminal 12, the sixth switch 3f controls first connection to the third input terminal 13, the seventh switch 3g controls a third connection to the second input terminal 12, the eighth switch 3h controls a second connection to the third input terminal 13.

Given the mentioned setup between the first, second, third and fifth input terminals 10, 11, 12, 13 and the plurality of switches 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g, 3h, the neutral circuit or a first phase power L1 for the EVSE arrangement 1 is controlled by the first switch 3a, a first phase power L1 or a second phase power L2 from the power grid 100 can be effectively controlled by the second or the fourth switch 3b, 3d, a second phase power L2 or a third phase power L3 from the power grid 100 can be effectively controlled by the third, the fifth or the seventh switch 3c, 3e, 3g, a third phase power L3 or a looped first phase power L1 from the power grid 100 can be effectively controlled by the sixth or the eighth switch 3f, 3h, respectively.

Said primary switch 7 simultaneously controls four connections 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, between the plurality of switches 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g, 3h and the first, second, third and fifth output terminals 20, 21, 22, 23, which effectively controls any flow of power between the power grid 100 and the electric vehicle 101, functioning as a main switch for the EVSE arrangement 1.

The primary switch 7 comprise of first connection 7a, a second connection 7b, a third connection 7c and a fourth connection 7d.

The first connection 7a of the primary 7 switch controls the connection between the fifth output terminal 20 and the first, the second or third switch 3a, 3b, 3c, effectively controlling a neutral circuit, a first phase power L1 or a second phase power L2. The second connection 7b of the primary switch 7 controls the connection between the first output terminal 21 and the fourth, the fifth or the sixth switch 3d, 3e, 3f, effectively controlling a first phase power L1, a second phase power L2, a third phase power L3 or a looped first phase power L1. The third connection 7c of the primary switch 7 controls the connection between the second output terminal 22 and the seventh switch 3g, effective controlling a second phase power L2 or a third phase power L3. The fourth connection 7d of the primary switch 7 controls the connection between the third output terminal 23 and the eighth switch 3h, effective controlling a third phase power L3 or a looped first phase power L1.

Another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in figure 1 and figure 3, shows an alternative electrical power distribution unit, a second EPD unit 4, which replaces the first EPD unit 3 while keeping the same general connections and composition in the EVSE arrangement 1 with regards to the housing module 2, the plurality of input terminals 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and the plurality of output terminals 20, 21, 22, 23, 24.

Single phase charging first EPD unit 3 (TN-network)

When providing single phase electrical power L1, L2, L3 from an electrical power grid 100 comprising of a TN-network, the first EPD unit 3 have the following configurations;

the primary switch 7 and its four connections 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d are closed in order have electrical power from the power grid 100 provided to the electric vehicle 101. Simultaneously, the first switch 3a of the first EPD unit 3 is closed, whereas the second and third switches 3b, 3c are open, so that the fifth input terminal 10 and the first output terminal 20 can form a closed neutral circuit for the EVSE arrangement 1.

At the same time, only one of the following five switches are closed; the fourth switch 3d, the fifth switch 3e, the sixth switch 3f, the seventh switch 3g or the eighth switch 3h; providing single phase power from either a first phase power L1, a second phase power L2 or a third phase power L3 by a closed switch. The following table, table 1, shows a preferred, but not limited to, switching arrangements for providing a specific single phase power in the first EPD unit 3 of the EVSE arrangement 1 in a TN-network;

Table 1

Preferably, either the fourth, fifth or sixth switch 3d, 3e, 3f is closed when providing single phase power in a TN-network to an electric vehicle 101 through a connection between the first, second and third input terminals 11, 12, 13 and the first output terminal 21. However, in this single phase charging arrangement, redundancies are present wherein the closing of either the seventh or eighth 3g, 3h can also provide single phase power, which could be either second phase power L2 or third phase power L3, respectively.

At the conclusion of a charging operation the primary switch 7 opens its connections 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d to stop charging the electrical vehicle 101.

Three-phase charging first EPD unit 3 (TN-network)

When providing three phase electrical power L1, L2, L3 from an electrical power grid 100 comprising of a TN-network, the first EPD unit 3 have the following configurations;

the primary switch 7 and its four connections 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d are closed in order have electrical power from the power grid 100 provided to the electric vehicle 101. Simultaneously, the first switch 3a is closed, whereas the second and third switches 3b, 3c are open, in order for the fifth input terminal 10 and the first output terminal 20 can form a closed neutral circuit for the EVSE arrangement 1.

At the same time, three switches are closed; the fourth switch 3d, the seventh switch 3g and the eighth switch 3h; providing three phase power from a first phase power L1, a second phase power L2 or a third phase power L3 by said closed switches between the first, second and third input terminals 11, 12, 13 and the first, second and third output terminals 21, 22, 23.

If each phase powers L1, L2, L3 simultaneously exceeds said predetermined current level as measured by the current measuring unit (not shown), the primary switch 7 opens its connections 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d to stop charging the electrical vehicle 101.

Single phase charging first EPD unit 3 (TT/IT-network)

When providing single phase electrical power L1, L2, L3 from an electrical power grid 100 comprising of a TT- or an IT-network, the first EPD unit 3 have the following configurations;

the primary switch 7 and its four connections 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d are closed in order have electrical power from the power grid 100 provided to the electric vehicle 101.

Simultaneously, the first switch 3a or the second switch 3b is closed so that the fifth input terminal 10 can provide a first phase power L1 or a second phase power L2 to the fifth output terminal 20. At the same time, one of the following three switches are also closed, depending whether the first switch 3a or the second switch 3b is closed; the third switch 3c, the fourth switch 3d and the fifth switch 3e; wherein the combination of a first phase power L1 of the first switch 3a with a second phase power L2 or a third phase power L3 together, or a second phase power L2 and a third phase power L3, provides single phase power to the electric vehicle 101.

The following table, table 2, shows a preferred, but not limited, switching 5 arrangements for providing a specific single phase power charging in the first EPD unit 3 of the EVSE arrangement 1 in a TT-network or IT-network;

It must be mentioned that redundant switching arrangements are present, but not shown in table 2, wherein the closing of either the seventh or eighth 3g, 3h can also provide TT/IT single phase power, which can include additional combinations of a first phase power L1, a second phase power L2 and third phase power L3, respectively.

Three phase charging first EPD unit 3 (TT/IT-network)

When providing three phase electrical power L1, L2, L3 from an electrical power grid 100 comprising of a TT- or an IT-network, the first EPD unit 3 have the following configurations;

Simultaneously, the first switch 3a or the second switch 3b is closed so that the fifth input terminal 10 can provide a first phase power L1 or a second phase power L2 to the fifth output terminal 20. At the same time, two of the following six switches are also closed, depending whether the first switch 3a or the second switch 3b is closed; the third switch 3c, the fourth switch 3d, the fifth switch 3e, the sixth switch 3f, the seventh switch 3g and the eighth switch 3h; wherein the combination of a first phase power L1 of the first switch 3a, a second phase power L2 and a third phase power L3 , or a second phase power L2 , a third phase power L3 and a looped first phase power L1, provides three phase power to the electric vehicle 101.

The following table, table 3, shows a preferred, but not limited, switching arrangements for providing a specific three phase power charging in the first EPD unit 3 of the EVSE arrangement 1 in a TT-network or IT-network;

Alternative embodiment of EPD unit 3

As shown in figure 4, an alternative embodiment of the first EPD unit 3, is shown. An additional ninth switch 3i is included to the plurality of switches 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g, 3h, wherein the ninth switch 3i controls a connection between the fifth input terminal 10 and the second connection 7b of the primary switch 7.

Single phase charging embodiment of first EPD unit 3 (TN-network)

In a TN-network, the ninth switch 3i controls an alternative connection for the neutral circuit between the fifth input terminal 10 and the first output terminal 21.

The following table, table 4, shows a preferred, but not limited, switching arrangements for providing a specific single phase power in the alternative embodiment of the first EPD unit 3 of the EVSE arrangement 1 in a TN-network;

Three phase charging for the embodiment of the first EPD unit 3 (TN-network) TN-network three phase charging for this embodiment of the first EPD unit 3 is similar to the first EPD unit 3, however, by closing the ninth switch 3i and opening the first switch 3a the difference is that a neutral circuit is formed between the fifth input terminal 10 and the first output terminal 21, and a first phase power L1 is conducted from the first input terminal 11 to the fifth output terminal 20.

Single phase charging embodiment of the first EPD unit 3 (TT/IT-network)

In a TT/IT-network, the ninth switch 3i controls an alternative path for the first phase power L1 between the fifth input terminal 10 and the first output terminal 21.

The following table, table 5, shows a preferred, but not limited, switching arrangements for providing a specific three phase power charging in the embodiment of the first EPD unit 3 of the EVSE arrangement 1 in a TT-network or IT-network;

Three phase charging for the embodiment of the first EPD unit 3 (TT/IT-network)

TT-network or IT-network three phase charging for this embodiment of the first EPD unit 3 is similar to the first EPD unit 3, however, by closing the ninth switch 3i and opening the first switch 3a the difference is a first phase power L1 is conducted between the fifth input terminal 10 and the first output terminal 21, and a second phase power L2 is conducted from the first input terminal 11 to the fifth output terminal 20.

Second EPD unit 4

As shown in the detailed view of figure 3, the second EPD unit 4, similar to the first EPD unit 3, can reconfigure the connections of a neutral circuit and at least one of the three phase power L1, L2, L3 between the first, second, third and fifth input terminals 10, 11, 12, 13 and the first, second, third and fifth output terminals 20, 21, 22, 23.

The first EPD unit 4 can reconfigure said connections through a plurality of switches 4a, 4b, 4c, a secondary switch 6 and a primary switch 7. The plurality of switches 4a, 4b, 4c comprise of a first switch 4a, a second switch 4b and a third switch 4c.

The first switch 4a controls a connection to the fifth input terminal 10 or a first connection to the first input terminal, the second switch 4b controls a second connection to the first input terminal 11 or a first connection to the second input terminal 12, the third switch 4c controls a connection to the second switch 4b and first connection to the third input terminal 13.

Said secondary switch 6 simultaneously controls two connections 6a, 6b; the first connection 6a of the secondary switch 6, controlling the second connection of the second input terminal 12 to the primary switch 7, the second connection 6b of the secondary switch, controlling the second connection of the third input terminal 13 to the primary switch 7.

Given the mentioned setup between the first, second, third and fifth input terminals 10, 11, 12, 13 and the plurality of switches 4a, 4b, 4c and the secondary switch 6, the neutral circuit for the EVSE arrangement 1or a the first phase power L1 is controlled by the first switch 4a, a first phase power L1 or a second phase power L2 from the power grid 100 can be effectively controlled by the first or the second switch 4a, 4b, a second phase power L2 or a third phase power L3 from the power grid 100 can be effectively controlled by the second switch 5b or the first connection 6a of the secondary switch 6, a third phase power L3 from the power grid 100 can be effectively controlled by the third switch 5c or the second connection 6b of the secondary switch 6, respectively.

Said primary switch 7 simultaneously controls four connections 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, between the plurality of switches 4a, 4b, 4c, the secondary switch 6 and the first, second, third and fifth output terminals 20, 21, 22, 23, which effectively controls any flow of power between the power grid 100 and the electric vehicle 101, functioning as a main switch for the EVSE arrangement 1.

The first connection 7a of the primary 7 switch controls the connection between the fifth output terminal 20 and the first switch 4a, effectively controlling a neutral circuit, a first phase power L1 or a second phase power L2. The second connection 7b of the primary switch 7 controls the connection between the first output terminal 21 and the third switch 4c, effectively controlling a first phase power L1, a second phase power L2 or a third phase power L3. The third connection 7c of the primary switch 7 controls the connection between the second output terminal 22 and the first connection 6a of the secondary switch 6, effective controlling a second phase power L2 or a third phase power L3. The fourth connection 7d of the primary switch 7 controls the connection between the third output terminal 23 and the second connection 6b of the secondary switch 6, effective controlling a third phase power L3 if the power is provided from a TN-network, whereas in a TT-/IT-network the third input terminal 13, in effect also the fourth connection 7d of the primary switch 7 and the third output terminal 23 is not utilized.

Single phase charging second EPD unit 4 (TN-network)

When providing single phase electrical power L1, L2, L3 from an electrical power grid 100 comprising of a TN-network, the second EPD unit 4 have the following configurations;

When the EVSE arrangement 1 is connected to a TN-network in order charge single phase power to an electric vehicle 101 with the EVSE arrangement 1 including the second EPD unit 4;

Simultaneously, the first switch 4a of the second EPD unit 4 is closed, or switched, to the first fifth input terminal 10, so that the fifth input terminal 10 and the first output terminal 20 can form a closed neutral circuit for the EVSE arrangement 1.

At the same time; the second switch 4b is switched to the first input terminal 11 or to the second input terminal 12, and the third switch 4c is switched to the second switch 4b or to the third input terminal 13; providing single phase power from either a first phase power L1, a second phase power L2 or a third phase power L3. The secondary switch 6 is normally not used during single phase charging in a TN-network.

The following table, table 6, shows a preferred, but not limited, switching arrangements for providing a specific single phase power in the second EPD unit 4 of the EVSE arrangement 1 in a TN-network;

Three-phase charging second EPD unit 4 (TN-network)

When providing three phase electrical power L1, L2, L3 from an electrical power grid 100 comprising of a TN-network, the second EPD unit 4 have the following configurations;

Simultaneously, the first switch 4a of the second EPD unit 4 is switched to the first fifth input terminal 10, so that the fifth input terminal 10 and the first output terminal 20 can form a closed neutral circuit for the EVSE arrangement 1.

At the same time; the second switch 4b is switched to the first input terminal 11, the third switch 4c is switched to the second switch 4b and the secondary switch 6 is closed, activating the first and second connection 6a, 6b of the secondary switch 6 which in turn connects the second input terminal 12 to the second output terminal 22 and the third input terminal 13 to the third output terminal 23; providing three phase power from a first phase power L1, a second phase power L2 and a third phase power L3.

Single phase charging first EPD unit 3 (TT/IT-network)

When providing single phase electrical power L1, L2, L3 from an electrical power grid 100 comprising of a TT-network or an IT-network, the second EPD unit 4 have the following configurations;

Simultaneously, the first switch 4a of the second EPD unit 4 is switched to the fifth input terminal 10 or the first input terminal 11, providing either a first phase power L1 or a second phase power L2 to the fifth output terminal 20.

At the same time; the second switch 4b is switched to the first input terminal 11 or to the second input terminal 12, and the third switch 4c is switched to the second switch 4b; providing single phase power from either a second phase power L2 or a third phase power L3. The secondary switch 6 is normally not used, and the third input 13 terminal does not conduct any phase power, during single phase charging in a TT-network or IT-network.

The following table, table 7, shows a preferred, but not limited, switching arrangements for providing a specific single phase power in the second EPD unit 4 of the EVSE arrangement 1 in a TT-network or an IT-network;

Three phase charging second EPD unit 4 (TT/IT-network)

When providing three phase electrical power L1, L2, L3 from an electrical power grid 100 comprising of a TT-network or an IT-network, the second EPD unit 4 have the following configurations;

Simultaneously, the first switch 4a of the second EPD unit 4 is switched to the fifth input terminal 10 conducting a first phase power L1 to the fifth output terminal 20.

At the same time; the second switch 4b is switched to the first input terminal 11, the third switch 4c is switched to the second switch 4b, conducting a second phase power L2 to the first output terminal 21, and the secondary switch 6 is closed, activating primarily the first connection 6a of the secondary switch 6 which in turn connects the second input terminal 12 to the second output terminal 22, the first connection 6a conducting a three phase power L3; thus providing three phase power to the electric vehicle 101.

Single phase current balancing with the first EPD unit 3 and the second EPD unit 4 (TN-, TT- and IT-network)

An important functionality of the switching arrangements for the first EPD unit 3 of the EVSE arrangement 1 is the ability to switch between the phase powers L1, L2, L3 during single phase charging should the utilized phase power if the actual phase power used during charging surpass a predetermined charging current, or select at least one phase power L1, L2, L3 with the highest current level and is within the predetermined charging current. The currents provided by the first phase power L1, second phase power L2 or third phase power L3 through the first, second, third and fifth input terminals 10, 11, 12, 13 can be measured by a current measuring unit (not shown) in the first EPD unit 3. The data from said measuring unit (not shown) is transferred to a control unit (not shown) in the first EPD unit 3 for analyzing the measured currents received in the first, second, third and fifth input terminals 10, 11, 12, 13 to assess if their currents are within a predetermined current level. During a change of phase power a control unit (not shown) selects another switching arrangement to a suitable phase power that is within a predetermined current level should the used phase power surpass a predetermined current level, in order to avoid overloading or short-circuiting.

If each phase powers L1, L2, L3 simultaneously exceeds said predetermined current level as measured by the current measuring unit (not shown), and said control unit (not shown) cannot switch to a suitable phase power within said predetermined current level, the primary switch 7 acts as a fuse and opens its connections 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d to stop charging the electrical vehicle 101.

Neutral conductor selection in the first EPD unit 3 and the second EPD unit 4 in aTT- or IT-network.

The first EPD unit 3 or the second EPD unit 4 in an TT- or IT-network can determine prior or during charging which of the electrical phases is selected as a neutral conductor for the electrical vehicle 101 by the control unit (not shown).

Switches

Said plurality of switches 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g, 3h of first EPD unit 3, said plurality of switches 4a, 4b, 4c of the second EPD unit 4, primary switch 7 and said secondary switch 6 can be electrically operated switches, such as, but not limited to, relays, contactors or other components suited for switching typical AC supply network currents and voltages.

The plurality of switches of the first EPD unit 3 and the second EPD unit 4 can comprise of single pole single throw (SPST) switches, which are switches with one input and one output, or single pole double throw (SPDT) switches, which are switches are switches with one input and two outputs, or double pole single throw (DPST), which are switches with two inputs and one output, or a combination of SPST, SPDT and DPST switches.

Claims

1. An electrical phase distribution (EPD) unit (3), an assembly comprising of electrical components, receiving at least one electrical phase power (L1, L2, L3) from an electrical power grid (100) with terre-neutre (TN), isoléterre (IT) or terre-terre (TT) earthing system,

wherein the assembly (3) includes;

- a plurality of input terminals (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) receiving said at least one electrical phase power (L1, L2, L3) from the electrical power grid (100),

- a plurality of output terminals (20, 21, 22, 23, 24), - a plurality of switches (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g, 3h, 3i), and

- a primary switch (7),

characterized in that,

the plurality of output terminals (20, 21, 22, 23, 24) of the assembly (3) provide said at least one electrical phase power (L1, L2, L3) to an electric vehicle (101),

wherein one of the switches (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g, 3h, 3i) provide a neutral circuit between one of the plurality of input terminals (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) and one of the plurality of output terminals (20, 21, 22, 23, 24).

2. EPD unit (3) according to claim 1, wherein at least two circuits is selectable as the neutral circuit between an input terminal (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) and at least two output terminals (20, 21, 22, 23, 24).

3. EPD unit (3) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein at least two switches from the plurality of switches (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g, 3h, 3i) and the primary switch (7) are closed or switched or both to provide said at least one electrical phase power (L1, L2, L3) from the plurality of input terminals (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) to the plurality of output terminals (20, 21, 22, 23, 24).

4. EPD unit (3) according to claim 3, wherein at least three switches (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g, 3h, 3i) are closed or switched or both to provide said at least two electrical phase powers (L1, L2, L3) from the plurality of input terminals (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) to the plurality of output terminals (20, 21, 22, 23, 24).

5. EPD unit (3) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the at least one electrical phase power (L1, L2, L3) provided to the electrical vehicle (101) is at a predetermined current level.

6. EPD unit (3) according to claim 5, or to claim 5 and any of the previous claims, wherein the EPD unit (3) change to another electrical phase power (L1, L2, L3) that is within the predetermined current level if the current electrical phase power (L1, L2, L3) providing power to the electric device exceeds the predetermined current level.

7. EPD unit (3) according to claim 6, or to claim 6 and any of the previous claims, wherein the EPD (3, 4) change to an electrical phase power (L1, L2, L3) with a higher current than the current electrical phase power (L1, L2, L3) providing power to the electric device and is within the predetermined current level.

8. EPD unit (3) according to claim 4, or claim 4 and any of the previous claims, wherein the plurality of switches (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g, 3h, 3i, 4a, 4b, 4c) and the primary switch (7), are relays or contactors or a combination both.

9. EPD unit (3) according to claim 8, wherein the relays are SPST-, SPDT-DPST-switches or a combination.

10. EPD unit (3) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the EPD unit (3) is used in an arrangement (1) for electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE).

11. EPD unit (3) according to claim 10, wherein the EPD (3) is located in a housing module (2) of the EVSE arrangement (1).