Vehicle charging system and method

Abstract

To provide a system and a method for charging an electronic storage device mounted on a vehicle.SOLUTION: In a charging system, a charging station 108 includes a charging controller 312 that can obtain vehicle system characteristics and / or charging device characteristics. The charging system controls supply of power from one or more charging stations 108 to one or more electronic storage devices of one or more vehicle systems 304A to 304C based at least in part on the vehicle system characteristics and the charging device characteristics.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 333,352, filed April 21, 2022, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The subject matter described herein relates to systems and methods for charging electronic storage devices onboard a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0003] Some vehicles may have propulsion systems that are fully or partially powered by electrical energy stored in energy storage devices, such as in batteries onboard the vehicle. These vehicles may include all-electric vehicles that are fully powered by electrical energy stored in storage devices, and hybrid vehicles that are partially powered by electrical energy stored in storage devices and partially powered by electrical energy generated by consuming fuel (e.g., via an engine that consumes fuel to operate and power an alternator that generates electrical energy).

[0004] These vehicles may use charging stations that couple with energy storage devices and provide voltage and / or current to the storage devices. However, simply providing charging stations may miss opportunities to improve the efficiency with which individual vehicles and / or networks or fleets of vehicles can charge their storage devices. There may be a need for charging systems and methods that take full advantage of opportunities to improve the efficiency with which vehicle energy storage devices are charged. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one embodiment or example, a charging system includes a controller capable of obtaining vehicle system characteristics and / or charger characteristics, and the charging system controls the delivery of power from one or more charging stations to one or more energy storage devices of one or more vehicle systems based at least in part on the vehicle system characteristics and the charger characteristics.

[0006] According to another aspect or example, a method includes obtaining one or more vehicle system characteristics or charger characteristics. The vehicle system characteristics correspond to one or more vehicle systems, and the charger characteristics correspond to one or more charging stations. Each of the vehicle systems includes an energy storage device. A supply of power from the one or more charging stations to the energy storage devices of the one or more vehicle systems is controlled based at least in part on the one or more vehicle system characteristics or the charger characteristics.

[0007] In another aspect or example, a vehicle charging system includes one or more charging stations configured to provide power to an energy storage device of a vehicle system, and a controller that controls a supply of power from the one or more charging stations to the energy storage device of the vehicle system based at least in part on one or more of a vehicle system characteristic or a charger characteristic. The controller predicts a state of charge of the energy storage device of the vehicle system before the vehicle system arrives at the one or more charging stations based at least in part on the vehicle system characteristic. The controller assigns the vehicle system to at least one of the one or more charging stations based at least in part on the state of charge of the energy storage device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] The subject matter of the present invention can be understood by reading the following description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a charging system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a vehicle system according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a charging station of the charging system shown in FIG. 1. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Embodiments of the subject matter described herein relate to vehicle charging systems and methods. In some embodiments, the systems can control how, when, and / or where electrical current is supplied to charge an energy storage device onboard a vehicle. In some embodiments, the systems and methods can control how, when, and / or where fuel used by the vehicle to generate electrical energy (e.g., fuel for a fuel cell, fuel for an engine powering an alternator, etc.) is supplied to the vehicle.

[0011] The subject matter described herein spans multiple types of vehicle systems. These vehicle systems can include one or more automobiles, trucks (with or without trailers), buses, ships, aircraft, rail vehicles, mining vehicles, agricultural vehicles, or other off-highway vehicles. While one or more embodiments are described in relation to rail vehicle systems, not all embodiments relate to rail vehicle systems. The vehicle systems described herein (rail vehicle systems or other vehicle systems that do not run on rails or tracks) can be formed from a single vehicle or multiple vehicles. With respect to multiple vehicle systems, the vehicles can be mechanically coupled to each other (e.g., by couplers) or logically coupled without being mechanically coupled. For example, vehicles may be logically coupled but not mechanically coupled when separate vehicles communicate with each other to coordinate their movements so that the vehicles travel together (e.g., as a convoy, swarm, formation, or fleet). Each vehicle system can represent a single vehicle system or a multiple vehicle system formed from two or more vehicles (which may be mechanically coupled to each other or mechanically separated from each other but travel together as a convoy, swarm, group, etc.). The vehicle system may be formed from rail vehicles (e.g., with or without locomotives, rail cars, transport vehicles, etc.) or non-rail vehicles such as automobiles, haul trucks (with or without trailers), buses, aircraft (e.g., fixed wing, drones, rotary wing, etc.), marine vehicles, agricultural vehicles, mining vehicles, etc.

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a charging system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The charging system may include a controller 102 (vehicle controller) that represents hardware circuitry coupled to and / or including one or more processors (e.g., one or more microcontrollers, field programmable gate arrays, integrated circuits, etc.) that execute determined operations. The vehicle controller may be responsible for determined aspects of vehicle control, such as operation of vehicle components, communication with the vehicle, and coordination of the vehicle's movement along routes and / or relative to other vehicles in the vehicle system (or vehicles in other vehicle systems). The vehicle controller may add and subtract vehicles from the vehicle system and determine the sequence of vehicles within the vehicle system. The vehicle controller may perform route selection and control the operation of one or more vehicles over selected routes. If the vehicle controller is off-vehicle, the vehicle controller may be located in a dispatch facility, such as a back-office server or data center. Obviously, the vehicle controller, in one example, is not the on-board vehicle systems 104A-104D that travel along one or more routes 106 within a network of interconnected routes. Alternatively, the vehicle controller may be located onboard one or more of the vehicles. The controller may include (or be coupled to) an off-board communication system (not shown), which may represent or include one or more antennas, modems, etc., supporting wired and / or wireless communication. In one or more embodiments, the vehicle controller may include a memory (not shown) or other data storage system.

[0013] The network of routes may have one or more charging stations 108 located at various roadside locations along the routes. Suitable charging stations may be located at vehicle yards, locations where vehicle systems are loaded and / or unloaded, roadside locations, etc. The vehicle systems may travel along the network of interconnected routes and receive power from one or more of the charging stations. In one embodiment, one or more of the vehicle systems may be electric vehicles that may be powered by electrical energy. In another embodiment, one or more of the vehicle systems may be hybrid vehicles that may be powered by electrical power and / or non-electric fuels. Non-electric fuels, in this sense, may include liquid and / or gaseous fuels. Suitable liquid fuels may include gasoline, kerosene, alcohol, diesel, etc. Suitable gaseous fuels may include ammonia, hydrogen, natural gas, etc.

[0014] 2 illustrates an example of one of the vehicles 104 shown in FIG. 1. The vehicle may include an onboard controller 120 and one or more energy storage devices 124 that at least partially power the vehicle system's propulsion system 118. The onboard controller represents hardware circuitry coupled to and / or including one or more processors that perform the operations described in connection with the onboard controller, such as by controlling the operation of the one or more energy storage devices and / or the propulsion system to control the movement of the vehicle. The onboard controller may generate and send control signals to components of the vehicle system to control the operation of those components.

[0015] The one or more energy storage devices may represent battery cells, fuel cells, etc. Fuel cells may store electrical energy in chemical form until ready for use. A propulsion system may represent one or more components powered to propel a power system or vehicle system, such as a motor. Optionally, a propulsion system may include an engine and / or an alternator or generator that operate separately to provide electrical energy to power a load of the power system (e.g., a motor). A suitable energy storage device may store energy that may be used to power auxiliary loads 128 of the vehicle system. The auxiliary loads may be powered by the energy storage device and / or the propulsion system to perform tasks that do not propel the vehicle system. For example, the auxiliary loads may include display devices, monitoring devices (e.g., sensors), etc.

[0016] In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle system includes a collector 112 that can transmit or otherwise receive power from a source external to or off-board the vehicle. As one example, the collector can be a pantograph that receives power from an electrified catenary. As another example, the collector can be a conductive shoe or brush that receives current from an electrified rail. Optionally, the collector can be a conductive coil that receives energy wirelessly through induction. In another example, the collector can be a connector, cable, or the like. A suitable collector can be selectively coupleable to a power source (e.g., a cable that can be coupled to an outlet of a power grid or a roadside energy storage device). In another example, the collector can be a receptive plug or outlet that receives or can be coupled to a cable or connector of a power source.

[0017] The communication system 114 represents receiving, transmitting, and / or transceiver circuitry capable of communicating with one or more devices on-board and / or off-board the vehicle system. The communication system may represent or include one or more antennas 110, modems, etc. that support wired and / or wireless communication. For example, the communication system may be used by the on-board controller and / or other components of the vehicle system to communicate wirelessly. Communication may be with off-board locations (e.g., vehicle controllers, roadside charging stations, marshalling yards, etc.). Communication may be with other vehicles in the vehicle system.

[0018] An energy management system 116 ("EMS" shown in FIG. 1 ) may be included in the vehicle system. The energy management system may represent hardware circuitry that includes and / or is connected to one or more processors. This circuitry and / or processor may be the same as or separate from (e.g., in addition to) the circuitry and / or processor of the controller. The energy management system determines an operational plan for the vehicle system to achieve one or more goals within specified constraints. As an example, the energy management system may determine a trip plan that specifies operational settings for the vehicle system at different locations, times, distances, etc. for the vehicle system's next trip. These operational settings may enable the vehicle system to travel within constraints (e.g., speed limits, forces on the vehicle and / or route, maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles or objects, etc.) while driving the vehicle system toward achieving one or more goals (e.g., reducing fuel consumption, battery energy consumption, emission generation, etc.) versus the vehicle system traveling within the constraints but using other settings. The operational settings may be throttle settings, brake settings, speed, etc.

[0019] The vehicle system may include a braking system 130. The braking system may represent one or more of friction brakes, air brakes, dynamic brakes (e.g., one or more of the traction motors of a propulsion system that may also generate braking force using dynamic braking), etc. In one or more embodiments, energy generated by the braking system using dynamic braking may be directed to an energy storage device where the energy may be stored for use within other systems of the vehicle system, or may be directed to a resistor grid (e.g., when the battery is at full capacity or when power generation is at a higher c-rate than desired for the battery). The vehicle system may include input and / or output devices 122 ("I / O devices" in FIG. 1 ) that can receive input from and / or present information to an operator. The input and / or output devices may represent an electronic display, touch screen, keyboard, microphone, speaker, etc.

[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of one of the charging stations shown in FIG. 1 . The charging station includes a power control room 310, which may represent an enclosure, housing, structure, or the like. The power control room may be sized to allow one or more components to be placed therein and to allow one or more operators to move within the power control room, such as for maintenance, inspection, or repair. In one or more embodiments, the power control room may be a controlled environment, such that the temperature, humidity, pressure, etc., of the power control room are controlled. Optionally, the power control room may provide protection to the components placed therein, such as protection from environmental conditions. Optionally, the power control room may have one or more security measures in place that can manage and / or monitor individuals who may be allowed access to the power control room.

[0021] The charging station may include a charger controller 312, which represents hardware circuitry coupled to and / or including one or more processors (e.g., one or more microcontrollers, field programmable gate arrays, integrated circuits, etc.) that perform the operations described in connection with the charger controller. In one embodiment, the charger controller may include and / or be separated into two or more different controllers, such as a power supply controller 316 and a power distribution controller 318. For example, the power supply controller may control the receipt of power from the power source 314 to the charging station, and the power distribution controller may control the distribution of power to one or more vehicle systems 304A-304C. Optionally, the charger controller may include processors, circuitry, etc. for performing the operations of the power supply controller and the power distribution controller. For example, the power supply controller and the power distribution controller may be a single controller device of the charging station. The charging station may include a communication system 320, which may represent equipment capable of supporting wired and / or wireless communication with vehicle systems, vehicle controllers, another charging station, etc.

[0022] The power control room may also include circuit breakers, power transformers, rectifiers, etc. In one embodiment, the charging station may include a three-phase AC circuit breaker, a three-phase power transformer, an active front end or other controllable rectifier, etc. The primary voltage of the transformer may be adapted for the charging station, and the secondary voltage may be three-phase 50 Hertz, i.e., approximately 480 volts. The AC output of the power supply controller may be provided as an input to a power distribution controller. The output of the power distribution controller may be a variable voltage for charging the vehicle system. The voltage, current, and power may be controlled at least in part based on the state of charge of one or more energy storage devices of the vehicle system.

[0023] The charger controller is electrically coupled to an external power source 322 via one or more power distribution buses 302. The power distribution bus may be a series of cables and / or busbars from the power control room through the external power source 322 to the charging devices 324. The external power source may represent a cable, wire, bus, etc., which may represent a catenary wire, etc., that electrically couples the power distribution bus 302 to one or more charging devices. The charging station may include one or more support structures (not shown) that may be used to route the cables and busbars between the power control room and vehicle systems.

[0024] Each vehicle system includes a collector 332 that electrically couples the vehicle system to the charging device so that the vehicle system receives power from the charging station via the charging device. As an example, the collector may be a pantograph that can receive power from one of the catenary wires. The vehicle system may include equipment that controls movement of the collector (e.g., pantograph) toward and away from the electrification device.

[0025] In one or more embodiments, the charging device may be a stationary, rigid, or fixed bus catenary structure that may be designed to interface with a collection device of a vehicle system. For example, the collection device of a vehicle may move closer to or farther from the charging device, while the charging device remains substantially in the same location or unmoved. The stationary charging structure may be capable of connecting one collection device of one vehicle system at a time, or optionally, the stationary charging device structure may be capable of interfacing with multiple vehicle systems at a time. In one or more embodiments, the charging device may provide continuous DC charging to a vehicle system electrically coupled to the charging device.

[0026] In one or more embodiments, the charger controller can communicate with the vehicle system to obtain vehicle system characteristics (e.g., energy storage characteristics of the energy storage device). The charging station can provide a DC output to the vehicle system via a power distribution bus, an external power source, and a charging device that meets the substantially instantaneous requirements of the vehicle system. A suitable output voltage is nominally in the range of about 400 Vdc to about 750 Vdc and has a current carrying capacity of about 1500 A. In another suitable charging station, the output voltage may be in a different nominal range. A suitable current carrying capacity may be greater than 1500 A. A suitable current carrying capacity may be less than 750 Vdc. The selection of such parameters can be made with reference to end-use requirements.

[0027] In some embodiments, the charging station may include multiple charging devices arranged with conductive lines, cables, buses, or the like. Optionally, the charging station may include an energy management system capable of managing the distribution of power from the power source to the vehicle systems. Optionally, the charging station may include a memory or alternative data storage system. Optionally, the charging station may include one or more input and / or output devices, such as a display and / or touch screen, a keyboard, switches, etc., that enable interaction between an operator of the charging station and one or more systems or components of the charging station. Optionally, the charger controller may have a deployed local data collection system and may use machine learning to enable derivation-based learning results. The controller may learn from and determine datasets (including data provided by various sensors) by making data-driven predictions and adapting according to the datasets.

[0028] An appropriate vehicle controller and / or charger controller can receive and monitor vehicle system characteristics of vehicle systems traveling along routes in the interconnected system. Additionally, the vehicle controller and / or charger controller can receive and monitor charger characteristics of one or more charging stations located at roadside locations along the routes. The vehicle controller can communicate with vehicle systems (e.g., energy management systems onboard each of the vehicles), charging stations (e.g., charging stations located along each route in the network of interconnected routes), a scheduling system (e.g., a system that schedules the movement of vehicle systems), a dispatch system, etc., such as in a closed-loop communication system. In one embodiment, the communication system can include a secure communication protocol, such that communication devices familiar with the secure protocol can communicate with other communication devices in the secure closed-loop communication system. In another embodiment, the communication system is an open-loop system. In another embodiment, the communication is a feedforward system. In another embodiment, the communication is a feedback system. The controller can select which control system to use.

[0029] The vehicle controller can determine the vehicle system's expected energy demands necessary for operation of the vehicle system (e.g., before the vehicle system begins operation, while the vehicle system is traveling along the route, etc.) and can plan where and / or when the vehicle will receive power and / or the amount of power the vehicle system can receive from charging stations located along the route. The vehicle controller can plan where, when, and / or how much power the vehicle system can receive based at least in part on vehicle system characteristics (including energy storage characteristics associated with one or more onboard energy storage devices), charger characteristics, operation and / or route characteristics, environmental conditions, economic characteristics, etc. The vehicle controller can consider one or more of the vehicle system characteristics, charger characteristics, operation and / or route characteristics, or environmental conditions to plan when and / or where the vehicle will receive power (e.g., current) from one or more charging stations located along the route. For example, rather than the vehicle simply stopping at a charging station (e.g., the nearest available charging station, such as in the vehicle system's direction of travel), fully charging an energy storage device onboard the vehicle system, and then continuing to move until additional energy is needed, the vehicle controller may adjust when and / or where the vehicle system obtains energy to charge the energy storage device and / or how much energy the vehicle system can receive based at least in part on the monitored characteristics. As another example, the vehicle controller may determine that the vehicle system should bypass the next available charging station in favor of receiving power from another charging station located further away from the vehicle system. For example, a nearby charging station may have fewer available charging nodes or may charge at a different or slower rate relative to charging stations located further away.

[0030] The vehicle system characteristics may include information related to the vehicle system, such as, but not limited to, the size (e.g., weight) of the vehicle (along with weight carried by the vehicle, such as passenger weight and cargo weight), propulsion load, energy storage characteristics (e.g., available storage space of one or more energy storage devices, one or more types of one or more energy storage devices, charging profile of one or more energy storage devices, etc.), one or more auxiliary loads of the vehicle system, etc. Optionally, the vehicle system characteristics may include information related to a planned trip of the vehicle, a predicted or expected trip of the vehicle, a vehicle load state, route conditions, etc.

[0031] The charger characteristics may include information related to the charging station, such as, but not limited to, the utilization and / or availability status of the charging station (e.g., whether the charging station is being used by a vehicle system or is scheduled for use by a vehicle system), the power capacity of the charging station, the supply of power at the charging station, the number of chargers located at each charging station, the charging profile of the charging station (e.g., the charging rate at which the charging station can supply power to the energy storage device), the temperature of the charging station, etc. In one or more embodiments, the charger characteristics may include the availability of the charging station (e.g., the availability of chargers at the charging station, the availability of different charging stations, etc.). In one or more embodiments, the charger controller and / or the vehicle controller may predict a change in the remaining useful life of the charging station or the maximum charging rate of power to the energy storage device based at least in part on the charging profile, temperature, charging rate, etc. of the charging station.

[0032] Trip and / or route characteristics may include different classes of routes to be traveled by the vehicle system, the speed at which the vehicle is planned to travel or can travel along the route, the curvature of the route to be traveled, etc. In one or more embodiments, the trip characteristics may be associated with one or more upcoming segments of a trip for the vehicle system. Environmental conditions that may be considered by the vehicle controller include the geospatial location in which the vehicle system is expected to travel and corresponding environmental conditions (e.g., distance from sea level, ambient weather conditions such as temperature, humidity, pressure, etc.), wind speed, expected precipitation, etc.

[0033] The vehicle controller can examine vehicle system characteristics, charger characteristics, operational characteristics, and / or environmental conditions and calculate how much stored energy may be needed to power the vehicle systems through upcoming segments of the trip. As an example, the vehicle controller can determine that the vehicle is scheduled to travel through or is traveling toward a first route segment having a downward slope. If the vehicle has the capability to dynamically brake and generate current through regenerative braking, the vehicle controller can calculate or estimate the amount of energy the vehicle can generate through regenerative braking through the downward route segment and store in an onboard energy storage device. The vehicle controller can then determine that because the vehicle can obtain additional electrical energy by dynamic braking within the downward route segment, the vehicle may not need to stop at a nearby charging station and may be able to wait and travel to a more distant charging station to obtain the additional electrical energy. The vehicle controller can communicate with the onboard controller (e.g., via wireless signals) to instruct the onboard controller to dynamically or regeneratively brake while traveling the downward route segment and / or recommend passing a nearby charging station by obtaining energy from this braking.

[0034] In one or more embodiments, the vehicle controller can determine to reschedule one or more vehicle systems to charge at one or more charging stations based at least in part on vehicle system characteristics, charger characteristics (e.g., charger characteristics of the charging stations where the vehicle systems will be recharging), operational characteristics, environmental conditions, etc. For example, the vehicle systems may be scheduled to charge at a first charging station, and the vehicle controller can determine to reschedule the vehicle systems to charge at a different second charging station based at least in part on one or more of the vehicle system characteristics, charger characteristics (e.g., of the first charging station and the second charging station), operational characteristics (e.g., the portion of the trip between the first charging station and the second charging station), environmental conditions (e.g., the environmental conditions at the first charging station relative to the environmental conditions at the second charging station), etc.

[0035] As another example, the vehicle controller may determine that the vehicle is scheduled to travel through or is traveling toward a second route segment where electrical energy can be generated using dynamic or regenerative braking. This route segment may differ from the descending first route segment because the second route segment may not have a downward slope (e.g., the slope may be flat). Alternatively, the second route segment may have a downward slope. The vehicle controller may determine that the vehicle can generate propulsion using an onboard propulsion system and can also brake in parallel or simultaneously to generate electrical current using regenerative braking. While this may consume fuel in the hybrid vehicle to generate enough propulsion to enable regenerative braking, the cost of the consumed fuel may be an acceptable loss or cost compared to the gains (in terms of time, throughput, etc.) in the electrical energy generated, the distance to the next available charging station, and / or the benefit gained (in terms of time, throughput, etc.) in being able to wait for a more distant charging station to stop and charge the energy storage device.

[0036] As another example, the vehicle controller may obtain operational characteristics of a route that at least one vehicle system is expected to traverse or is planning. The vehicle controller may determine a configuration of which vehicles to include or exclude from the vehicle system based at least in part on the charger characteristics and / or operational characteristics. Optionally, the configuration of vehicles to include or exclude may be based at least in part on the energy storage characteristics of the vehicle's energy storage devices. For example, the energy storage characteristics may include the number of energy storage devices installed in each vehicle considered for inclusion or exclusion, historical information associated with each of the energy storage devices, the type, make, or model of the different energy storage devices, the charge rate of each of the different storage devices, the amount of energy that one or more storage devices may contain (e.g., the amount of power corresponding to a fully charged state of an energy storage device), etc. As used herein, a fully charged state may be a determined state of charge that is less than the theoretical charge limit of the energy storage device. In this manner, the "full state" of a new battery and a used battery may differ. Based on selection factors such as the type of battery, usage history, and environmental conditions, the controller may determine what a fully charged state is for an energy storage device or multiple combined energy storage devices. In one embodiment, the vehicle controller may consider vehicle system characteristics of each vehicle to be considered for inclusion or exclusion from the vehicle system (e.g., type of vehicle, age of the vehicle, size and weight of the vehicle, type of cargo the vehicle can carry, availability of different vehicles, etc.).

[0037] In one or more embodiments, the vehicle controller can communicate with a vehicle storage facility where multiple vehicles may be stored, such as while the vehicle systems are not in use. The vehicle controller, onboard controller, and / or charger controller can communicate with the vehicle storage facility to provide vehicle system characteristics to the vehicle storage facility, such as the type of vehicle, the current state of charge of each energy storage device onboard each vehicle, and the readiness of the vehicle to be included in the configuration of the vehicle system. The vehicle storage facility can organize the vehicles in the storage facility based at least in part on the vehicle system characteristics, can recommend vehicles to be included or excluded from the configuration of the multi-vehicle vehicle system, and can assign different priorities to different vehicle systems based at least in part on the state of charge of each vehicle system, the state of health of the energy storage devices of the different vehicle systems, etc. In one embodiment, the vehicle storage facility can recommend vehicles to be included or excluded from the vehicle system based at least in part on the vehicle system's expected trip plan, which route (e.g., grades, curves, etc.) the vehicle system plans to take, at least in part on the length of the route including catenaries or third rails through which the vehicle system can receive power while traveling along the length of the route, power efficiency opportunities based at least in part on the vehicle system's expected environmental conditions, etc. For example, a first vehicle can have a state of charge that is approximately 25% of the first vehicle's maximum state of charge, and a second vehicle can have a state of charge that is approximately 85% of the second vehicle's maximum state of charge. The vehicle storage facility can recommend the second vehicle for inclusion in the vehicle system's configuration and can recommend the first vehicle for exclusion from the vehicle system's configuration based at least in part on the different states of charge of the first and second vehicles.

[0038] In one or more embodiments, at least one of the controllers may diagnose at least one of the vehicle systems based at least in part on one or more of vehicle system characteristics, charger characteristics, etc. For example, the vehicle controller may receive vehicle system characteristics (e.g., including energy storage characteristics), charging characteristics associated with a charging station and associated with a charging station that provides power to the vehicle system. As used herein, the term diagnose means to determine the health, operating, and / or wear state of a component or system.

[0039] The vehicle controller may collect, store, and / or maintain data received from the charging station and / or vehicle system and may utilize the data to analyze one or more components or systems of the vehicle system and / or charging station. In one embodiment, the vehicle controller may receive data from the charging station for each charge performed at the charging station, for each charge associated with a particular vehicle system, etc. As an example, the vehicle controller may separately store data corresponding to individual charges. As another example, the vehicle controller may combine data corresponding to all charging stations, such as within a network of interconnected routes. Optionally, the vehicle controller may combine and / or separate data in alternative manners.

[0040] In one embodiment, the vehicle controller can compare the received data with stored historical data associated with the same charging station and can diagnose the vehicle system and / or the charging station based at least in part on the comparison of the received (e.g., current) data with the historical data. The vehicle controller can provide maintenance and / or predictive recommendations for the vehicle system and / or the charging station based at least in part on the diagnosis of the vehicle system and / or the charging station. In another embodiment, the vehicle controller can analyze the received data from a charge start point to a charge end point associated with starting and ending charging of the energy storage device during a charging event. The vehicle controller can analyze the data over the charging event to diagnose components and / or systems of the vehicle system and / or the charging station. In one or more embodiments, the vehicle controller can determine that components and / or systems of the vehicle system and / or the charging station require maintenance or repair. In another embodiment, the vehicle controller can instruct the vehicle system to remain at the charging station until the components and / or systems are repaired or replaced. Optionally, the vehicle controller can instruct the vehicle system to travel to a maintenance shed or yard where maintenance and / or repairs can be performed on the vehicle system.

[0041] Optionally, the charger controller can receive the vehicle system characteristics and analyze the charger characteristics and vehicle system characteristics to diagnose the charging station. In one or more embodiments, the charger controller can determine that the diagnosis requires maintenance and / or repair of the charging station. The charging station can communicate with vehicle controllers and / or vehicle systems traveling along the network of routes where no charging stations are available. For example, the charging station can communicate that the charging station does not allow the vehicle system to stop and recharge, an estimated time of completion of the repair and / or maintenance, recommendations for alternative charging stations where the vehicle system can stop and recharge, etc.

[0042] In one or more embodiments, the vehicle controller can analyze at least a portion of the stored charging data and determine and recommend current and / or future charging station placement locations. For example, the vehicle controller can determine that a number of vehicle systems frequently enter and exit a charging station located at a first location above a determined threshold. The vehicle controller can recommend adding additional chargers to the charging station to accommodate the number of vehicle systems stopping at the charging station to recharge. As another example, the vehicle controller can determine that vehicle systems traveling along a portion of a route between a first charging station and a second charging station arrived at the second charging station with an amount of stored energy in an energy storage device below a recommended threshold. The vehicle controller can recommend placing another charging station at a location along the route between the first charging station and the second charging station. The recommended placement of a new charging station, or a change in the location of an existing charging station, can optimize the location of the charging station, such as to reduce delays in vehicle systems being recharged.

[0043] The vehicle controller can examine the locations of charging stations relative to a planned or expected route that the vehicle system will travel to determine when and / or where the vehicle should stop to charge one or more of the energy storage devices. In one embodiment, the vehicle controller can communicate instructions to the vehicle system that instruct the vehicle system how to operate the vehicle system (e.g., how to change operational settings such as throttle or brake settings) to conserve energy stored in an energy storage device onboard the vehicle system and enable the vehicle system to reach a target charging station where the energy storage device will receive power from the charging station. In another embodiment, the vehicle controller can remotely control the operation of the vehicle system (e.g., without the participation of an operator onboard the vehicle system) to change the operational settings of the vehicle system.

[0044] In response to the vehicle system arriving at and electrically coupling with the charging station, the vehicle controller and / or the charger controller can control operation of the charging station to control the supply of power to one or more energy storage devices. For example, the vehicle controller can communicate control signals to the charging station to control the supply of power, or can remotely control operation of the charging station. Optionally, the vehicle controller can communicate control signals to the charging station via an on-board controller of the vehicle system, an alternative vehicle control system not on-board the vehicle system, etc.

[0045] The provision of power from the charging station to one or more energy storage devices can be based at least in part on vehicle system characteristics (e.g., a charging profile of one or more energy storage devices, the rate at which the energy storage devices can receive power, the maximum amount of power each energy storage device can receive, etc.) and / or charger characteristics (e.g., a power capacity of the charging station, a charge rate at which the charging station can supply power, the amount of available power, a schedule for the charging station to supply power to another vehicle system, etc.). Optionally, the provision of power to a vehicle system can be based at least in part on several vehicle systems operating within a network of interconnected paths. Optionally, the provision of power can be based at least in part on several vehicle systems that can receive power from the same charging station (e.g., simultaneously, during a simultaneous period, within a determined time range, etc.).

[0046] In one or more embodiments, the vehicle controller, the onboard controller of the vehicle system, and / or the charger controller can determine a charging profile for charging one or more of the energy storage devices of the vehicle system. The charging profile can provide instructions for supplying power from the charging station to the energy storage devices. The charging profile for each energy storage device can be based at least in part on obtained vehicle system characteristics, charger characteristics, etc. The charging profile can include the current state of charge of the energy storage device, a device charge upper limit (e.g., maximum state of charge), the rate at which the energy storage device can receive power, the temperature of the energy storage device, a back electromagnetic frequency (EMF) signal indicative of the resistance of the energy storage device, etc. Optionally, the vehicle controller can determine the charging profile and assign one or more vehicle systems to charge at one of the charging stations based at least in part on the state of charge of the energy storage devices. Optionally, the charging profile can be determined at least in part based on historical charging profile data associated with the corresponding energy storage devices. The energy storage devices can be charged according to the charging profile determined for each of the energy storage devices.

[0047] In one or more embodiments, the charger controller can determine a charging profile for the energy storage device and can communicate the charging profile associated with the energy storage device to the vehicle controller. Optionally, the vehicle controller can obtain energy storage characteristics (e.g., from the vehicle system, the charging station, etc.) including the charging profile for the energy storage device. In one or more embodiments, the energy storage characteristics can include the temperature of the energy storage device, the charge rate at which the charging station will and / or is supplying power to the energy storage device, a back electromagnetic frequency (EMF) signal indicative of the resistance of the energy storage device, etc. The vehicle controller can store the energy storage characteristics and / or the charging profile in a memory or other data storage system. In one or more embodiments, the vehicle controller can predict the remaining useful life of the energy storage device, degradation of performance of the energy storage device, failure of the energy storage device, a change in the maximum state of charge of the energy storage device, etc., based at least in part on the charging profile. In one or more embodiments, the vehicle controller and / or onboard controller can predict the state of charge of the energy storage device, identify changes in the maximum state of charge, etc., before the vehicle system arrives at one or more charging stations.

[0048] In one or more embodiments, the charger controller can determine a charging profile and communicate a notification to a dispatch center (e.g., a back-office server), a scheduling system, etc. As an example, each time a vehicle system is charged, the charger controller can communicate a charging profile of the charged energy storage device to a vehicle controller, a dispatch center, a back-office server, etc. The communicated charging profile can include, among other things, the temperature of the energy storage device, the charging current, etc. The charging profile communicated to the dispatch center and / or the scheduling system can enable the dispatch center and the scheduling system to ensure that the vehicle system continues to travel according to a schedule of the vehicle system based at least in part on the charging profile. For example, the charging profile may indicate that the energy storage device can receive a first amount of power, but the dispatch center and / or the scheduling system may determine that the first amount of power is not sufficient to power the vehicle system along the route to the target destination. Optionally, the charging profile (and associated data) may be stored and used for trending and predictive analysis of the energy storage device and / or the charging station.

[0049] In one or more embodiments, the charger controller and / or vehicle controller can obtain environmental characteristics associated with the environment in which the charging station is located. The environmental characteristics can include ambient temperature and humidity, atmospheric pressure, wind speed, time of day (e.g., evening or daytime), percentage of cloud cover, expected weather conditions (e.g., at the charging station when the vehicle system is expected to arrive at the charging station for recharging), etc. The charger controller and / or vehicle controller can instruct the charging station to modify a charging profile of the charging station in which the charging station charges the energy storage device based at least in part on the environmental characteristics.

[0050] In one or more embodiments, the charger controller and / or the vehicle controller can obtain economic characteristics indicative of the financial cost of charging the energy storage devices. The economic costs can be based at least in part on energy prices (e.g., comparing energy prices within a geographic region or between two different geographic regions), costs associated with the cargo being transported by the vehicle system, costs associated with delaying delivery of the transported cargo (e.g., penalty costs for late delivery, compensation for earlier delivery), etc. The charger controller can modify a charging profile for charging one or more of the energy storage devices based at least in part on the economic characteristics. Optionally, the vehicle controller can determine and send changes to a trip plan or travel plan of one or more vehicle systems based at least in part on the charger characteristics and / or the economic characteristics. For example, the vehicle controller can instruct the vehicle systems to bypass a next charging station in favor of yet another charging station along the route. Optionally, the vehicle controller can determine changes to a trip plan for one or more vehicle systems based at least in part on the vehicle system characteristics and / or the charger characteristics.

[0051] The charger controller may communicate state of charge updates to the vehicle controller and / or on-board controllers of other vehicle systems. The state of charge updates may inform the vehicle controller of the time when the vehicle system is expected to be fully charged (or charged to its charge limit). Optionally, the state of charge updates may indicate the time when the vehicle system is expected to leave the charging station, such as to allow another vehicle system to arrive at the charging station and be recharged. For example, the state of charge updates may be an estimated signal from the charging station indicating the estimated completion of the vehicle system's journey.

[0052] In one or more embodiments, the vehicle controller can receive vehicle system characteristics, charger characteristics, operational characteristics, economic characteristics, and environmental conditions and can modify or adjust the vehicle system's operation plan as the vehicle system travels along a route. Parameters that can be collected can include the charge and / or discharge rate of an energy storage device, temperature and other environmental information, the expected charge level upon arrival at the target destination, etc. For example, the parameters can be used to plan charging station utilization (e.g., which charging stations the vehicle system should stop at, etc.) before the vehicle system arrives at the charging station.

[0053] Optionally, the vehicle controller, scheduling system, or energy management system (EMS) of the vehicle system can modify the vehicle system's trip plan based at least in part on the charger characteristics and / or economic characteristics. For example, the vehicle system's onboard EMS can change operational settings (e.g., increase or decrease the vehicle system's travel speed) to maintain the amount of power until the vehicle system reaches a charging station, to take advantage of the increased amount of power by increasing the vehicle system's speed to reach the charging station earlier than planned, etc. In one or more embodiments, the vehicle controller and / or energy management system of the vehicle system can determine modifications to the trip plan and / or travel plan based at least in part on the charge rates of the charging stations (e.g., based at least in part on the charger characteristics) or determine the discharge rate of the vehicle system's energy storage device based at least in part on the vehicle system characteristics. For example, a modification to the trip plan may be to instruct the vehicle system to stop and recharge at a charging station closer along the route than planned, such as based at least in part on the charge rates of nearby charging stations.

[0054] In one or more embodiments, the priority of charging the energy storage device of a vehicle system may change in response to a change in the trip plan. For example, a change in the trip plan may cause the time at which the vehicle system arrives at a target destination to be later than the scheduled arrival time. The priority of charging the vehicle system (e.g., relative to the priority of charging other vehicle systems) may change based at least in part on the changed trip plan. For example, a vehicle system may have a greater or higher priority relative to another vehicle system and may be allowed to recharge at a charging station before the other vehicle system is allowed to recharge.

[0055] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3 , the charging station includes three charging devices 324 that enable charging of at least three vehicle systems 304A-304C substantially simultaneously or within the same window or time. In one or more embodiments, a charger controller and / or a vehicle controller can control the supply of power from the charging station to energy storage devices onboard each of the three vehicles. In one or more embodiments, the charging station can have one or more charger characteristics that can vary based at least in part on the number of vehicle systems being recharged substantially simultaneously. The charger controller and / or vehicle controller can allocate the supply of power among two or more different vehicle systems being charged in parallel, substantially simultaneously, within the same period, within a predetermined time window or period, etc. For example, the allocation can be based at least in part on vehicle system characteristics of each of the vehicle systems, charger characteristics, characteristics of each of the charging devices, etc.

[0056] In one or more embodiments, the charger controller and / or vehicle controller can ration the supply of electrical power by preventing at least one energy storage device of the vehicle system from being charged to a full state of charge before the vehicle system leaves the charging station. For example, the charger controller can control the supply of electrical power to the energy storage device so that the energy storage device can only be recharged to approximately 75% of its full state of charge, and can prevent or prohibit the energy storage device from being recharged to approximately 100% of its full state of charge. In one embodiment, the amount of electrical energy provided to the energy storage device can be based at least in part on the amount of electrical energy required for the vehicle system to complete a trip, at least in part on the amount of electrical energy required for the vehicle system to reach another charging station (e.g., another charging station having a different economic cost relative to the current charging station), operational characteristics of the route between the current charging station and the next charging station, a minimum threshold of electrical energy the vehicle system needs to have when it reaches its destination if the vehicle system is a hybrid vehicle system and can rely on alternative energy sources (e.g., gaseous or liquid fuels, etc.), and the like.

[0057] The charger controller and / or vehicle controller may implement a charging limit on the energy storage device to prevent the energy storage device from being charged to a full state of charge. The charging limit may be based at least in part on a planned route of the vehicle system, an expected route of the vehicle system, a next location of another charging station, the supply of the charging station at the next location, a demand for power from other vehicle systems, a demand for power from the next charging station along the route, etc.

[0058] In one or more embodiments, a charging station may not have enough power to provide sufficient power to a first vehicle system stopped at the charging station for recharging. A second vehicle system stopped at the charging station for recharging may have a lower priority value than the priority value of the first vehicle system. For example, it may be more important for the first vehicle system to receive a required amount of power for the second vehicle system. As another example, it may be more important for the first vehicle system to reach its target destination before the second vehicle system. In one or more embodiments, the charging station may allocate a first amount of power to the higher priority first vehicle system, and the second vehicle system may electrically supply a second amount of power to the first vehicle system from one or more energy storage devices onboard the second vehicle system. For example, the first vehicle system may receive a portion of power from the charging station and a portion of power from the second vehicle system in order for the first vehicle system to receive a sufficient amount of power, to receive a sufficient amount of power within a predetermined period of time, etc.

[0059] In another embodiment, the charger controller can control the rate at which power is supplied to the vehicle system. As one example, power may be supplied at the maximum rate at which the charging device can supply power, at the maximum rate at which the energy storage device can receive power, etc. As another example, power may be supplied at a rate slower than the maximum possible rate, such as to preserve the life of the energy storage device, based at least in part on an expected completion time of the recharge relative to a target time for the vehicle system to arrive at a target destination, based at least in part on one or more other vehicle systems being recharged within a contemporaneous period, based at least in part on the priority of the vehicle system to be recharged (e.g., relative to the priority of another vehicle system to be recharged), etc.

[0060] In one or more embodiments, the charger controller can communicate data related to vehicle systems, charging stations, environmental conditions, etc. with a vehicle controller or another dispatch center (e.g., a back office server). The vehicle controller can create or generate an application based at least in part on the obtained information that can be used by the operator or owner of the vehicle system for an upcoming trip, etc. The application may vary based at least in part on the user. As an example, a yard planner can access application information related to vehicle systems in a vehicle storage facility or yard that can indicate to the yard planner where and / or when the vehicle system should be charged. As another example, a maintenance or repair person can access application information related to the status of the vehicle system (e.g., components and / or systems of the vehicle system), charging stations, etc. Optionally, the maintenance person can access diagnostic or prognostic information, recommended repair actions, etc. The maintenance person can update information available on the application related to the completion of maintenance work on the vehicle system or charging station (e.g., estimated completion time, estimated duration indicating how long the vehicle system or charging station will be unavailable, etc.). Optionally, operators of other vehicle systems can access application information related to repair and / or maintenance of charging stations. The application may be accessible by multiple individuals via tablets, smartphones, computers, etc. to inform operators about vehicle systems and charging stations.

[0061] In one embodiment, the controller or system described herein can have a deployed local data collection system and can use machine learning to enable derivation-based learning results. The controller can learn from and determine a dataset (including data provided by various sensors) by making data-driven predictions and adapting according to the dataset. In various embodiments, machine learning can include performing multiple machine learning tasks with a machine learning system, such as supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and reinforcement learning. Supervised learning can include presenting a set of example inputs and desired outputs to a machine learning system. Unsupervised learning can include a learning algorithm that structures its inputs through methods such as pattern detection and / or feature learning. Reinforcement learning can include a machine learning system performing in a dynamic environment and then providing feedback regarding correct and incorrect decisions. In various examples, machine learning can include multiple other tasks based at least in part on the output of the machine learning system. In various examples, the tasks can be machine learning problems such as classification, regression, clustering, density estimation, dimensionality reduction, anomaly detection, and the like. In various examples, machine learning can include multiple mathematical and statistical techniques. In examples, many types of machine learning algorithms can include decision tree-based learning, association rule learning, deep learning, artificial neural networks, genetic learning algorithms, inductive logic programming, support vector machines (SVMs), Bayesian networks, reinforcement learning, representation learning, rule-based machine learning, sparse dictionary learning, similarity and metric learning, learning classifier systems (LCS), logistic regression, random forests, K-means, gradient boosting, K-nearest neighbors (KNN), apriori algorithms, etc. In embodiments, particular machine learning algorithms can be used (e.g., to solve both constrained and unconstrained optimization problems that may be based at least in part on natural selection). In one example, the algorithm can be used to address mixed-integer programming problems where some components are restricted to be integer-valued.Algorithms and machine learning techniques and systems may be used in computational intelligence systems, computer vision, natural language processing (NLP), recommender systems, reinforcement learning, graphical model building, etc. In one example, machine learning is used to make decisions, calculations, comparisons, behavioral analysis, etc.

[0062] In one embodiment, the controller may include a policy engine capable of applying one or more policies. These policies may be based at least in part on the characteristics of a given item of equipment or environment. With respect to the control policy, a neural network may receive inputs of several environmental and task-related parameters. These parameters may include, for example, operational inputs related to the operating equipment, data from various sensors, location and / or position data, etc. The neural network may be trained to generate outputs based at least in part on these inputs, the outputs representing an action or series of actions to be taken by the equipment or system to achieve an operational goal. During operation of an embodiment, decisions are made by processing the inputs through the neural network's parameters to generate values ​​at output nodes that designate the action as a desired action. The action may be converted into a signal that causes the vehicle to operate. This may be achieved through backpropagation, a feedforward process, closed-loop feedback, or open-loop feedback. Alternatively, rather than using backpropagation, the controller's machine learning system may employ evolutionary strategies to adjust the various parameters of the artificial neural network. The controller can use a neural network architecture with functions that may not always be solvable using backpropagation, e.g., functions that are non-convex. In one embodiment, the neural network has a set of parameters that represent the weights of its node connections. Several copies of this network are generated, and then different adjustments to the parameters are made and simulations are performed. Once the outputs from the various models are obtained, these models can be evaluated for their performance using a determined success metric. The best model is selected, and the vehicle controller executes its plan to achieve the desired input data, thereby reflecting the predicted best outcome scenario. Furthermore, the success metric can be a combination of optimized results, which can be weighted relative to each other.

[0063] According to one embodiment or example, a charging system can include a controller capable of obtaining vehicle system characteristics and / or charger characteristics. The charging system can control the delivery of power from one or more charging stations to one or more energy storage devices of one or more vehicle systems based at least in part on the vehicle system characteristics and the charger characteristics.

[0064] The controller may operate with one or more of a vehicle energy management system, a dispatch system, or a scheduling system to determine expected energy demands of one or more vehicle systems required for operation. The controller may control the supply of power based at least in part on the expected energy demands from the vehicle energy management system. The controller may use one or more of the obtained vehicle system characteristics or charger characteristics to determine a charging profile for one or more of the vehicle systems to charge one or more of the one or more energy storage devices at one or more of the one or more charging stations. The controller may use one or more of the obtained vehicle system characteristics or charger characteristics to determine a rescheduling for one or more of the vehicle systems to charge one or more of the one or more energy storage devices at one or more of the one or more charging stations.

[0065] The controller can use one or more of the vehicle system characteristics of the obtained charger characteristics to determine modifications to a trip plan for one or more of the vehicle systems to charge one or more of the one or more energy storage devices at one or more of the one or more charging stations. The trip plan can include operational settings of one or more vehicle systems specified for one or more of different times, different locations, or different distances along one or more routes. The controller can diagnose at least one of the vehicle systems based at least in part on the vehicle system characteristics and / or the charger characteristics. The controller can diagnose at least one of the one or more charging stations based on the vehicle system characteristics and / or the charger characteristics. The controller can communicate a control signal to control the supply of power from the one or more charging stations to the one or more energy storage devices. The controller can communicate the control signal to the one or more charging stations via a vehicle control system that is off-board the vehicle system and adjusts the allowable behavior of the vehicle system. The vehicle system characteristics can include one or more of the weight, size, propulsive load, energy storage system characteristics, or auxiliary load of one or more vehicles in the one or more vehicle systems. The controller may control the supply of power from the one or more charging stations to one or more of the one or more energy storage devices based at least in part on one or more other vehicle systems operating within the network of routes. The controller may control the supply of power from the one or more charging stations to one or more of the one or more energy storage devices based at least in part on one or more utilization or availability states of the one or more charging stations.

[0066] The controller may control the supply of power from one or more charging stations to one of the one or more energy storage devices based at least in part on the power capacity of the one or more charging stations. The vehicle system may include one or more rail cars. Optionally, the vehicle system may include an automobile. Optionally, the vehicle system may include one or more haul trucks. The controller may allocate the supply of power among two or more of the vehicle systems based at least in part on vehicle system characteristics and / or charger characteristics. The controller may allocate the supply of power among two or more vehicle systems at one or more charging stations simultaneously or during a concurrent period. The controller may allocate the supply of power among the two or more vehicle systems by preventing an energy storage device onboard at least one of the vehicle systems from being charged to a full charge state before at least one of the vehicle systems leaves the one or more charging stations. The controller may prevent the energy storage device from being charged to a full charge state by implementing a charging limit on the energy storage device. The charging limit may be based at least in part on one or more of a planned route of at least one of the vehicle systems, a projected route of at least one of the vehicle systems, one or more next locations of the one or more charging stations, a supply of the one or more charging stations at the next location, or a demand for a supply of power from one or more of the one or more charging stations at the next location.

[0067] The controller can receive charging profiles from one or more charging stations that supply current to the one or more vehicle systems. The controller can predict, based at least in part on the charging profiles, one or more of a remaining useful life of an energy storage device, a degradation in performance of the energy storage device, a failure of the energy storage device, or a change in maximum state of charge of one or more energy storage devices of the vehicle system. The controller can obtain energy storage characteristics including one or more charging profiles of the energy storage devices. The controller can predict, based at least in part on the one or more charging profiles, one or more of a remaining useful life of the energy storage device, a degradation in performance of the energy storage device, a failure of the energy storage device, or a change in maximum state of charge of one or more energy storage devices of the vehicle system. The energy storage characteristics can include one or more of a temperature of the one or more energy storage devices, a temperature of a cable coupled to the one or more energy storage devices, a temperature of a connector of the charging device, a charging rate at which one or more of the one or more charging stations supply power to one or more of the one or more energy storage devices, or a back electromagnetic frequency (EMF) signal indicative of a resistance of one or more of the one or more energy storage devices. The controller may predict one or more of a remaining useful life of one or more of the one or more energy storage devices, a degradation in performance of the energy storage devices, a failure of the one or more energy storage devices, or a change in maximum state of charge of one or more of the one or more energy storage devices based at least in part on one or more of the temperature or the charging rate. The charger characteristics may include a charging profile of one or more charging stations that provide power to the energy storage devices of the one or more vehicle systems. The controller may predict one or more of a remaining useful life or a change in maximum charging rate of power to the one or more energy storage devices of the vehicle systems based at least in part on the charging profile.

[0068] The charger characteristics may include one or more of a temperature of at least one of the one or more charging stations, a component of the one or more charging stations, or a charging rate at which at least one of the one or more charging stations supplies power to an energy storage device. The controller may predict one or more of a change in the remaining useful life or maximum charging rate of at least one of the one or more charging stations based at least in part on one or more of the temperature or charging rate. The controller may obtain one or more environmental characteristics and modify a charging profile in which one or more of the one or more charging stations charge an energy storage device of one or more vehicle systems based at least in part on the one or more environmental characteristics. The controller may obtain one or more economic characteristics indicative of a financial cost of charging one or more of the one or more energy storage devices of one or more of the vehicle systems. The controller may also determine and send changes to one or more trip plans or journey plans of the one or more vehicle systems based at least in part on one or more of the charger characteristics and the economic characteristics, or modify a trip plan of at least one of the vehicle systems based at least in part on one or more of the charger characteristics or the economic characteristics. The controller may obtain one or more environmental characteristics and may determine and send changes to one or more trip plans or journey plans of one or more vehicle systems based at least in part on one or more of the charger characteristics and the environmental characteristics, or may change the trip plan of at least one of the vehicle systems based at least in part on one or more of the charger characteristics or the environmental characteristics.

[0069] The controller may determine changes to one or more trip plans or travel plans based at least in part on one or more charge rates of one or more charging stations or energy storage devices, or one or more discharge rates of the vehicle systems. The controller may predict the state of charge of the energy storage devices of one or more vehicle systems before the one or more vehicle systems arrive at one or more charging stations based at least in part on the vehicle system characteristics, the charger characteristics, and the one or more operating characteristics. The controller may assign the one or more vehicle systems to one or more of the one or more charging stations based at least in part on the state of charge of the energy storage devices. The controller may obtain the one or more operating characteristics and determine a configuration of vehicles in at least one of the vehicle systems based at least in part on the charger characteristics and the one or more operating characteristics. The one or more operating characteristics may be associated with one or more next segments of a trip for at least one of the vehicle systems. The charger characteristics may include the availability of one or more charging stations, and the operating characteristics may include one or more of the slope or curvature of a route to be traveled by the one or more vehicle systems. The controller may receive estimation signals from one or more of the one or more charging stations. The estimated signal may indicate an estimated completion of the trip of at least one of the vehicle systems.

[0070] According to another aspect or example, a method can include obtaining one or more of a vehicle system characteristic or a charger characteristic. The vehicle system characteristic corresponds to one or more vehicle systems, and the charger characteristic corresponds to one or more charging stations. Each of the vehicle systems includes an energy storage device. A supply of power from the one or more charging stations to the energy storage devices of the one or more vehicle systems can be controlled based at least in part on the one or more of the vehicle system characteristic or the charger characteristic.

[0071] In another aspect or example, a vehicle charging system may include one or more charging stations configured to provide power to an energy storage device of a vehicle system, and a controller that controls a supply of power from the one or more charging stations to the energy storage device of the vehicle system based at least in part on one or more of a vehicle system characteristic or a charger characteristic. The controller may predict a state of charge of the energy storage device of the vehicle system before the vehicle system arrives at the one or more charging stations based at least in part on the vehicle system characteristic. The controller may assign the vehicle system to at least one of the one or more charging stations based at least in part on the state of charge of the energy storage device.

[0072] As used herein, the terms “processor” and “computer,” as well as related terms such as “processing device,” “computing device,” and “controller,” are not limited to integrated circuits referred to in the art as computers, but can refer to microcontrollers, microcomputers, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), field programmable gate arrays, and application-specific integrated circuits, as well as other programmable circuits. Suitable memory can include, for example, computer-readable media. Computer-readable media can be, for example, computer-readable non-volatile media such as random access memory (RAM), flash memory, etc. The term “non-transitory computer-readable media” refers to a tangible computer-based device implemented for short-term and long-term storage of information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules and sub-modules, or other data within another device. Accordingly, the methods described herein can be encoded as executable instructions embodied in a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium, including, without limitation, a storage device and / or memory device. Such instructions, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform at least a portion of the methods described herein. Accordingly, the term includes tangible computer-readable media, including without limitation non-transitory computer storage, including without limitation volatile and non-volatile media, firmware, physical and virtual storage devices, removable and non-removable media such as CD-ROMs, DVDs, and other digital sources, such as networks and the Internet.

[0073] As used herein, an element or step listed in the singular and preceded by the word "a" or "an" does not exclude a plural of that element or operation, unless such exclusion is expressly stated. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" of the present invention do not exclude the existence of additional embodiments that incorporate the recited features. Furthermore, unless expressly stated to the contrary, embodiments that "comprising," "comprises," "including," "includes," "having," or "has" an element or elements having a particular characteristic may include additional such elements that do not possess that characteristic. In the appended claims, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the plain-English equivalents of the terms "comprising" and "wherein," respectively. Furthermore, in the following claims, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are used merely as labels and do not impose numerical requirements on their objects. Moreover, the following claim limitations are not written in means-plus-function form and are not intended to be construed under 35 U.S.C. §112(f) unless and until such claim limitation expressly uses the phrase "means for" followed by a description of function devoid of further structure.

[0074] The above description is illustrative, not limiting. For example, the above-described embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) can be used in combination with each other. Additionally, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the inventive subject matter without departing from its scope. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein define the parameters of the inventive subject matter, they are exemplary embodiments. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the above description. The scope of the inventive subject matter should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

[0075] This specification uses examples to disclose some embodiments of the inventive subject matter, including the best mode, and to enable those skilled in the art to practice embodiments of the inventive subject matter, including making and using other devices or systems and performing the incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the inventive subject matter is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they contain equivalent structural elements that do not differ substantially from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A charging system, a controller configured to obtain one or more of a vehicle system characteristic or a charger characteristic, the vehicle system characteristic corresponding to one or more vehicle systems, the charger characteristic corresponding to one or more charging stations, each of the vehicle systems including an energy storage device; Equipped with 11. A charging system, wherein the controller is configured to control a supply of power from the one or more charging stations to the energy storage devices of the one or more vehicle systems based at least in part on one or more of the vehicle system characteristics or the charger characteristics.

2. 10. The charging system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to operate with one or more of a vehicle energy management system, a dispatch system, or a scheduling system to determine expected energy demands of the one or more vehicle systems required for operation, and the controller is configured to control the supply of the electrical power from the one or more charging stations to the energy storage devices of the one or more vehicle systems based at least in part on the expected energy demands of the one or more vehicles.

3. 10. The charging system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to determine a charging profile for one or more of the vehicle systems to charge one or more of the energy storage devices at the one or more charging stations based at least in part on one or more of the vehicle system characteristics or the charger characteristics.

4. 10. The charging system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to determine a schedule for one or more of the vehicle systems to charge one or more of the energy storage devices at the one or more charging stations based on one or more of the vehicle system characteristics or the charger characteristics.

5. 2. The charging system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to determine changes to a trip plan for one or more of the vehicle systems, the trip plan including operational settings of the one or more vehicle systems specified for one or more of different times, different locations, or different distances along one or more routes, and wherein the controller is configured to control the supply of the electrical power to one or more energy storage devices to charge the one or more energy storage devices at the one or more charging stations based at least in part on the changes to the trip plan.

6. 6. The charging system of claim 5, wherein the controller is configured to determine the changes to the trip plan based at least in part on one or more of a charge rate of one or more of the charging stations or the energy storage devices, or a discharge rate of one or more of the vehicle systems.

7. 10. The charging system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to control the supply of the electrical power from the one or more charging stations to the one or more energy storage devices based at least in part on one or more utilization or availability states of the one or more charging stations.

8. 10. The charging system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to control the supply of the power from the one or more charging stations to the one or more energy storage devices based at least in part on a power capacity of the one or more charging stations.

9. 10. The charging system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to allocate the supply of the power of one or more of the charging stations among two or more of the vehicle systems based at least in part on one or more of the vehicle system characteristics or the charger characteristics.

10. 10. The charging system of claim 9, wherein the controller is configured to allocate the supply of the electrical power among the two or more vehicle systems by preventing the energy storage device on board at least one of the vehicle systems from being charged to a fully charged state before the at least one of the vehicle systems leaves the one or more charging stations.

11. 11. The charging system of claim 10, wherein the controller is configured to prevent the energy storage device of the at least one vehicle system from being charged to the fully charged state by implementing a charge limit on the energy storage device of the at least one vehicle system.

12. 2. The charging system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to obtain energy storage characteristics of one or more of the energy storage devices including a charging profile of the energy storage devices, and wherein the controller is configured to predict one or more of a remaining useful life of the energy storage devices, a performance degradation of the energy storage devices, a failure of the energy storage devices, or a change in maximum state of charge of the energy storage devices based at least in part on the energy storage characteristics of the one or more energy storage devices.

13. 10. The charging system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to obtain one or more environmental characteristics and modify a charging profile by which one or more of the charging stations charge one or more of the energy storage devices of the one or more vehicle systems based at least in part on the one or more environmental characteristics.

14. 2. The charging system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to predict, based at least in part on the vehicle system characteristics, a state of charge of one or more of the energy storage devices of the one or more vehicle systems before the one or more vehicle systems arrive at the one or more charging stations.

15. 15. The charging system of claim 14, wherein the controller is configured to assign the one or more vehicle systems to one or more of the charging stations based at least in part on the state of charge of one or more of the energy storage devices.

16. 1. A method comprising: obtaining one or more of vehicle system characteristics or charger characteristics, the vehicle system characteristics corresponding to one or more vehicle systems and the charger characteristics corresponding to one or more charging stations, each of the vehicle systems including an energy storage device; controlling a supply of power from the one or more charging stations to the energy storage devices of the one or more vehicle systems based at least in part on one or more of the vehicle system characteristics or the charger characteristics; A method comprising:

17. determining a charging profile for the one or more vehicle systems to charge one or more of the energy storage devices at the one or more charging stations, the charging profile including a power capacity of one or more of the energy storage devices; controlling the delivery of power from the one or more charging stations to one or more of the energy storage devices based at least in part on the charging profile for one or more of the energy storage devices; 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

18. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising allocating the supply of the electrical power among two or more vehicle systems by preventing the energy storage device of at least one of the vehicle systems from being charged to a fully charged state before the at least one vehicle system leaves the one or more charging stations.

19. predicting a state of charge of one or more energy storage devices of the one or more vehicle systems before the one or more vehicle systems arrive at the one or more charging stations; assigning the one or more vehicle systems to one or more of the charging stations based at least in part on the state of charge of the one or more energy storage devices; 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

20. A vehicle charging system, comprising: one or more charging stations configured to provide power to an energy storage device of the vehicle system; a controller configured to control the delivery of the power from the one or more charging stations to the energy storage device of the vehicle system based at least in part on one or more of a vehicle system characteristic or a charger characteristic; Equipped with the controller is configured to predict a state of charge of the energy storage device of the vehicle system before the vehicle system arrives at the one or more charging stations based at least in part on the vehicle system characteristics; The vehicle charging system, wherein the controller is configured to assign the vehicle system to at least one of the one or more charging stations based at least in part on the state of charge of the energy storage device.

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