Autonomous EV Fleet Dispatch for On-Demand Backup Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current backup power systems are costly, have limited capacity, and are difficult to deploy and maintain, making them inaccessible to many individuals during power outages, especially in areas prone to wildfires or extreme weather.

Innovation Solution

A fleet of battery-powered autonomous electric vehicles (AEVs) is deployed on-demand to provide power to users, managed by a fleet management system that selects AEVs based on location, battery level, and power demand, ensuring continuous power supply during outages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If diesel generators are used for backup power, then power supply capability is provided, but cost and environmental harm increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackup power supplyVSAvoidpollution and noise

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical combustion system of diesel generators with an electrical energy storage system. Electric vehicles equipped with batteries provide backup power through electrical discharge rather than mechanical combustion, eliminating exhaust emissions and reducing noise pollution while maintaining reliable power supply capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the energy source parameter from chemical fuel (diesel) to electrical energy stored in batteries. This parameter change transforms the backup power system from a combustion-based mechanical system to an electrochemical energy storage system, fundamentally altering the harmful factors generated while preserving the power supply function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If battery storage systems are installed for backup power, then power supply reliability improves, but upfront investment cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackup power supplyVSAvoidupfront investment cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes electric vehicles serve dual functions: primary transportation and secondary backup power supply. The same battery-powered vehicle that provides mobility also serves as a mobile energy storage unit for backup power, eliminating the need for separate dedicated battery storage installations and reducing overall investment costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the existing battery infrastructure of electric vehicles for backup power purposes. Instead of requiring new dedicated battery storage systems, the system leverages the self-contained energy storage already present in EVs, turning an existing asset into a dual-purpose resource and avoiding additional upfront investment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Quantity of substance

If fixed battery storage systems are deployed, then power capacity is provided, but adaptability and mobility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy storage capacityVSAvoiddeployment flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static, fixed nature of traditional battery storage systems into a dynamic, mobile configuration. Electric vehicles with batteries can be dispatched to any location requiring backup power, allowing the energy storage capacity to move and adapt to different geographical needs rather than being confined to fixed installation sites.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the backup power system into multiple independent mobile units (individual electric vehicles) rather than a single large fixed installation. This segmentation allows flexible deployment where multiple smaller capacity units can be distributed across different locations, each providing localized backup power independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The AEV fleet provides reliable, on-demand power without the need for advanced planning or infrastructure investments, addressing the limitations of existing backup power systems and ensuring minimal disruption during power outages.

Implementation Method 1

a battery and a power system, the power system configured to distribute energy from the battery

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentUS12332657B2Centrally dispatched power supply using autonomous electric vehicle fleet

Publication Date: 2025.06.17 GM CRUISE HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

A fleet management system dispatches autonomous electric vehicles (AEVs) as on-demand power sources. The fleet management system receives a request for a power source including a location and data describing the amount of power requested. The fleet management system selects an AEV of the fleet to service the request based on the relative locations of the AEVs to the requested location, and based on the amount of power requested. The fleet management system instructs the selected AEV to drive to the location and supply power. The fleet management system instructs the selected AEV to disconnect and return to the charging station, and may instruct another AEV to continue fulfilling the request if additional power is needed.