Autonomous EV Charging Vehicle for On-Road Rescue Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric Vehicles (EVs) face delays and inconveniences when they run out of battery power and are unable to reach a charging station, leading to safety risks and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
An Autonomous Charging Vehicle (ACV) is deployed to provide a temporary charge to EVs, allowing them to reach the nearest charging station by calculating the necessary charge based on battery degradation, performance data, weather, and load weight, and using V2V communication to coordinate the charging process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tow truck is dispatched to tow the EV to a charging station, then the EV can reach a charging station, but significant delays occur due to tow truck availability and towing time
Solution Approach 1:
A mobile charging vehicle is introduced as an intermediary between the EV and the charging station. Instead of towing the EV to the charging station, the mobile charging vehicle travels to the EV's location and provides on-site charging, eliminating the need for physical towing and significantly reducing the time required to restore the EV's operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The EV receives charging service directly at its location through the mobile charging vehicle, allowing the EV to recharge in place rather than being transported to a fixed charging station. This self-service approach at the roadside eliminates towing delays and allows the EV to resume operation with minimal interruption to its journey.
2Reliability
If the EV waits for a tow truck to arrive and tow it to a charging station, then the EV can be recharged, but EV occupants experience inconvenience and hardship due to depleted battery power
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile charging vehicle serves as a mediator that brings charging capability directly to the EV occupants' location. This eliminates the inconvenience of waiting for a tow truck and being transported to a charging station, as the charging service comes to them at their current location, maintaining their ability to continue their journey with minimal disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile charging vehicle is dispatched preemptively to the EV's location before the EV completely depletes its battery. This preliminary action ensures that the EV is recharged at the optimal moment, preventing the hardship of being stranded and allowing occupants to continue their journey without significant delays or inconvenience.
3Reliability
If the EV waits for a tow truck in extreme weather conditions, then the EV can be towed to a charging station, but safety risks increase for drivers and passengers
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile charging vehicle acts as a mediator that provides charging service in a controlled environment, potentially within or near the EV, rather than requiring occupants to wait exposed to extreme weather conditions. This reduces the harmful effects of extreme weather on occupants while still achieving the goal of restoring the EV's charging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile charging vehicle is dispatched immediately upon detecting the EV's low battery status, providing preliminary charging action before the EV is completely depleted. This urgent response minimizes the time occupants must wait in extreme weather conditions, thereby reducing safety risks while ensuring the EV reaches the charging station safely afterward.
4Reliability
If conventional towing methods are used, then the EV can be transported to a charging station, but the process is inefficient and causes significant delays
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile charging vehicle introduces a new intermediary approach that eliminates the inefficient towing process. Instead of transporting the EV to a charging station, the mobile charging vehicle provides charging services at the EV's location, significantly improving the productivity and efficiency of the charging process while ensuring the EV can reach the charging station with restored battery power.
Solution Approach 2:
The EV receives charging service at its current location through the mobile charging vehicle, allowing it to recharge without being towed. This self-service charging approach eliminates the time-consuming towing process and improves the overall efficiency of getting the EV back to operational status and to the charging station.
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 ACV system enables EVs to continue operating safely and efficiently by providing a sufficient charge to reach a charging station, reducing delays and inconveniences for EV occupants and minimizing the risks associated with extreme weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The ACV may use a magnet system to connect behind the EV and supply charge
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for charging an electric vehicle (EV) are described herein. An EV may require additional battery power to reach a charging station. A remote server in communication with the EV or an on-board computer or mobile device in the EV may obtain data to determine a location for the EV to meet a charging vehicle. The charging vehicle may be dispatched to meet the EV and deliver power to it, enabling the EV to reach a charging station or other destination. In some examples, the charging vehicle may deliver power to the EV while both vehicles are stationary. In other examples, the charging vehicle may couple to the EV while both vehicles are in motion.