Vehicle Battery Charger Scheduling for Off-Peak Power Demand
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing power infrastructure is incapable of meeting the demand for widespread use of rechargeable electric vehicles, leading to strain on community power systems and potential peak demand issues.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle charger system that includes a controller, a display, and user-manipulatable controls, allowing users to schedule charging sessions based on time of day, thereby optimizing power usage and reducing peak demand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electric vehicles are charged during peak hours to meet user needs, then user convenience is improved, but power infrastructure strain increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system implements periodic action by scheduling charging operations during off-peak hours when power demand is lower. The controller monitors power demand conditions and automatically initiates charging during periods when the power infrastructure is less strained, thereby reducing peak demand while still meeting user needs through advance charging scheduling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary action by pre-scheduling charging sessions before peak demand periods. Users can set desired charging completion times, and the controller plans charging sessions to complete before peak hours arrive, ensuring vehicles are ready for use without drawing excessive power during peak infrastructure strain periods.
2Productivity
If charging rate is increased to reduce charging time, then productivity is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system employs dynamics by continuously adjusting the charging rate based on real-time conditions. The controller monitors battery charge levels, power availability, and time constraints to dynamically modify charging current, optimizing the balance between charging speed and energy consumption. This allows the system to charge as fast as possible without unnecessary energy waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies parameter changes by modifying charging parameters (current, voltage, power level) based on detected conditions. The controller adjusts these parameters to achieve optimal charging efficiency, reducing energy consumption while maintaining acceptable charging speeds by adapting to the specific state of the battery and power source.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple vehicles are charged simultaneously to meet fleet needs, then quantity of service is improved, but power demand increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system implements segmentation by dividing the charging of multiple vehicles into separate time segments or sessions. Instead of charging all vehicles simultaneously during peak demand, the controller schedules charging sessions for different vehicles at different times, particularly utilizing off-peak hours for multiple vehicles, thereby reducing total power demand while still servicing the entire fleet.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuity of useful action by ensuring that charging operations for multiple vehicles occur continuously over extended periods rather than being concentrated in a single peak window. By spreading charging sessions across off-peak and peak periods, the system continuously services the fleet while avoiding the power demand surge that would result from simultaneous charging.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle battery charger and a vehicle battery charging system are described and illustrated, and can include a controller enabling a user to enter a time of day at which the vehicle battery charger or system begins and/or ends charging of the vehicle battery. The vehicle battery charger can be separate from the vehicle, can be at least partially integrated into the vehicle, can include a transmitter and/or a receiver capable of communication with a controller that is remote from the vehicle and vehicle charger, and can be controlled by a user or another party (e.g., a power utility) to control battery charging based upon a time of day, cost of power, or other factors.