Vehicle Battery Charger Scheduling for Peak Demand Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
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
1Use of energy by moving object
If electric vehicles are widely adopted and charged from external power sources, then vehicle energy needs are met, but community power systems experience unprecedented strain and cannot meet peak demands
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-charging vehicle batteries during off-peak hours when power demand is low and electricity rates are reduced. The controller stores energy in the vehicle battery during these periods, so that during peak demand periods, the vehicle can operate without drawing power from the strained community grid, thus preventing peak demand issues while still meeting vehicle energy needs
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic charging cycles that alternate between off-peak charging periods and peak avoidance periods. The controller monitors power demand patterns and schedules charging operations periodically during off-peak hours, then allows the vehicle to operate from stored energy during peak hours, creating a rhythmic charging pattern that prevents grid strain while maintaining vehicle functionality
2Productivity
If battery charging is performed during peak demand periods, then vehicle batteries are charged, but energy costs increase and grid strain is exacerbated
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the controller that monitors power demand levels and electricity rate information to dynamically adjust charging operations. When the controller detects peak demand periods or high rate periods, it automatically modifies or pauses charging activities, and resumes charging during off-peak periods when rates are reduced, thereby optimizing energy costs while still achieving necessary charging productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic charging rate adjustment based on real-time power demand conditions. The controller can vary the charging rate from high speeds during off-peak periods to reduced or zero charging during peak periods, creating a flexible, adaptive charging strategy that balances charging productivity needs against energy cost considerations
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.