Battery-on-Wheels Charging for In-Motion EV Range Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current battery-powered entities, such as electric vehicles, drones, and boats, face limitations in range and charging time due to limited battery capacity and inefficient charging systems, with a lack of convenient and efficient methods for on-the-go charging, especially in scenarios where fixed charging stations are scarce or impractical.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for on-the-go charging using mobile charging stations (MoCS) and battery-on-wheels (BoW) units that can attach to or transfer charge between battery-operated entities while in motion, utilizing a cloud-based control system to manage charge distribution and optimize routing for charging operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If battery capacity is increased to extend range, then operating duration is improved, but vehicle weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is segmented into a fixed onboard battery and a removable external battery unit. The external battery can be detached and replaced independently, allowing the vehicle to extend its operating duration without permanently increasing its base weight. This segmentation enables flexible range extension while maintaining the vehicle's original weight characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery configuration is made dynamic through the ability to attach and detach external battery units as needed. Rather than a fixed battery size, the system can adaptively adjust its total battery capacity based on operational requirements, allowing the vehicle to optimize between weight and operating duration for different use cases.
2Ease of operation
If fixed charging stations are deployed to enable charging, then charging availability is improved, but infrastructure complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service charging through peer-to-peer energy transfer between vehicles. Vehicles with excess battery capacity can automatically or manually transfer charge to vehicles with lower capacity, eliminating the need for external charging infrastructure. This transforms the charging function from a station-based service to a vehicle-based self-service mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Vehicles serve multiple functions: they are both the consumers of energy and the providers of energy through the external battery interface. This multi-functionality allows any vehicle to act as a mobile charging station for others, universalizing the charging capability across the entire vehicle fleet without requiring specialized infrastructure.
3Productivity
If charging time is reduced for faster recharging, then productivity is improved, but energy loss and heat generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of charging at high power when needed (which causes energy loss and heat), the system performs preliminary charging during periods when excess energy is available. Vehicles charge external batteries in advance during off-peak times or when grid energy is cheaper and cleaner, then use this pre-charged energy during high-demand periods, avoiding the inefficiencies of fast charging.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging process is transformed from a continuous high-power operation to periodic charge-discharge cycles. External batteries are periodically recharged from the grid or other vehicles, then periodically discharged to extend range. This periodic action allows the system to manage thermal loads and energy efficiency by spreading charging operations over time rather than concentrating them.
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
Enables efficient and dynamic charging of battery-powered entities while in motion, reducing the need for fixed charging stations and improving range and convenience by leveraging peer-to-peer charging and optimized routing, thereby addressing the limitations of existing charging systems.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic or electromagnetic latch
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, systems, and methods described herein relate generally to autonomous mobile units carrying a modular configurable battery system that may attach and power mobile units in transportation systems. A method can include determining charge levels, current positions, and transport speeds for an electric vehicle (EV), identifying one or more EVs in need of charging, and mobilizing a Mobile Charging Station (MoCS) to deliver one or more external batteries. A processor, with a memory including computer program code, can be configured to receive current charge level data for mobile battery-powered entities, identify one or more EVs to be charged and the proximity of both MoCS and physical battery stations, and send charging instructions to the EVs. A routing and charge transaction scheduling algorithm can be used to optimize the route of one or more battery-powered entities and to schedule charge transactions between the EV and MoCS and/or the battery station.