Vehicle Battery Charger Timing Display for Off-Peak Charging Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing power infrastructure is inadequate to meet the demand for widespread use of electric vehicles, as charging them would put additional strain on already peak-loaded power systems, necessitating innovative solutions to manage energy distribution efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle charger system that includes a controller and display, allowing users to manually control charging sessions by setting start and end times, adjusting charge rates, and monitoring power usage, thereby optimizing when and how much energy is drawn from the grid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If electric vehicles are charged during peak hours to meet immediate energy needs, then battery charging speed is improved, but strain on power infrastructure worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-charging batteries during off-peak hours when power demand is low. The controller schedules charging sessions to occur during periods of reduced grid load, thereby preparing the battery in advance without contributing to peak-hour infrastructure strain. This resolves the contradiction by decoupling immediate energy availability from peak-demand charging.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system implements periodic action by operating in cyclic charging sessions rather than continuous charging. The controller enables users to schedule charging at specific intervals and times, allowing the system to charge during off-peak periods and remain idle during peak periods. This periodic operation pattern reduces overall infrastructure strain while still meeting energy needs over time.
2Productivity
If charging rate is increased to reduce charging time, then productivity is improved, but energy consumption and grid strain worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dynamics by making the charging rate adjustable and adaptable rather than fixed. The controller allows users to select from multiple charging rate options and to modify charging parameters during operation. This dynamic control enables optimization of the balance between charging speed and energy consumption based on user needs and grid conditions, resolving the contradiction between productivity and energy use.
3Ease of operation
If users have full control over charging sessions, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by enabling users to independently control and manage their own charging sessions. The interface allows users to set charging parameters, schedule sessions, and monitor progress without requiring complex external control systems or specialized knowledge. This self-service approach simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining user control, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
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.