In-Vehicle Charge Time Display for Off-Peak EV Charging Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing power infrastructure is unable to meet the demand for widespread use of electric vehicles due to peak power demands, leading to strain on community power systems, necessitating innovative solutions for efficient energy distribution and utilization during charging sessions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle charger system that includes a controller and display for user input to manage charging sessions by adjusting the power supply based on time of day, allowing for increased, decreased, or stopped charging, and featuring communication with a remote controller for coordinated power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If electric vehicles are widely deployed to reduce petroleum dependence, then energy efficiency and environmental sustainability are improved, but peak power demand on community infrastructure increases beyond capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system performs preliminary actions by scheduling and executing battery charging during off-peak hours when power demand is low. The controller stores charging parameters and automatically initiates charging sessions during predetermined time periods, thereby avoiding peak power demand periods and distributing load across the power infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts charging operations based on real-time power demand conditions, battery state of charge, and user-defined parameters. The controller can modify charging rate, duration, and scheduling to optimize power utilization and prevent infrastructure overload while maintaining vehicle operational readiness.
2Reliability
If battery charging is performed continuously at high rate to ensure vehicle availability, then vehicle readiness is improved, but strain on power infrastructure and energy costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system implements periodic charging actions by scheduling multiple charging sessions throughout the day or night rather than continuous high-rate charging. The controller divides total required charge into periodic intervals, allowing the battery to be recharged in stages during off-peak hours while maintaining vehicle availability for use during peak hours.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service functionality by automatically monitoring battery charge levels, comparing against user-defined thresholds, and initiating charging sessions without user intervention. The controller manages the entire charging process including connecting to power sources, regulating charge rate, and stopping when targets are reached, thereby optimizing energy cost while ensuring vehicle readiness.
3Ease of operation
If multiple appliances and devices are operated simultaneously during peak hours, then household functionality is improved, but power infrastructure strain increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system performs preliminary charging actions during off-peak hours before peak demand periods occur. By replenishing battery charge during nighttime or low-demand periods, the system prepares the vehicle for use during peak hours without requiring simultaneous high-power operation, thereby reducing overall peak infrastructure strain while maintaining household functionality.
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.