Electric Energy Storage Charging Control Visualization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for controlling the charging process of electrical energy storage devices, such as vehicle batteries, lack user-friendly and intuitive visualization and control options, particularly in managing energy storage and cost optimization during charging.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that visually represent the time course of multiple charging processes, allowing users to select or modify the charging process based on user input, with graphical representation and highlighting of selected options, and incorporating cost calculations for electricity prices to optimize charging decisions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the charging process is controlled based on user specifications, then the service life and cost-effectiveness of the energy storage device are improved, but the complexity of the control system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice life of energy storage deviceVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system automatically determines charging parameters based on user specifications without requiring manual intervention. The system self-adjusts charging current, voltage, and timing based on the energy storage device's state and the user's requirements, reducing control complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors the state of charge and adjusts the charging process in real-time based on feedback from sensors. This closed-loop control ensures optimal charging parameters are maintained throughout the process, extending service life while keeping the control system manageable through automated adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple charging process options are provided, then the adaptability and user choice are improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to decision complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging process optionsVSAvoiduser operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-calculates multiple charging scenarios and presents them to the user before charging begins. Users can review different charging options with their respective advantages and disadvantages, then make an informed selection without facing complex decisions during the actual charging process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

If the user does not make a selection within a predetermined time period, the system automatically selects an appropriate charging process based on the energy storage device's state and current conditions. This default automatic selection eliminates the burden of decision-making while still providing adaptive charging options.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If the charging process is optimized for cost and time, then the productivity and cost-effectiveness are improved, but the reliability may worsen due to aggressive charging parameters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging speed and cost-effectivenessVSAvoidenergy storage device durability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies higher charging currents only during specific phases when the energy storage device can tolerate them, and uses lower currents during phases where they would cause damage. This partial application of aggressive charging parameters achieves faster overall charging while maintaining reliability by avoiding excessive stress during critical phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The charging process alternates between high-current and low-current phases, or between constant current and constant voltage modes, to balance speed and safety. This periodic variation in charging intensity maintains productivity while preventing thermal runaway and other reliability issues associated with continuously aggressive charging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP2834098B1Method and system for control of charging process of an electric energy storage, particularly in a vehicle
Publication Date: 2021.06.02 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP2834098B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method and a system for controlling the charging process of an electrical energy accumulator (2). In the method according to the invention, the charge state of the electrical energy accumulator (2) is detected, a specification associated with a parameter of the charging process is detected, and a charging process which satisfies the detected specification is selected from a plurality of possible charging processes. The method according to the invention is characterized in that the variation in time (20-22) of at least two possible charging processes, from which at least one was selected and/or satisfies the detected specification, is visually displayed.