Autonomous Device Charging Mode Selection Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous devices with rechargeable energy storage units face challenges in efficiently managing charging modes to optimize battery life, minimize costs, and avoid parking fees, particularly in determining the most cost-effective charging options and scheduling charging sessions based on user-defined departure times or state of charge thresholds.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that employs a controller to assess local charging infrastructure and parking options, selecting between open-ended, defined departure, and idle charging modes based on cost-effectiveness and user-defined parameters, including derating charging currents and employing zero current when necessary, while continuously monitoring available charging stations and notifying users through a mobile application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If high charging current is applied to quickly charge the battery, then charging time is reduced, but battery life and reliability deteriorate due to increased lithium plating
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts charging current based on real-time conditions including state of charge, temperature, and time remaining before departure. The controller transitions between different charging modes (standard charging, fast charging, trickle charging) to optimize both charging speed and battery protection, resolving the contradiction between quick charging and battery longevity
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes charging parameters (current level, charging mode) based on the charging state and environmental conditions. By monitoring state of charge windows and temperature, the controller adjusts charging current to prevent lithium plating while minimizing charging time, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and reliability
2Duration of action of moving object
If the vehicle remains at the charging station for extended periods to ensure full charging, then charging completeness is improved, but parking fees and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of charging needs by evaluating state of charge, departure time, and required charge level before initiating charging. By calculating the minimum necessary charging duration and selecting appropriate charging modes, the system achieves sufficient charging without unnecessary extended停留, thus reducing parking fees while ensuring charging completeness
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous device independently monitors its own charging state and makes decisions about charging duration and mode without external intervention. The controller continuously evaluates whether charging objectives are met and terminates charging when sufficient, eliminating wasteful extended parking and associated fees
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple charging modes are available for selection, then adaptability and charging optimization are improved, but device complexity increases due to additional control logic
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system is segmented into distinct charging modes (standard charging mode, fast charging mode, trickle charging mode) with clearly defined operating conditions. Each mode has specific state of charge windows and temperature ranges where it is applicable, making the control logic more manageable and easier to implement while maintaining high adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
Different charging modes are applied to different local conditions (state of charge windows, temperature ranges, time constraints). The controller selects appropriate charging modes based on current operating conditions, providing localized optimization without requiring complex global control logic across all possible scenarios
4Loss of time
If derating charging current is applied to complete charging at predefined departure time, then charging schedule adherence is improved, but charging speed and power reduction occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts charging current to match the time remaining before departure. As departure approaches, the controller derates charging power to ensure charging completes exactly at the scheduled time. This dynamic adjustment optimizes the balance between charging speed and departure time adherence, applying full power only when sufficient time remains
Data Source
AI summary
A system of selecting charging modes for a rechargeable energy storage unit in an autonomous device includes a controller having a processor and tangible, non-transitory memory on which is recorded instructions. The controller is configured to determine availability of at least one charging station and at least one parking lot through a survey of local charging infrastructure and local parking infrastructure, respectively, within a predefined radius of the autonomous device. The controller is configured to determine if it is cost-effective during an excursion to incur a charging fee at the charging station or incur a parking fee at the parking lot. If it is cost-effective to incur the charging fee, then the controller is configured to selectively employ at least one of a plurality of charging modes, including an open-ended charging mode and a defined departure charging mode.