EV Charging Station Selection with Occupancy-Based Speed Labels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of electric vehicles face challenges in finding charging stations with available slots and optimal charging speeds due to lack of real-time occupancy status information, which affects their decision-making and experience.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that determines the current location and state of charge of an electric vehicle, identifies nearby charging entities, determines occupancy statuses, estimates charging speeds, and presents a charging station map interface to help users select the best charging option based on occupancy status, allowing for informed decisions before arrival.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If users search for charging stations without real-time occupancy information, then they can find charging entities, but they cannot make informed decisions about wait times and charging speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by determining occupancy statuses and estimating charging speeds before the user arrives at the charging entity. This allows users to make informed decisions in advance about which charging station to select, reducing unnecessary travel time and wait time upon arrival.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the charging entity information into multiple components including occupancy status, charging speed estimates, and availability information. This segmentation allows users to evaluate different charging stations based on specific criteria and make better-informed decisions.
2Ease of operation
If users arrive at charging stations without advance information, then they can access charging services, but they experience longer wait times due to occupied charging slots
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback to users about occupancy statuses and charging speed estimates before they arrive at the charging entity. This feedback loop enables users to adjust their charging station selection based on real-time or near-real-time conditions, optimizing their charging experience and minimizing wait times.
3Loss of information
If the system provides detailed occupancy and speed information, then users can make informed decisions, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs multiple functions using a unified approach: it determines occupancy status, estimates charging speeds, and presents this information to users through a single integrated process. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate systems for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for selecting a charging entity based on occupancy status are provided. In one embodiment, a method includes determining a current geo-location and state of charge of a requesting vehicle. A plurality of charging entities that are within a remaining distance of the requesting vehicle are identified. Occupancy statuses for one or more charging entities of the plurality of charging entities are determined. The method also includes estimating charging speeds for the one or more charging entities based on the occupancy statuses. A charging station map user interface that pin points the current geo-location of the requesting vehicle and the one or more charging entities is presented. The one or more charging entities are presented with labels based on the charging speeds. The method further includes reserving a charging station of a selected charging entity of the plurality of charging entities by selecting a label.