Dynamic Charging Lane Control for Inductive Roadway Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing inductive charging systems for electric vehicles on roadways are inefficient due to wasted energy when lanes are unused and variable energy demands are not effectively managed, leading to suboptimal charging and potential power loss.

Innovation Solution

A variable lane charging system that dynamically adjusts the number of active charging lanes and power allocation based on real-time data from vehicles, weather, and traffic conditions, using a charging management system to optimize energy distribution and routing of vehicles for maximum charging efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If inductive charging systems are embedded in roadways to charge electric vehicles, then electric vehicles can be charged while traveling, but energy is wasted when lanes are unused and variable energy demands cannot be effectively managed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging efficiencyVSAvoidenergy waste
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic lane activation where charging lanes can be switched between active and inactive states based on real-time demand. The system controller receives vehicle presence detection signals and dynamically activates only the necessary charging lanes, preventing energy waste in unused lanes while ensuring charging availability when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by adjusting power allocation to different lanes based on demand. When vehicle presence is detected, the controller modifies power distribution parameters to activate specific lanes and adjust their power levels, optimizing energy usage according to actual charging requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple charging lanes are activated to meet variable energy demands, then more vehicles can be charged simultaneously, but energy is wasted when full capacity is not needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedemand responsivenessVSAvoidexcess energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts power allocation parameters to each lane based on detected vehicle presence and charging demand. The controller modifies power levels in real-time, activating only the number of lanes and power levels necessary to meet current demand, thereby maintaining adaptability while preventing excess energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where vehicle presence detection signals trigger controller responses. The controller continuously monitors lane usage and adjusts power allocation based on this feedback, ensuring that energy is allocated efficiently to match actual demand while maintaining the capability to respond to variable conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If a fixed number of charging lanes are maintained active, then charging availability is ensured, but system complexity increases and energy efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging availabilityVSAvoidsystem control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses dynamic lane activation controlled by a central controller that receives vehicle presence signals and automatically adjusts which lanes are active. This dynamic approach maintains charging availability when needed while reducing the number of actively managed lanes during low-demand periods, thereby reducing system complexity without sacrificing reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system optimizes energy use by activating or deactivating lanes and adjusting power levels according to demand, reducing waste and ensuring electric vehicles receive the necessary charge efficiently, while also encouraging vehicles to route for optimal charging opportunities.

Implementation Method 1

inductive charging systems may be imbedded in the ground (e.g., concrete or asphalt) below a parking spot in a garage or parking lot. Electricity flowing through the inductive charging system may inductively charge a battery in the electric vehicle.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3494005B1Vehicle charging lanes
Publication Date: 2023.08.30 HERE GLOBAL BV
  • EP3494005B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3494005B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3494005B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Embodiments include apparatus and methods for implementing lane charging for a roadway. A road segment in a geographic region is identified from a geographic database. The road segment may be identified based on the geographic position of a vehicle. A lane charging management device receives real time data related to the vehicle, the environment, or the electricity associated with the charging station. A lane charging command for a charging device associated with the road segment is generated in response to the real time data.