Dynamic EV Charging System for Battery Life and Speed Trade-off

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electric vehicles face limitations in range and charging time, and existing charging systems lack standardization, leading to inefficiencies in battery life and charging compatibility.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising an energy exchange station, data processing device, and configuration device that enables optimized energy transfer and data communication, allowing for real-time adjustments based on vehicle and energy source parameters, and includes features like API integration for fleet management and user-specific settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If charging speed is increased to reduce charging time, then productivity is improved, but battery life and reliability deteriorate due to stress on battery cells

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging speedVSAvoidbattery life
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The energy exchange station dynamically adjusts charging parameters based on real-time battery state assessment. The system transitions from static charging rates to dynamic adjustment, modifying current and voltage based on battery temperature, charge level, and cell conditions to optimize both charging speed and battery longevity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes multiple charging parameters simultaneously including current, voltage, temperature control, and charge distribution across cells. By coordinating these parameter changes, the system achieves fast charging while maintaining battery health through controlled stress conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If charging stations are customized for specific battery types to improve reliability, then adaptability deteriorates due to lack of standardization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging compatibilityVSAvoidbattery type compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The energy exchange station is designed as a universal platform that can handle multiple battery types and vehicle models. Through standardized interfaces and automated battery identification systems, the station provides reliable charging across different battery chemistries and configurations without requiring custom hardware for each battery type

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary layer between the charging infrastructure and diverse battery types. This intermediary includes battery management systems and communication protocols that translate between different battery specifications and the standardized charging interface, enabling both reliability and adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Duration of action of moving object

If battery capacity is increased to extend radius of action, then energy storage is improved, but charging time increases and productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradius of actionVSAvoidcharging time
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary assessment of battery state and pre-configures optimal charging parameters before charging begins. By pre-planning the charging strategy based on desired radius of action and current battery state, the system minimizes actual charging time while achieving the required energy transfer

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The energy exchange system enables continuous or near-continuous charging operations through rapid connector engagement and optimized charge acceptance. The system maintains continuous energy transfer by coordinating vehicle arrival, connection, charging initiation, and disconnection to minimize idle time and maximize productive charging duration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple ports and communication interfaces are added to support various vehicles, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle compatibilityVSAvoidsystem architecture
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The energy exchange station employs universal ports and communication interfaces that can accommodate multiple vehicle types through standardized connections. Rather than providing dedicated ports for each vehicle type, the system uses multi-functional interfaces with automated detection and configuration capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service through automated vehicle identification, battery type detection, and parameter configuration. When a vehicle connects, the system automatically identifies the vehicle and battery characteristics and configures appropriate charging parameters without requiring complex manual setup or multiple pre-configured interfaces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 enhances energy exchange efficiency, optimizes battery life, and ensures compatibility with various vehicles and energy sources, improving charging speed and reliability while promoting sustainable energy use.

Implementation Method 1

A port of the energy exchange station for exchanging energy with an energy source may comprise any kind of coupling that allows transfer of (electric) energy, such as a conductive coupler like a connector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConductive coupling: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

a magnetic coupler or the like. The at least one port for exchanging energy with a vehicle may be an electric connection formed by (power) cables or for example a magnetic connection for inductive power transfer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 3

The at least one port for data communication with the vehicle may be a connection for a communication line, a wireless data exchange means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical signal transmission: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 4

or even an unidirectional communication means such as an RFID or barcode or magnetic code reader

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2546094B1System, device and method for exchanging energy with an electric vehicle
Publication Date: 2020.04.08 ABB BV
  • EP2546094B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP2546094B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP2546094B1 patent drawingFigure 1c

AI summary

The invention relates to a system for exchanging energy with an electric vehicle, in particular with a battery thereof, comprising, at least one energy exchange station, comprising, at least one port for exchanging energy with an energy source, at least one port for exchanging energy with a vehicle, at least one port for data communication with the vehicle, at least one port for data communication with a data processing device, a data processing device, comprising, at least one port for data communication with the energy exchange station, at least one port for data communication with at least one configuration device, at least one configuration device, comprising, at least one port for exchanging data with the data processing device; and means, such as a user interface, for editing configuration details. The invention further relates to a method and devices for exchanging energy with an electric vehicle.