Electric Freight Energy Sharing for Range and Charging Bottlenecks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limitations of electric vehicles in freight transport due to their shorter range and longer recharging times compared to internal combustion engine vehicles, along with battery degradation, necessitate a more efficient management of energy flow and route optimization for electric assets in freight transportation systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that manage energy flow and freight transportation by receiving and analyzing mobile electric asset information and freight transport assignments, determining optimal route and charging assignments for electric assets, allowing for energy transfer between self-propelled and non-self-propelled assets, and optimizing routes for battery efficiency and longevity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If electric vehicles are used for freight transport, then environmental performance is improved through reduced CO2 emissions, but operational range is reduced and recharging time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new dimension to the transportation system by enabling direct electricity transfer between vehicles. This transforms the problem from a single-vehicle range limitation to a multi-vehicle energy sharing system, where energy can be transferred laterally between vehicles rather than only through stationary charging infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses magnetic coupling as an intermediary mechanism to enable wireless electricity transfer between vehicles. This intermediary allows energy transfer without physical contact or direct electrical connection, solving the range limitation by enabling mobile-to-mobile energy transfer.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If electric vehicles are used for freight transport, then environmental performance is improved through reduced CO2 emissions, but recharging time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous operation by allowing vehicles to transfer energy while in motion or during brief stops, rather than requiring lengthy stationary charging sessions. This maintains the useful action of transportation without interruption by enabling dynamic energy transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
Vehicles can accumulate and store energy in advance during periods of low demand or excess capacity, preparing energy reserves before they are needed. This preliminary energy accumulation reduces the need for time-consuming charging during critical operational periods.
3Duration of action of moving object
If battery capacity is increased to extend range, then operational range is improved, but battery degradation accelerates and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple vehicle battery systems into a shared energy pool, where vehicles can draw from and contribute to a collective energy reservoir. This distributes the stress and degradation across multiple batteries rather than overloading a single large battery, extending overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters such as discharge rates, charge acceptance, and energy transfer timing to optimize battery life. By adjusting these parameters in real-time based on vehicle conditions and energy needs, the system extends battery longevity while maintaining operational range.
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
This approach enhances the efficiency and longevity of electric vehicle battery packs, reduces maintenance and operational costs, and promotes the use of renewable energy sources, effectively addressing the limitations of electric vehicles in freight transport by treating energy flow as a dynamic dimension within the transportation ecosystem.
Implementation Method 1
The first mobile electric asset comprises a first battery pack configured to be electrically connected to the battery pack of the electric vehicle, and the second mobile electric asset comprises a second battery pack configured to be electrically connected to the first battery pack, wherein the arrangement is configured to transfer electricity from at least one of the mobile electric assets to the electric vehicle or from the electric vehicle to at least one of the mobile electric assets
Data Source
AI summary
According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of managing energy flow and freight transportation within a system. The system can include a plurality of mobile electric assets. The mobile electric assets can be self-propelled vehicles, non-self-propelled vehicles and non-vehicle electric assets. The management includes treating energy flow as a new dimension of a freight transportation system.