Dynamic EV Battery Charging Control System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle battery charging systems are inefficient and detrimental to battery longevity due to constant charging rates that do not account for the battery's charge level, thermal state, or external factors, and they fail to optimize cabin temperature, leading to energy wastage and reduced comfort.
Innovation Solution
A control system that integrates feedback processes to manage battery charging and thermal conditioning, allowing for variable charging rates based on user inputs, external factors, and preset drive times, while also controlling cabin temperature to optimize battery life and power output, and reduce energy costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If constant charge rate is applied to the battery, then charging speed is maintained, but battery longevity and power efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The charging rate is dynamically adjusted based on real-time monitoring of battery charge level, temperature, and predicted drive time. The system transitions from a static constant charge rate to a dynamic variable charge rate that adapts to changing battery conditions, optimizing both charging speed and battery longevity simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback control mechanism that continuously monitors battery state (charge level, temperature) and uses this information to adjust the charging rate. The control system receives feedback from sensors and modifies charging parameters accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that resolves the contradiction between charging speed and battery health.
2Loss of time
If battery is charged immediately upon plugging in, then charging time is reduced, but energy cost increases due to peak pricing
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary monitoring of battery state and external factors (including utility pricing signals) when the vehicle is plugged in, but delays the actual charging action until optimal conditions are met. By anticipating lower-cost charging periods and preparing the battery thermally in advance, the system achieves cost-effective charging without excessive delay.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the timing parameter of charging based on external pricing signals and battery state. Instead of a fixed immediate charging schedule, the charging start time is adjusted as a variable parameter based on utility rate structures, allowing the system to exploit off-peak pricing while meeting user drive time requirements.
3Device complexity
If battery temperature is not controlled, then system complexity is reduced, but battery efficiency and lifetime deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The battery thermal management function is merged with the charging control system. The same control unit that manages charging rate also manages thermal conditioning, combining multiple functions into a single integrated system. This reduces overall system complexity while ensuring battery temperature is properly controlled for longevity and efficiency.
4Use of energy by moving object
If cabin temperature is not pre-conditioned, then energy consumption is reduced, but user comfort deteriorates upon vehicle entry
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary thermal conditioning of the cabin during off-peak charging periods or using waste thermal energy from battery conditioning. By preparing the cabin temperature in advance while the vehicle is plugged in and electricity rates are lower, the system reduces the energy burden on the primary propulsion battery and improves user comfort without significant additional energy consumption.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and a control system for charging a battery in a plug-in hybrid or all-electric vehicle, thermally conditioning the battery, and/or thermally conditioning the passenger compartment of the plug-in hybrid or all-electric vehicle.