EV Battery Power Management With Fuel Cell Backup Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric and hybrid vehicles face limitations in range and usability due to the need for frequent recharging, especially when charging infrastructure is unavailable or power grids fail, lacking effective means for managing, monitoring, and recharging batteries under adverse conditions.
Innovation Solution
A battery power management system utilizing a central processing computer, distributed ledger, and Blockchain technology, integrated with vehicle computers, navigation systems, and electric road charging infrastructure, enabling real-time monitoring and recharging via various methods, including inductive and plug-in charging, and utilizing RFID tags for identification and communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If batteries are used to power electric and hybrid vehicles, then clean and cheap transportation is provided, but limited energy storage capabilities result in limited traveling ranges and frequent recharging needs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring battery charge levels and proactively identifying recharging opportunities along the vehicle's route. The power management apparatus plans recharging stops in advance by analyzing map data, location information, and battery state, allowing the vehicle to maintain operation without waiting for complete battery depletion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary power management apparatus that acts as a mediator between the battery system and external recharging infrastructure. This apparatus includes a controller that processes battery state data, communicates with external systems, and coordinates recharging operations, effectively bridging the gap between limited battery capacity and continuous vehicle operation needs.
2Ease of operation
If recharging stations are made available, then batteries can be recharged regularly, but access is unavailable when recharging stations are not available or power grid fails
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies beforehand cushioning by maintaining a buffer of charge and identifying multiple potential recharging locations along the route in advance. The power management apparatus monitors battery state continuously and has pre-planned recharging stops, providing a cushion against unexpected power grid failures or recharging station unavailability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by dynamically adjusting recharging strategies based on real-time battery state, location data, and external conditions. The controller modifies recharging parameters such as charge rate, timing, and location selection to adapt to changing conditions, ensuring reliable operation even when standard recharging infrastructure is unavailable.
3Reliability
If a comprehensive power management system is implemented, then battery monitoring and recharging coordination are improved, but system complexity increases with multiple components including central processing computer, distributed ledger, and vehicle computers
Solution Approach 1:
The power management system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a central processing computer for high-level coordination, distributed ledger for secure data management, vehicle computers for local control, and battery management units for monitoring. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, improving reliability through modular design while managing complexity through clear functional boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing the power management apparatus to perform multiple functions across different levels: the central processing computer handles route planning and coordination, the distributed ledger manages secure communication and data integrity, vehicle computers execute local control functions, and the system collectively provides monitoring, planning, and coordination. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized systems.
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
Ensures uninterrupted vehicle operation by providing access to recharging facilities based on vehicle location and charge state, facilitating seamless battery management and recharging across diverse environments.
Implementation Method 1
inductive and plug-in charging
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, including a vehicle computer located at a vehicle, wherein the vehicle is an electric or hybrid vehicle; a vehicle battery located at the vehicle; a vehicle fuel cell located at the vehicle; a vehicle electric drive motor, wherein the vehicle battery provides a first electrical power source to operate the vehicle electric drive motor; battery recharging equipment located at the vehicle, wherein the battery recharging equipment comprises a plug-in recharging system, an electric road inductive charging system or an inductive charging coil, or an electric road electrified contact charging system or a deployable conductor; and wherein the vehicle fuel cell provides a second electrical power source to recharge the vehicle battery or provides a third electrical power source to operate the vehicle electric drive motor. The vehicle computer activates or controls an operation of the vehicle fuel cell to recharge the vehicle battery.