Electric Vehicle Battery Charge Discharge Control via Price Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for electric vehicles due to fossil fuel exhaustion requires more efficient energy management systems, particularly in a smart grid society with variable electricity pricing, to optimize charging and discharging of electric vehicle batteries for economic use.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for controlling electric vehicle charge and discharge based on electricity prices, allowing users to input charge and discharge reference prices, with a central server transmitting time-based electricity price information, enabling the system to charge when prices are low and discharge when prices are high, using a charge unit and charge/discharge unit that transform current types as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electric vehicle battery is charged continuously regardless of electricity price, then battery availability is improved, but energy cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time electricity price signals. The control unit monitors electricity prices and automatically modifies charging behavior, transitioning from static continuous charging to dynamic price-responsive charging, thereby resolving the contradiction between battery availability and energy cost
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring electricity price information and using this feedback to regulate charging operations. The control unit receives price signals, processes them, and adjusts charging accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that optimizes both reliability and cost efficiency
2Use of energy by moving object
If electric vehicle battery is charged only when electricity price is low, then energy cost is reduced, but battery availability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary charging actions during low-price periods in anticipation of future high-price periods. By charging in advance when electricity is cheap, the system ensures battery availability is maintained while minimizing energy costs, effectively preparing the battery for subsequent operational needs
Solution Approach 2:
The charging strategy dynamically adapts to both electricity price conditions and predicted vehicle usage requirements. The control unit adjusts charging intensity and timing based on real-time prices and anticipated demand, ensuring battery availability is met while optimizing cost efficiency
3Use of energy by moving object
If electric vehicle battery is used as energy supply source during high electricity price periods, then economic benefit is improved, but battery charge level decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes operational parameters by switching between charging and discharging modes based on electricity price thresholds. When prices exceed a predetermined threshold, the system transitions from charging to discharging mode, optimizing economic benefit while managing battery charge levels through parameter adjustment
4Use of energy by moving object
If variable pricing system is implemented, then economic efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit autonomously manages the complex task of monitoring electricity prices, comparing them against predetermined thresholds, and executing appropriate charging or discharging operations. This self-service capability handles system complexity internally while presenting a simple interface to the user, thereby maintaining economic efficiency without requiring complex user intervention
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a technique using an electric vehicle. The technique enables a user to set the operation plan of the electric vehicle and the price of electricity used to charge/discharge an electric vehicle battery. The electric vehicle battery is charged, or the electric energy charged in the electric vehicle battery is collected, according to the set information. Accordingly, it is possible to charge the electric vehicle battery at the price approved by the user under variable pricing of electric energy. When the price of electricity increases or there is no operation plan of the electric vehicle, the electric energy stored in the battery is collected to operate electric devices or resell the stored electric energy to an electric power company, thereby obtaining economic benefit. As the spread of electric vehicles are extended, it can be expected to save a considerable amount of electric energy throughout the whole society.