EV Battery Reserve Control for Home Backup Power Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
During a prolonged power outage, the electrical loads of a structure can drain the battery of an electric vehicle connected to the structure's electrical system, limiting the vehicle's ability to drive or be charged elsewhere.
Innovation Solution
A control unit with a processor and computer-readable media stores instructions to determine reserve levels for a vehicle's battery, enabling it to supply power to external devices like homes when the battery reaches a reserve level, and disabling this function when the battery power falls below that level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the battery supplies power to external devices during a power outage, then the backup power capability is improved, but the vehicle's ability to reach a destination is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the battery power level parameter by establishing a reserve level threshold. When the battery power level drops to this threshold, the system automatically prevents further power discharge to external devices, thereby preserving minimum power needed for vehicle mobility while allowing power support during outages
2Reliability
If the battery reserve level is set high to ensure vehicle mobility, then the vehicle's ability to reach destination is improved, but the power support to external devices is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic control by continuously monitoring the battery power level and automatically adjusting power discharge status. The reserve level threshold enables flexible adaptation: when power is充足, the battery supports external devices; when power approaches the reserve level, discharge is automatically prevented, optimizing both power support and mobility assurance
3Use of energy by stationary object
If the battery supplies power to external devices, then the electrical loads are supported, but the battery may be drained below the level needed for driving
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-establishing a reserve power level threshold before power depletion occurs. This advance threshold setting ensures that the battery maintains sufficient power for vehicle mobility while allowing power discharge to support external electrical loads, preventing complete battery drainage
Data Source
AI summary
Various disclosed embodiments include illustrative control units, systems, and methods. In an illustrative embodiment, a control unit includes a processor and computer-readable media that stores computer-executable instructions. The instructions cause the processor to establish a reserve level for a battery of a first device. The reserve level provides sufficient electrical power to enable the device to achieve a function. The instructions further cause the processor to enable the battery to function as a power supply configured to provide electrical power for a second device external to the first device responsive to a power level of the battery exceeding the reserve level and to disable use of the battery as the power supply for the second device responsive to the power level of the battery being below the reserve level.