Vehicle Battery Charger Timing Control for Peak Grid Demand
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing power infrastructure is inadequate to meet the demand for widespread use of electric vehicles, as charging them would put additional strain on already peak-loaded power systems, necessitating innovative solutions to manage energy distribution efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle charger system that includes a controller and display, allowing users to manually or programmatically control the charging process based on time of day, optimizing the charging rate, start, stop, or threshold levels to align with energy availability and reduce peak demand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electric vehicles are charged during peak hours to meet user needs, then user convenience is improved, but strain on the power grid increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system performs preliminary actions by scheduling and executing battery charging during off-peak hours before the user needs the vehicle. The controller automatically manages charging timing, allowing the battery to be recharged overnight or during low-demand periods, thus avoiding peak-hour grid strain while ensuring the vehicle is ready for use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts charging rates and timing based on grid conditions and user needs. The controller can modify charging parameters in real-time, switching between standard and fast charging modes, and coordinating with utility companies to optimize when charging occurs based on current grid capacity and demand signals.
2Productivity
If charging rate is increased to reduce charging time, then productivity is improved, but energy consumption and grid demand increase
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system dynamically adjusts the charging rate based on real-time conditions including battery state of charge, grid availability, and user requirements. The controller can switch between different charging power levels, using high-power fast charging when time is critical and lower-power charging when time is abundant, thus optimizing the balance between charging speed and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters such as charging current, voltage, and power levels to optimize charging efficiency. By adjusting these parameters based on battery characteristics and grid conditions, the system achieves effective charging while managing energy consumption and avoiding excessive grid demand.
3Ease of operation
If fast charging is implemented to meet user demand, then ease of operation is improved, but infrastructure requirements and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system provides self-service capabilities through automated controller management. The controller independently monitors battery status, communicates with utility companies, schedules charging operations, and adjusts charging parameters without requiring complex user intervention or sophisticated infrastructure. This automation simplifies the user interface while managing the complexity internally.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the battery, power grid, and user interface. It manages all complex interactions including communication with utility companies, coordination of charging timing, and adjustment of charging parameters, thereby shielding users from infrastructure complexity while enabling convenient fast charging when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle battery charger and a vehicle battery charging system are described and illustrated, and can include a controller enabling a user to enter a time of day at which the vehicle battery charger or system begins and/or ends charging of the vehicle battery. The vehicle battery charger can be separate from the vehicle, can be at least partially integrated into the vehicle, can include a transmitter and/or a receiver capable of communication with a controller that is remote from the vehicle and vehicle charger, and can be controlled by a user or another party (e.g., a power utility) to control battery charging based upon a time of day, cost of power, or other factors.