Flexible EV Charger Reservations for Grid Event Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle charging systems lack flexibility in managing reservations, leading to inefficiencies in grid load management and increased costs for charging entities due to fixed charging schedules, which can result in stress on the electrical infrastructure and suboptimal business models.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that provides users with a flexible charger option associated with a compensation offer, allowing charging entities to alter initial reservations to revised reservations in response to grid events, thereby optimizing charging times and locations to reduce costs and manage demand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed charging schedules are implemented, then reservation reliability is improved, but grid load management flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static fixed charging schedules to dynamic flexible charging schedules that can be adjusted in real-time based on grid conditions. Users can modify their charging reservations according to grid load requirements, allowing the system to adapt charging times dynamically while maintaining reliable service through the reservation framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the time parameter of charging reservations from fixed to flexible values. By allowing users to adjust charging times within acceptable ranges and providing compensation for flexibility, the system optimizes grid load distribution while maintaining service reliability through modified reservation parameters.
2Ease of operation
If fixed charging schedules are used, then operational simplicity is improved, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic scheduling that automatically adjusts charging operations based on real-time grid conditions and pricing signals. This reduces operational costs by shifting charging loads to optimal times while maintaining user convenience through automated adjustments and compensation mechanisms, eliminating the need for complex manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention incorporates feedback loops where users receive notifications about grid conditions, cost implications, and compensation offers for flexible scheduling. This feedback mechanism guides users to make cost-effective scheduling decisions while keeping the system simple to operate through automated recommendations and user-friendly interfaces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If charging schedules are made flexible, then grid load management is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary scheduling layer between users and the grid infrastructure. This intermediary handles the complexity of flexible scheduling, grid condition monitoring, and compensation calculations, while presenting simplified interfaces to users and standard protocols to the grid, thereby managing complexity without sacrificing flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention manages system complexity by standardizing the parameters of flexibility (e.g., acceptable time windows, compensation levels) rather than allowing unlimited customization. This structured approach to parameter changes enables grid load management flexibility while keeping the system architecture manageable through defined parameter ranges and rules.
4Reliability
If rigid reservation systems are implemented, then reservation certainty is improved, but user satisfaction deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms rigid reservations into dynamic flexible reservations that adapt to changing user needs and grid conditions. Users maintain reservation certainty through guaranteed charging windows and compensation assurances, while gaining satisfaction from the ability to adjust schedules when circumstances change, creating a responsive and user-friendly system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes reservation parameters from fixed values to flexible ranges with defined boundaries and compensation structures. This allows users to maintain certainty about their charging needs being met while enjoying the flexibility to adjust specific timing parameters, thereby improving user satisfaction without sacrificing reservation reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for flexible charger reservations are provided. In one embodiment, a method includes providing, from a charging entity, a user a flexible charger option for charging an electric vehicle at a first place at a first time. The flexible charger option is associated with a flexible charger compensation offer including a user benefit. The method includes generating an initial reservation for the user at the first place and the first time. The initial reservation is associated with a first cost for the charging entity. The method includes providing the user with the user benefit in response to the user selecting the flexible charger option. The method includes detecting a grid event that changes the first cost for the charging entity. The method includes generating a revised reservation for the electric vehicle associated with a second cost for the charging entity that is less than the first cost.