EV Charger Scheduling Control for Peak Demand Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing power infrastructure is unable to meet the demand for widespread use of electric vehicles, as charging them would place excessive strain on community power systems already struggling to meet peak demands, necessitating innovative solutions for efficient energy distribution and utilization.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle charger system that includes a controller and display, allowing users to manually control the charging process by setting start and end times, adjusting charge rates, and monitoring power usage, thereby optimizing energy supply and reducing peak demand on the power grid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If electric vehicles are charged during peak demand periods, then battery charging is completed quickly, but excessive strain is placed on community power systems
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system implements periodic action by scheduling charging operations during off-peak periods when power demand is lower. The controller monitors power system conditions and initiates charging when conditions are favorable, distributing the charging load across different time periods rather than concentrating it during peak demand, thus resolving the contradiction between charging speed and power system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-charging batteries during off-peak periods before peak demand occurs. Users can schedule charging in advance, and the system prepares the battery charge during periods when power system capacity is available, avoiding the need to draw excessive power during peak periods when system reliability is compromised
2Reliability
If charging is delayed to off-peak periods, then power system strain is reduced, but charging time availability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors battery charge levels, user requirements, and power system conditions. This feedback enables dynamic adjustment of charging schedules, allowing the system to optimize between off-peak charging (for power system reliability) and charging availability (for user needs) by making real-time decisions based on current system state
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system implements dynamics by making charging operations adaptable and flexible rather than fixed. The controller can adjust charging rates, timing, and duration based on real-time conditions including battery state of charge, user availability, and power system status, thereby resolving the static contradiction between delayed charging and charging availability
3Use of energy by moving object
If users manually control charging parameters, then energy usage is optimized, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system implements self-service by enabling users to independently control and optimize their own charging parameters through an intuitive interface. Users can set charging schedules, adjust power levels, and monitor energy consumption without requiring complex external control systems, thereby achieving energy optimization while keeping the overall system complexity manageable through distributed user control
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.