Remote EV Charger Control With In-Vehicle Charge Time Display
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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 put 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, which communicates with a remote controller to optimize charging based on user input and power availability, thereby reducing peak demand on the grid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electric vehicles are widely adopted and charged from existing power infrastructure, then vehicle availability and mobility improve, but the power infrastructure becomes overloaded and unable to meet peak demands
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system performs preliminary actions by scheduling and executing battery charging during off-peak hours when power demand is low. The controller stores charging parameters and automatically initiates charging sessions during predetermined time periods, ensuring vehicles are charged before peak demand periods without overloading the power infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic charging cycles that alternate between charging during off-peak periods and idle periods during peak demand. The controller manages multiple charging sessions distributed across different time periods, creating a periodic pattern that smooths power consumption and prevents infrastructure overload while maintaining vehicle availability.
2Speed
If battery charging is performed immediately when needed, then vehicle readiness improves, but power consumption peaks and increases infrastructure strain
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary charging actions during off-peak periods, storing energy in the battery before it is needed. The controller schedules charging sessions in advance during times when power demand is low, so that when the vehicle is needed during peak periods, the battery is already charged and ready, eliminating the need for immediate high-speed charging that would strain the infrastructure.
3Power
If charging is delayed to off-peak times, then power infrastructure strain is reduced, but user convenience and response time deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the controller monitors power availability, battery charge levels, and user preferences to dynamically adjust charging schedules. The system provides feedback to users about charging status, estimated completion times, and allows users to modify preferences, creating a responsive system that balances infrastructure protection with user convenience through automated decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system operates autonomously using self-service principles. The controller automatically manages charging sessions based on predetermined parameters, power availability, and battery needs without requiring continuous user intervention. Users simply set their preferences once, and the system independently schedules and executes charging during off-peak periods, maintaining infrastructure protection while providing user-friendly operation.
4Productivity
If manual charging control is provided to users, then charging optimization and cost-effectiveness improve, but system complexity and operational burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system empowers users with self-service control capabilities through a straightforward interface where they can set basic preferences such as desired charge levels, time windows, and notification preferences. The controller then autonomously handles all complex decision-making regarding charging scheduling, power management, and optimization, providing users with simple controls that yield sophisticated charging optimization without burdening them with system complexity.
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.