EV Charger Slot Allocation for Booking and Walk-In Demand
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charger management systems face challenges in optimizing capacity utilization, particularly when there are a small number of available booking time slots, leading to an increase in vehicles unable to be charged, which hampers efficient use of charging infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A management apparatus and method that dynamically adjust the allocation between booking time slots and free time slots for electric vehicle charging based on the busy and booking status of chargers, using a processor to optimize the number of vehicles that can charge with and without bookings, and incorporating a vehicle number estimation model to predict future demand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the number of booking time slots is increased to ensure reliable charging for booked vehicles, then the charging reliability for booked vehicles is improved, but the number of available free time slots decreases, reducing the flexibility for spontaneous charging and potentially lowering overall capacity utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of time slot allocation between booking and free categories based on real-time charger status and demand patterns. The management apparatus continuously monitors charging activity and automatically reconfigures time slot availability, transforming a static allocation system into a dynamic one that adapts to changing conditions, thereby resolving the contradiction between ensuring booked vehicle reliability and maintaining flexibility for spontaneous charging
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of time slot allocation by adjusting the proportion of booking versus free time slots based on monitored charger utilization and demand. When chargers are underutilized, more time slots are converted to free category; when demand increases, booking slots are expanded. This parameter adjustment mechanism allows the system to optimize between reliability and adaptability based on actual operating conditions
2Ease of operation
If the allocation of time slots is fixed to simplify management, then the ease of operation is improved, but the capacity utilization of chargers cannot be optimized in response to changing demand, worsening resource efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The management apparatus performs automatic self-adjustment of time slot allocation without requiring manual intervention. The system monitors charger status, analyzes demand patterns, and autonomously reconfigures time slot allocation between booking and free categories, eliminating the need for complex manual management while simultaneously optimizing capacity utilization based on real-time conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the management apparatus continuously monitors charger utilization rates and demand patterns, then uses this information to automatically adjust time slot allocation. The feedback loop enables the system to respond to changing conditions and optimize capacity utilization while maintaining simple automated operation, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and productivity
Data Source
AI summary
A management apparatus manages charging of electrified vehicles with at least one charger. The management apparatus includes a processor programmed to adjust allocation between a booking time slot to book charging with the at least one charger and a free time slot to allow charging with the at least one charger without a booking.