Electric Vehicle Charger Status Detection via Voltage Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fleet operations, such as golf course facilities, it is challenging to ensure that all electric vehicle chargers are functioning properly, as visual and audible indicators may not be easily visible or distinguishable among multiple vehicles, leading to undetected non-functional chargers and unavailable vehicles when needed.
Innovation Solution
A battery recharging system that includes a controller to measure initial and subsequent battery voltages, actuating indicators if the second voltage remains less than or equal to the first after a predetermined time, indicating an inoperable charger, and communicating operational status through audible and visual indicators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual or audible indicators are used on chargers, then charger operational status can be indicated, but the indicators may not be readily visible or distinguishable among multiple vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the vehicle's existing communication infrastructure (controller and indicator systems) as an intermediary to relay charger status information. Instead of relying on charger-mounted indicators that are hard to see, the vehicle's controller receives charging status data and activates the vehicle's own indicator systems, which are designed to be highly visible and distinguishable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions the indicator display from the charger location to the vehicle location, effectively changing the spatial dimension of status indication. By displaying charger operational status through the vehicle's indicator system rather than the charger's indicator system, the status becomes visible from the vehicle perspective where attendants can easily observe it among multiple vehicles.
2Reliability
If attendants manually verify each charger, then charger functionality can be confirmed, but time is lost and vehicles may not be available when required
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic verification of charger functionality without requiring attendant intervention. The controller automatically detects whether a charger is operational by monitoring charging current or voltage parameters, and automatically activates appropriate indicators to communicate status. This self-verification process eliminates the time attendants would spend manually checking each charger while maintaining reliable functionality confirmation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automatic feedback loops where the controller continuously monitors charging parameters and immediately communicates status changes through indicator systems. This real-time feedback mechanism automatically confirms charger functionality and notifies attendants of any issues, eliminating the need for manual verification and ensuring vehicles are ready when needed.
3Productivity
If numerous vehicles are managed simultaneously, then fleet operations can be maintained, but individual charger status becomes difficult to monitor
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a universal indicator approach where the same vehicle indicator system serves multiple functions: displaying battery charge level, vehicle operational status, and now charger operational status. This multi-functional use of the vehicle's existing indicator infrastructure allows comprehensive status monitoring without adding separate indicator systems for each function, enabling effective monitoring of numerous vehicles simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the monitoring task by having each vehicle's controller independently manage and display its own charger status information. Rather than requiring a centralized monitoring system for the entire fleet, each vehicle autonomously displays its charging status through its own indicators, allowing attendants to easily monitor individual vehicle status across the entire fleet without information loss.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures proper charging detection and notification of inoperable battery chargers, preventing vehicle unavailability by clearly indicating charger status and facilitating timely maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a first voltage value of the battery is measured, and wherein a second voltage value of the battery is measured
Data Source
AI summary
A battery charger detection system is provided. The battery charger detection system includes a battery charger, an indicator, and a controller. The controller detects an initial electrical coupling of the battery charger to a battery and measures a first voltage of the battery upon the electrical coupling. The controller further measures a second voltage of the battery and actuates the indicator in response to both a continued electrical coupling between the battery charger and the battery and the second voltage being less than or equal to the first voltage after a predetermined length of time.