EV Charging Station Dynamic Allocation Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicle charging systems face inefficiencies due to the long time required to charge large capacity batteries and the inconvenience caused by limited chargers at stations, especially when many vehicles need to charge simultaneously, with existing systems not distinguishing between member and non-member vehicles to provide preferential charging.
Innovation Solution
An electric vehicle charging system that includes a controller, camera, and guide unit to classify vehicles as members or non-members, adjusting the ratio of chargers and guiding vehicles to available charging stations for quick and convenient charging, using signage, output devices, and displays to direct vehicles to assigned chargers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the number of chargers is increased to reduce waiting time, then charging speed and convenience are improved, but the cost and complexity of the charging station increase
Solution Approach 1:
The charging station dynamically adjusts the allocation of chargers between member and non-member vehicles based on real-time conditions such as queue length, vehicle types, and charging demands. The controller modifies allocation ratios on-the-fly rather than using fixed assignments, enabling the system to adapt to changing conditions and optimize waiting times without requiring a permanently increased number of chargers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the allocation parameter (ratio of chargers to member vs. non-member vehicles) based on detected conditions. When member vehicle queues exceed thresholds, the system increases the allocation ratio to members; when non-member queues are long, it maintains or adjusts the ratio to balance service. This dynamic parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by achieving fast charging for members without permanently increasing overall station complexity.
2Ease of operation
If chargers are prioritized for member vehicles to provide better service, then member charging convenience is improved, but non-member vehicles may experience longer waiting times
Solution Approach 1:
The allocation ratio between member and non-member chargers is dynamically adjusted based on real-time queue conditions. When member queues are short and non-member queues are long, the system increases non-member allocation; when member queues grow, it shifts allocation to members. This dynamic balancing ensures both groups receive adequate service without extreme waiting times.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously monitors queue lengths for both member and non-member vehicles and uses this feedback to adjust charger allocation in real-time. This closed-loop control ensures that the system responds to actual conditions rather than following fixed rules, maintaining fairness while prioritizing members when appropriate.
3Productivity
If the charging station serves a large number of vehicles simultaneously, then overall charging capacity is improved, but the limited number of chargers causes congestion and inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The charging station is segmented into distinct member and non-member charging zones with separate queue management. This segmentation allows the system to handle different service requirements for different vehicle types independently, preventing congestion from propagating across the entire station and improving overall operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of chargers allocated to each segment (member vs. non-member) based on real-time demand. When demand for member charging increases, more chargers are allocated to that segment, and vice versa. This dynamic resource allocation maximizes the utilization of limited chargers while maintaining convenience for both vehicle types.
Data Source
AI summary
An electric vehicle charging system and an operation method thereof are provided. The electric vehicle charging system may include a controller, a camera configured to capture a vehicle that is present in a charging station and transmit image information about the vehicle to the controller, a guide unit configured to receive guidance from the controller and output the guidance, and a plurality of chargers provided in the charging station and communicably connected to the controller. The controller may analyze information about the vehicle based on the image information received from the camera, may guide a member vehicle registered to receive charging service to move to a charger for members, may guide a nonmember vehicle to move to a charger for nonmembers, and may adjust a ratio of the number of chargers for members to the number of chargers for nonmembers according to an estimated waiting time for charging of the vehicle. The electric vehicle charging system may transmit and receive a wireless signal on a mobile communication network constructed according to 5th generation (5G) communication.