EV Charging Control System Reduces Station Congestion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited availability and high cost of DC Fast Chargers for electric vehicles lead to congestion at charging stations, and existing billing models encourage over-use, resulting in sub-optimal infrastructure utilization and increased congestion.
Innovation Solution
An electric vehicle charging control system that includes a user interface, communication with the charging station, and a controller to manage charging based on congestion signals and billing models, allowing for adjustable charging profiles to reduce charging time and optimize use of charging infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If DC Fast Chargers are used to charge EVs more quickly, then charging speed is improved, but congestion at charging stations increases due to limited availability and high cost
Solution Approach 1:
The charging control system dynamically adjusts charging parameters (charge rate, charging time) based on real-time conditions including battery state of charge, user destination requirements, and charging station queue status. This dynamic optimization allows the system to maximize charging speed when conditions permit while reducing charging time when congestion is detected, thereby improving both charging speed and overall infrastructure utilization efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring charging station queue status and using this information to adjust charging behavior. When the system detects that other vehicles are waiting in queue, it receives congestion signals and automatically modifies charging parameters to reduce charging time, creating a feedback loop that balances individual charging needs with overall system efficiency
2Adaptability or versatility
If free charging is offered to encourage cleaner environment, then environmental benefit is improved, but users over-use the charging station for longer charge and more electricity than needed, leading to congestion
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements partial charging by determining the precise amount of electricity needed to reach the user's destination based on battery state of charge and destination requirements. Instead of allowing or requiring full charging sessions, the system optimizes charging to provide only the necessary amount of energy, preventing over-use while maintaining the environmental benefit of electric vehicle adoption
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the charging parameter from fixed-duration or full-charge sessions to variable charging amounts based on calculated destination needs. By dynamically adjusting the charging quantity parameter rather than using standardized charging sessions, the system prevents users from taking excessive charge while still providing sufficient energy for their travel needs
3Ease of operation
If flat fee billing model is used, then simplicity is improved, but users over-use because they want to receive the most electricity per session, leading to congestion
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations of the exact charging amount needed to reach the user's destination before initiating charging. By determining the precise energy requirement in advance based on battery state and destination, the system prevents users from over-charging while maintaining straightforward billing, as users are charged only for the calculated necessary amount rather than encouraging maximum session utilization
4Ease of operation
If charging per quantity of electricity is used, then charging based on need is improved, but as charge rate slows when battery becomes more charged, user blocks access to fast charging capabilities for other users
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically monitors charging rate and battery state of charge during the charging process. When the charge rate naturally slows as the battery approaches full capacity, the system detects this condition and automatically terminates charging at the optimal point, preventing the user from blocking fast charging capabilities for extended periods. This dynamic adjustment maintains charging-based-need operation while minimizing wait time for other users
5Ease of operation
If charging based on time connected is used, then charging based on need is improved, but charging to less than full capacity requires EV to make more frequent stops at charging station, which can lead to congestion
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations to determine the precise charging amount needed to reach the user's destination in a single charging session. By calculating the exact energy requirement before charging begins and then providing that specific amount, the system enables users to complete their charging needs in one stop rather than requiring multiple frequent stops, thereby improving charging station utilization while maintaining charging-based-need operation
Data Source
AI summary
An electric vehicle charging control system includes a battery for operating the electric vehicle that is charged by a charging connection to a charging station. A user interface is associated with the electric vehicle and includes a display and a user input device. A communication system communicates with the charging station. The communication system receives a congestion signal from the charging station when a second electric vehicle is waiting for charging by the charging station. After the congestion signal is received, the user interface prompts an operator of the electric vehicle that the second electric vehicle is waiting for charging by the charging station.