Bidirectional EV Charging Controller for Smart Grid Rate Optimization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in effectively managing power transfer between electric vehicles and smart grids, particularly in bidirectional charging and discharging operations, where existing systems lack efficient control and compatibility with varying energy rates and user schedules, leading to suboptimal energy usage and billing inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing a charging-discharging device with a controller that performs both charging and discharging functions based on user input or predetermined patterns, integrating with a battery management system to monitor and report status, and utilizing power line communication to optimize energy transfer between vehicles and homes, aligning with smart grid operations and user preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If bidirectional charging and discharging operations are implemented, then energy efficiency and economic benefits are improved, but system complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: a charging-discharging controller for decision-making, a power converter for bidirectional energy conversion, a battery management system for monitoring, and a communication module for receiving rate information. Each module performs a specific function, reducing overall system complexity while enabling bidirectional operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller receives electric rate information in advance and stores it for later use. User schedules and preferences are pre-configured before charging operations begin. This allows the system to automatically make optimal charging/discharging decisions without real-time complex calculations, simplifying control.
2Loss of energy
If automatic control based on electric rates and user schedules is implemented, then energy bill reduction is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging-discharging controller automatically receives electric rate information, compares it with stored user schedules and preferences, and makes charging/discharging decisions without requiring real-time user intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously optimizing energy operations based on pre-configured parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication module continuously receives electric rate information from external sources and feeds it back to the controller. The controller monitors battery state of charge and adjusts charging/discharging operations based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop control system that automatically reduces energy bills.
3Adaptability or versatility
If compatibility with multiple vehicle types and infrastructure standards is achieved, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power converter is designed with bidirectional capability that can handle multiple vehicle types (battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles) and different charging standards. The communication module is configured to receive various types of electric rate information through power line communication, enabling universal compatibility without requiring multiple specialized devices.
Data Source
AI summary
An in-vehicle power system includes: a charging-discharging device configured to selectively perform both a charging function for receiving and delivering a first power signal and a discharging function for transmitting a second power signal; a battery configured to store an electrical energy transferred after DC conversion of the first power signal; and a charging-discharging controller configured to control the charging-discharging device based on a user's input or a predetermined control pattern.