Electric Vehicle Charging Management System for Cost Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric vehicle charging systems do not dynamically adjust charging times based on electric charges, leading to increased power consumption during peak hours, inefficiency in energy use, and higher costs for users.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that utilize a message processing unit, charging time/charging cost calculator, and determining unit to dynamically set charging times based on electric charges within a desired charging time zone, allowing for optimization of charging costs by recalculating and redistributing costs among users with movable charging tolerance times.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If charging is performed immediately upon user request, then user convenience is improved, but power consumption during peak hours increases and charging cost rises

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidenergy efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts charging schedules based on real-time power network conditions, user preferences, and predicted usage patterns. The charging time is not fixed but adapts to changing conditions, allowing the system to shift charging loads away from peak periods while still meeting user needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary calculations of optimal charging times by analyzing historical data, predicted power consumption patterns, and user preferences before actual charging occurs. This advance planning enables the system to schedule charging during off-peak hours while ensuring vehicles are ready when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If charging is concentrated in evening hours, then user convenience is improved, but maximum power consumption amount increases and additional generator installation is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidmaximum power consumption amount

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The system distributes charging loads across different time periods rather than concentrating them in evening hours. By implementing periodic charging schedules that utilize off-peak, mid-peak, and peak periods strategically, the system smooths out power demand and prevents excessive maximum power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If charging time is fixed according to user request, then charging reliability is improved, but charging cost increases during high electric charge periods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging reliabilityVSAvoidcharging cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the timing parameter of charging operations based on electric charge rates, power consumption patterns, and user preferences. By adjusting the time parameter dynamically while maintaining the charging amount and vehicle readiness requirements, the system reduces costs without sacrificing reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Loss of energy

If dynamic charging time setting is implemented, then charging cost is optimized, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging costVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines optimal charging times by analyzing power consumption data, electric charge rates, and user preferences without requiring complex user input or manual scheduling. The charging management apparatus self-adjusts parameters based on received information, reducing the need for complex external control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from power consumption measurements, electric charge rate information, and user preferences to continuously optimize charging schedules. By implementing closed-loop control where charging decisions are adjusted based on actual outcomes and changing conditions, the system achieves cost optimization through relatively simple iterative adjustments rather than complex predetermined algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8825247B2System for managing battery charge of electric vehicle and method thereof

Publication Date: 2014.09.02 ELECTRONICS & TELECOMM RES INST

AI summary

Disclosed are a system and a method for managing battery charge of an electric vehicle according to the present invention. A system for managing battery charge of an electric vehicle according to the present invention may include: a message processing unit to receive, from a management center, power information about a smart grid that supplies power, to receive, from a first user, user information for setting a charging condition, and to provide set charging information; a charging time/charging cost calculator to calculate a first charging tolerance time and a first charging cost of the first user who has requested charge according to a charging mode included in the user information; and a determining unit to select a charging time zone of a minimum cost within a tolerance time based on content calculated by the charging time/charging cost calculator, and to generate charging information.