EV Charging Function Reduction for Occupant Power Diversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is that when an occupant remains inside an electric vehicle during charging, power is diverted from the traction battery to support the occupant's devices, extending the charging time due to inefficient power usage.
Innovation Solution
A system within the electric vehicle that determines the presence of an occupant and reduces or removes functions such as HVAC, sound, and lighting to minimize power consumption, thereby directing more power to the traction battery for faster charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If functions such as HVAC, sound, and lighting are maintained during charging to ensure occupant comfort, then ease of operation is improved, but use of energy increases and charging time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts vehicle functions based on real-time conditions. During charging, the system monitors occupant presence and automatically reduces or disables non-essential functions (HVAC, sound, lighting) to minimize power consumption while maintaining comfort when occupants are absent, thus resolving the contradiction between comfort and energy usage
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters of vehicle functions based on charging status. When charging is detected, the system modifies parameters such as HVAC temperature settings, sound system volume, and lighting intensity to reduce power draw, thereby extending charging time efficiency without completely eliminating comfort features
2Use of energy by moving object
If functions are reduced during charging to minimize power consumption, then use of energy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic response to occupant needs during charging. If an occupant re-enters the vehicle during charging, the system detects their presence and restores reduced functions, ensuring comfort is maintained on-demand while preserving energy during periods when the vehicle is unattended
3Ease of operation
If power is diverted to support occupant devices during charging, then ease of operation is improved, but charging time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and isolates power consumption sources during charging. By detecting occupant presence and automatically disabling or reducing non-essential functions, the system separates essential charging power from optional comfort power, ensuring maximum power flow to the battery while minimizing diversion to devices and features
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an electric vehicle and more particularly, to a system for reducing charging time of the electric vehicle when an occupant decides to wait in their vehicle while their vehicle is charging. In one illustrative embodiment, a vehicle system within the electric vehicle may determine whether the electric vehicle is charging. The vehicle system may then determine whether an occupant is within the electric vehicle. This may be performed through a number of systems such as an in-vehicle camera or seat sensor. At least one function may be reduced or removed when an occupant has been detected thus making their stay uncomfortable. Sound, for example, may be reduced while the occupant is detected in the vehicle and the vehicle is charging. Similarly, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning functions may be removed.