Location-Based EV Charging Control System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle charging systems do not provide users with sufficient control over charging schedules, leading to increased costs and inconvenience, as they fail to fully account for location-specific charging needs and time-of-use rates.
Innovation Solution
A location-based charging system that allows users to input and manage different sets of charging instructions for various charging stations, including schedules and target charge levels, which are automatically implemented by the vehicle's controller based on its location, using GPS and unique station identification codes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed charging schedule is used without location-based control, then the system is simple to operate, but the user cannot minimize charging costs associated with time-of-use rates
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system transitions from a fixed, static schedule to a dynamic schedule that automatically adjusts based on the vehicle's location and time-of-use rates. The controller modifies charging parameters in real-time according to geographic context, enabling cost optimization without requiring complex user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic location-based charging schedule adjustments without requiring continuous user input. The controller independently determines optimal charging times based on location data and rate structures, making the system self-regulating while maintaining ease of operation.
2Loss of energy
If location-based charging control with multiple charging schedules is implemented, then charging costs are minimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system is divided into distinct location-specific schedules, with each geographic location having its own optimized charging parameters. This segmentation allows the system to manage complexity by organizing charging logic into location-based modules rather than a single monolithic control structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed to handle multiple charging schedules and location types universally, using a single multi-functional device that can adapt to various charging stations and rate structures. This universal design reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate dedicated systems for each location.
3Productivity
If the system automatically adjusts charging schedules based on location, then charging efficiency is improved, but the user has limited ability to control the charging schedule
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that provide users with information about automatic charging schedule adjustments. This feedback loop maintains user awareness and control while enabling automated efficiency optimizations, allowing users to monitor and adjust parameters if needed.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple location-specific charging schedules are stored in memory, then adaptability to different charging stations is improved, but the memory requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system stores charging schedule parameters specific to each location rather than maintaining complete charging profiles for all possible stations. This local quality approach stores only the essential location-specific variables needed for optimization, reducing memory requirements while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for automatically charging the battery pack of an electric vehicle in accordance with a set of location sensitive charging instructions is provided. Exemplary location sensitive charging instructions include preset charging schedules and preset charge level limits. Different charging schedules and different charge level limits may be preset for different charging stations and locations, thus allowing the user to preset the charging instructions for each of multiple locations where the user routinely charges their car. Default charging instructions are used at those charging stations and locations where a set of location sensitive charging instructions has not been preset.