EV Charging Sequencing on Local Microgrids With Fewer Charging Stations
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle charging infrastructure struggles to optimize charging sequencing when the number of charging stations is less than the number of vehicle parking spaces, failing to account for vehicle battery characteristics and renewable energy supply for economic optimization.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize image processing for vehicle recognition, battery type identification, and real-time control of charging speeds, optimizing charging sequencing by selecting the right time for vehicle connection to specific stations, forecasting energy needs, and incorporating renewable energy sources, with a Branch and Bound algorithm for constrained cost minimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the number of charging stations is reduced to lower infrastructure cost, then investment cost is reduced, but charging service coverage and accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple charging stations into a shared charging pool that serves multiple parking spaces. Instead of having dedicated charging stations for each parking space, the system merges resources so that N charging stations can serve M parking spaces where M > N, through automated vehicle-station matching and dynamic allocation
Solution Approach 2:
The charging stations are designed to be universally applicable to multiple parking spaces and different vehicle types. The system provides multi-functional service where the same charging infrastructure can serve various vehicles parked in different spaces through automated connection and dynamic task assignment
2Ease of manufacture
If charging stations are shared among multiple parking spaces, then infrastructure cost is reduced, but charging sequencing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated self-service charging sequencing where the control unit automatically detects vehicle arrivals, identifies appropriate charging stations, establishes connections, and manages charging tasks without human intervention. The system autonomously handles the complex sequencing decisions based on real-time conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs real-time feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring vehicle presence, charging station status, and charging progress. The control unit uses this feedback to dynamically adjust charging sequences, reassign tasks when vehicles depart, and optimize charging allocation based on current system state
3Ease of operation
If automated connection system is implemented to reduce manual operation, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and initial cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical connection operations with automated systems. The automated connection unit uses robotic or automated mechanisms to establish electrical connections between charging stations and vehicles, substituting human manual plugging/unplugging operations with automated control and execution
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to charging vehicles connected to a charging infrastructure. The charging infrastructure may have a micro-grid possibly including renewable energy producers. The invention provides a method and optimized management accounting for the variety of vehicle batteries, and a number of charging stations smaller than the number of vehicle parking spaces. The present invention relates to an urban electricity micro-grid, focused on an aspect of local electricity production and use, and on an aspect of electricity purchase and resale optimization.