On-the-go EV Charging via Mobile Intermediaries
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Solution Overview
Problem
The widespread adoption of battery-powered vehicles is hindered by limitations in battery range, charging time, and the lack of efficient and accessible charging infrastructure, particularly in remote areas, where existing solutions require vehicles to be stationary and rely on fixed charging stations, leading to inconvenient and time-consuming charging processes.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for entity-to-entity charging of mobile battery-powered entities, where vehicles can charge each other on-the-go by determining proximity, charge levels, and speed-locking to facilitate electric charge transfer, utilizing a cloud-based control system to optimize charge distribution and reduce the need for fixed charging stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fixed charging stations are used, then vehicles can be charged, but vehicles must be stationary and charging is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static charging model into a dynamic one by enabling vehicles to charge while moving. The system uses mobile charging units that travel alongside vehicles and transfer energy during motion, eliminating the need for stationary charging and allowing continuous operation without stopping.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces mobile charging units as intermediaries between the power grid and vehicles. These units receive power wirelessly from overhead lines and transfer it to vehicles through inductive coupling, enabling charging without physical contact or stationary stops.
2Length of moving object
If battery capacity is increased to extend range, then vehicle range is improved, but vehicle weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary charging actions by continuously replenishing battery energy during vehicle operation. Mobile charging units monitor battery levels and provide top-up charging while vehicles are in motion, preventing range anxiety without requiring oversized batteries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous charging during vehicle operation rather than intermittent charging at stops. The mobile charging units maintain constant energy transfer throughout the vehicle's journey, ensuring uninterrupted power supply and extending effective range without increasing battery capacity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mobile charging units are deployed, then on-the-go charging is enabled, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile charging units are designed as multi-functional vehicles that can serve multiple purposes: they act as charging stations, navigate roads independently, communicate with the central system, and provide power to various vehicle types. This universal design reduces the need for specialized infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile charging units operate autonomously, navigating to vehicles that need charging, establishing wireless power transfer connections, and managing energy transfer without human intervention. The central coordination system automatically assigns tasks and monitors operations, reducing operational complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables efficient, on-the-go charging of battery-powered vehicles, reducing travel time and increasing mobility by allowing vehicles to share charges dynamically, thereby addressing the limitations of traditional charging methods and infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
a first vehicle can be configured to wirelessly communicate its current charge level to a computing device
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, systems, and methods described herein relate generally to on-the-go entity-to-entity charging in transportation systems. A method can include determining charge levels, current positions, and transport speeds for an electric vehicle (EV), identifying one or more EVs in need of charging, and mobilizing a nearby EV for on-the-go peer-to-peer charging. A processor, with a memory including computer program code, can be configured to receive current charge level data for mobile battery-powered entities, identify one or more EVs to be charged and one or more other EVs that have excess charge to transfer, and send charging instructions to the EVs. A routing and charge transaction scheduling algorithm can be used to optimize the route of one or more battery-powered entities and to schedule charge transactions between EVs and/or a charging entity.