Dynamic EV Charging Radius Based on State of Charge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles face challenges in determining optimal charging station locations based on their state of charge and route, as existing systems do not effectively display charging options when the battery is low and the vehicle is far from its destination, leading to potential range anxiety and inefficient charging.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle computer system that processes the vehicle's state of charge and route information to display charging station locations within a dynamically adjusted distance, automatically increasing or decreasing the displayed range based on the battery's state, allowing users to select and communicate with preferred charging stations via a wireless transceiver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If charging station locations are displayed within a fixed pre-defined distance, then drivers can see charging options, but drivers may experience range anxiety when the battery is low and the vehicle is far from destination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the pre-defined distance parameter dynamic rather than fixed. The system automatically adjusts the search radius based on the vehicle's state of charge (SOC), expanding the search area when SOC is low and the vehicle is far from destination, and reducing it when SOC is high or the vehicle is near destination. This dynamic adjustment ensures reliable charging station identification while maintaining driver usability by showing relevant options without overwhelming the driver.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of search distance based on the vehicle's state of charge and route information. When the SOC is below a threshold and the vehicle is far from destination, the system increases the pre-defined distance to expand charging station visibility. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by adapting the display range to the vehicle's actual charging needs, ensuring reliability when needed while maintaining ease of operation through context-aware adjustments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system automatically outputs charging station locations when SOC is low, then charging needs are addressed, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring the vehicle's state of charge and comparing it against threshold values before the driver needs to take action. The vehicle computer system automatically determines when charging is needed based on SOC thresholds and route analysis, then proactively displays charging station locations. This preliminary monitoring and automatic determination reduces the need for complex real-time decision-making interfaces, maintaining adaptability while managing system complexity through automated threshold-based triggers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service by automatically managing the charging station search and recommendation process without requiring complex user input. The vehicle computer system monitors SOC, calculates distance to destination, determines charging needs, and automatically displays relevant charging stations. This self-service approach enhances adaptability to charging needs while reducing device complexity by eliminating the need for complex user interfaces and manual calculations.
3Device complexity
If charging stations are displayed only when within a fixed distance, then the system is simple, but charging options are missed when the vehicle is far from destination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by making the display distance dynamic rather than fixed. The system automatically expands the search radius when the vehicle is far from destination and SOC is low, ensuring charging station availability is maintained. When the vehicle is near destination or SOC is high, the system reduces the search radius, maintaining simplicity. This dynamic approach ensures reliability without requiring permanently complex system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pre-defined distance parameter based on vehicle state and route context. When SOC is below threshold and distance to destination exceeds a threshold, the system increases the search radius to ensure charging options are available. This parameter change maintains system simplicity by using straightforward threshold comparisons while significantly improving charging station availability when needed, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle computer system includes a processor configured to receive a destination, to output a charging station location for display in response to an estimated SOC being less than a threshold and the location being within a pre-defined distance from a vehicle, and to not automatically output the location otherwise such that as a difference between the SOC and threshold increases, the pre-defined distance increases.