EV Charging Control System Optimizing Utility Rates
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Solution Overview
Problem
The cost of charging plug-in electric vehicles is a significant operational factor for users, and existing methods do not effectively consider utility rate preferences or optimize charging times to minimize costs.
Innovation Solution
A method that receives utility rate preferences from users, determines local utility rates, and develops charging options based on these preferences and charging times, allowing users to select the most cost-effective charging schedule for their plug-in electric vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If charging is performed immediately when the vehicle is plugged in, then the vehicle is ready for use quickly, but the charging cost increases due to higher utility rates during peak periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by determining utility rates and calculating charging options before actually charging the vehicle. It prepares multiple charging schedules in advance that balance cost and time requirements, allowing the user to make an informed decision about whether to wait for lower rates or charge immediately.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts charging strategies based on real-time utility rate information and user preferences. It generates different charging options that can be selected based on current conditions, making the charging process adaptable rather than fixed.
2Ease of operation
If the system provides detailed charging options and calculations, then the user has better control over charging costs, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically determining utility rates, calculating charging options, and presenting results to the user. The complex calculations and data processing are handled autonomously by the system, while the user only needs to review the presented options and make a simple selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system acts as an intermediary between the user and the charging process. It handles the complexity of utility rate analysis and charging schedule optimization, translating these complex factors into simple, actionable charging options that the user can easily understand and select from.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for charging a plug-in electric vehicle with an external power source. In an exemplary embodiment, the method receives one or more utility rate preferences from a user, determines the utility rates of a local utility company, determines the total charging time needed to charge the plug-in electric vehicle, uses the utility rate preferences, the utility rates and the total charging time to develop several charging options that are presented to a user, and charges the plug-in electric vehicle according to the charging option selection made by the user.