EV Charging Relay Delay Control for VPP Smart Charging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electrified vehicles experience an increase in the number of charging relay on/off cycles when participating in virtual power plant (VPP) operations or other external charging and discharging plans.

Innovation Solution

The electrified vehicle incorporates a control device that maintains the charging relay in an off state for a fixed period after connecting the electric power plug, only turning it on when a charging and discharging plan is received from the server, thereby reducing unnecessary on/off cycles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the vehicle receives charging and discharging plans from the server after the electric power plug is connected, then the vehicle can participate in virtual power plant operations and external charging/discharging activities, but the number of on/off cycles of the charging relay increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticipation in virtual power plant operationsVSAvoidcharging relay on/off cycles

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control device maintains the charging relay in an off state for a fixed period after the electric power plug is connected, before executing the charging and discharging plan. This preliminary waiting period allows the vehicle to receive the charging plan from the server without immediately activating the charging relay, thereby reducing unnecessary on/off cycles while still enabling participation in virtual power plant operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Speed

If the charging relay is turned on immediately when the electric power plug is connected, then the vehicle can start charging quickly, but the charging relay experiences unnecessary on/off cycles when receiving charging plans

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging start speedVSAvoidcharging relay on/off cycles

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control device implements a fixed period delay after plug connection before turning on the charging relay. During this delay period, the vehicle receives the charging and discharging plan from the server. This approach balances quick charging response with reduced relay cycling by only activating the relay when actually needed according to the received plan.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the vehicle waits for the charging plan before turning on the charging relay, then the number of relay on/off cycles is reduced, but there is a delay in starting charging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging relay on/off cyclesVSAvoidcharging start delay

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control device sets a fixed period delay that is optimized to allow sufficient time for receiving the charging plan from the server while minimizing the delay in starting charging. This predetermined time period balances the need to reduce relay cycling with the need to start charging promptly once the plan is received.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250121726A1Electrified vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.04.17 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK

AI summary

Electrified vehicle includes a connector, a battery, a charging relay, and an ECU. The connector is formed to be connectable to an externally provided electric power plug. The charging relay is provided between the connector and the battery. ECU controls at least one of charge/discharge of the battery. When the electrified vehicle is configured for smart charging, the charging relay is kept off for a fixed period of time after the electric power plug is connected to the connector.