EV Charging Network for Peer-to-Peer Rescue Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles face the challenge of not being able to be fully charged quickly like fuel-powered cars, leading to 'range anxiety' when drivers worry they won't reach a charging station before running out of battery power.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented system that connects electric vehicles via a network to share power sources or charging locations, using a controller to identify nearby vehicles or locations capable of assisting a stranded vehicle based on location, SOC, route, and driver availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If electric vehicles use battery power, then environmental friendliness is improved, but charging time is excessive compared to fuel refilling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables electric vehicles to serve each other as charging sources. When one vehicle is stranded, nearby vehicles with sufficient battery charge can provide power through direct connection, allowing the stranded vehicle to self-rescue without external charging infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
Electric vehicles are designed with dual functionality: they can both consume and provide electrical energy. The vehicle battery system serves as both a power source for propulsion and a portable charging station for other vehicles, eliminating the need for dedicated charging infrastructure in remote areas.
2Use of energy by moving object
If electric vehicles travel to charging stations, then battery charge is restored, but range anxiety occurs due to uncertainty of reaching the station
Solution Approach 1:
The system proactively identifies vehicles with sufficient charge before they are needed as power sources. Nearby vehicles are pre-screened for their state of charge, availability, and compatibility, so that when a vehicle becomes stranded, immediate assistance is available without delay or uncertainty.
Solution Approach 2:
The network continuously monitors and updates information about nearby vehicles' battery status, location, and availability. This real-time feedback allows the system to dynamically identify suitable power sources and provide accurate information to stranded vehicles, eliminating range anxiety through reliable data.
3Ease of operation
If electric vehicles share power sources peer-to-peer, then charging accessibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A central network controller acts as an intermediary that manages all peer-to-peer charging interactions. It handles vehicle identification, compatibility verification, charge rate calculation, and connection coordination, thereby simplifying the process for individual vehicles while enabling complex multi-vehicle power sharing scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
Computer-implemented methods and computer systems are disclosed herein as implemented by a controller operatively coupled to a network of electric vehicles. The methods and systems include the controller (i) receiving a notification that an electric vehicle is stranded without sufficient power to operate; (ii) receiving information regarding the stranded electric vehicle; (iii) detecting one or more other electric vehicles in a vicinity of the stranded electric vehicle; (iv) receiving information regarding the detected one or more other electric vehicles; and/or (v) determining, based upon the received information, which of the detected one or more other electric vehicles to send a power source request. Alternatively, the notification may indicate that an electric vehicle has a low state of charge (SOC), or is otherwise has a battery in need of being recharged to facilitate the electric vehicle traveling to a destination.