EV Charging Network for Peer-to-Peer Rescue Power Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles face the challenge of not being able to be quickly recharged like fuel-powered cars, leading to 'range anxiety' when drivers worry about reaching a charging station before running out of battery power.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented system that connects electric vehicles via a network to facilitate power sharing among vehicles within a threshold range, considering factors like location, state of charge, travel direction, and driver availability to assist stranded vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If electric vehicles use battery charging infrastructure, then vehicles can be recharged, but charging time is much longer than fueling time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple electric vehicles into a charging network where vehicles with excess power can charge vehicles with insufficient power. This combines the charging function across multiple vehicles, allowing stranded vehicles to receive power from nearby vehicles rather than waiting at traditional charging stations, thereby reducing charging time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a communication network as an intermediary that coordinates power sharing between vehicles. The network facilitates matching between vehicles needing power and vehicles with available power, enabling efficient power transfer without requiring direct physical connection between charging infrastructure and stranded vehicles.
2Use of energy by moving object
If traditional charging stations are used, then vehicles can be recharged, but availability and accessibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes electric vehicles multi-functional by enabling them to serve both as power consumers and power sources. Vehicles with excess battery capacity can function as mobile charging stations, providing charging services to stranded vehicles. This universal capability expands charging accessibility beyond fixed charging station locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static charging infrastructure to dynamic mobile charging sources. By enabling power transfer between moving vehicles through a communication network, the system adds the dimension of mobility to charging availability, allowing charging services to reach stranded vehicles anywhere within network range rather than requiring vehicles to return to fixed charging locations.
3Reliability
If power is shared among vehicles, then stranded vehicles can be assisted, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where vehicles continuously report their power status, location, and availability to the communication network. The network uses this feedback to dynamically match power requests with available power sources, ensuring reliable power sharing while managing system complexity through automated decision-making based on real-time vehicle conditions.
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.