Electric Vehicle Charging Schedule Based on Energy Prices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicle owners face challenges in balancing charging efficiency and cost, as existing systems often charge vehicles to maximum state of charge regardless of energy costs, which can be inefficient due to varying utility rates.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that determines the current state of charge of an electric vehicle and calculates the average price per kilowatt-hour to create a charging schedule, controlling the charging process to reach a target or maximum state of charge based on real-time energy prices, optimizing charging efficiency and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electric vehicles charge to maximum state of charge regardless of energy costs, then charging reliability is improved, but energy cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system dynamically adjusts the charging schedule based on real-time energy prices and vehicle state of charge levels. Instead of static maximum charging, the system modifies charging parameters (rate, timing, duration) to respond to changing energy costs, achieving cost-effective charging while maintaining reliability through adaptive control
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes charging parameters (state of charge targets, charging rates, timing) based on energy price conditions. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system optimizes the balance between charging reliability and energy cost, charging to appropriate levels rather than always maximum when prices are high
2Speed
If electric vehicles charge during peak hours to reach maximum state of charge, then charging speed is improved, but energy cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic charging actions scheduled during off-peak hours when energy prices are lower. By distributing charging across different time periods rather than concentrating it during peak hours, the system achieves required charge levels while avoiding high-cost periods, effectively trading timing for cost reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary charging during off-peak hours before peak pricing periods begin. By advancing the charging action to lower-cost time periods, the system prepares the vehicle with sufficient charge while avoiding expensive peak-hour charging, achieving both cost savings and charging speed requirements
3Use of energy by moving object
If electric vehicles charge during off-peak hours to reduce energy cost, then energy cost decreases, but charging time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system dynamically adjusts charging rates based on price signals and vehicle needs. When charging during off-peak hours, the system can utilize higher charging rates when available to minimize time, while still achieving cost savings through off-peak scheduling, creating a dynamic optimization of both time and cost parameters
4Device complexity
If charging schedule is created without considering energy prices, then device complexity is reduced, but energy cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback from energy price signals to adjust charging schedules. By continuously monitoring price information and responding with appropriate charging decisions, the system achieves cost optimization through intelligent control, where the complexity is justified by the significant energy cost savings and automated decision-making capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for creating a charging schedule for an electric vehicle that include determining a current state of charge of the electric vehicle. The system and method also include determining an average price per kilowatt-hour of energy to charge the electric vehicle to reach at least one of: a target state of charge of the electric vehicle and a maximum state of charge of the electric vehicle. The system and method further include creating the charging schedule based on the current state of charge and the average price per kilowatt-hour of energy.