EV Charging Station Smart Scheduling for Peak Demand Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for electric vehicle charging is putting pressure on the electricity network, particularly during peak hours, due to the slower charging times of AC charging systems, which can lead to higher electricity costs and infrastructure demands. There is a need for a cost-effective solution that enables smart charging to shift charging times to off-peak hours.
Innovation Solution
An electric vehicle AC charging system comprising a charging station connected to a source of AC power with a first processor for communication with the vehicle and a remote charging station management system using various communication protocols to manage charging schedules, power consumption, and user preferences, allowing for smart charging by shifting the charging times based on energy tariffs and demand data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If AC charging is used instead of DC charging, then the charging system cost and size are reduced, but the charging speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by scheduling charging to occur during off-peak hours before the vehicle is needed, rather than charging immediately when the vehicle returns. The charging station manager calculates optimal charging times based on energy tariffs and schedules charging sessions accordingly, allowing the vehicle to be charged during periods of lower electricity demand and cost.
2Loss of time
If charging occurs during peak hours, then the vehicle is charged when needed, but the electricity cost and network pressure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts charging schedules based on real-time and historical data about energy tariffs, network demand, and vehicle usage patterns. The charging station manager continuously optimizes charging times by considering variable electricity pricing structures and shifting charging loads to periods when energy costs are lower and network demand is reduced.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the charging station manager receives information about energy tariffs, charging session outcomes, and vehicle state of charge levels. This feedback is used to continuously refine and optimize future charging schedules, learning from past charging patterns and adjusting to changing electricity pricing and vehicle usage requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication protocols are implemented, then compatibility with different vehicles is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging station is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating support for multiple communication protocols (ISO 15118, IEC 61851, SAE J1772, OCPP) within a single system. The charging station manager can dynamically select and switch between different protocols based on the connected vehicle's requirements, allowing one charging station to serve diverse vehicle types without requiring separate specialized equipment for each protocol.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electric vehicle AC charging system comprising a charging station connected to a source of AC power and including a first processor, the charging station being electrically connectable to an electric vehicle; and a charging station management system including a second processor. The first processor is configured to operate under a first communication protocol to communicate with said electric vehicle to obtain a vehicle ID and an initial state of charge of a vehicle connected to the plug; operate under a second communication protocol to communicate with said electric vehicle to advertise available current to said electric vehicle; measure vehicle power consumption data during charging of the electric vehicle; and operate under a third communication protocol to transmit the vehicle ID and initial state of charge data to the charging station management system and to transmit the vehicle power consumption data to the charging station management system. The second processor is configured to obtain from the charging station the vehicle ID and initial state of charge data, and transmit Charging Data to the charging station.