EV Charging Station Selection Algorithm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicle owners face challenges in selecting the most convenient and cost-effective charging stations based on their travel routes and preferences, as existing systems do not efficiently integrate factors like charging cost, waiting time, route deviation, and user preferences into the selection process.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine the state of charge of an electric vehicle's DC power source and rank nearby charging stations based on user-selectable parameters such as charging cost, waiting time, route deviation, and customer reviews, using a weighting factor algorithm to prioritize stations according to user preferences, facilitating the selection and scheduling of the best charging station.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If charging stations are selected based on proximity to travel route, then travel distance is reduced, but waiting time may increase due to station availability
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the selection parameters from simple proximity-based criteria to a multi-parameter evaluation system that includes station availability, cost, waiting time, and user preferences. This allows dynamic adjustment of selection criteria based on real-time conditions, resolving the contradiction between minimizing travel distance and avoiding waiting time by finding optimal balance points.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging station selection system dynamically adjusts rankings based on real-time data including station availability, current waiting times, and changing user preferences. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to varying conditions along the travel route, selecting stations that minimize both travel distance and waiting time based on current system state.
2Ease of operation
If multiple user preferences are integrated into charging station selection, then user convenience is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments user preferences into distinct weighted parameters (cost weight, waiting time weight, deviation weight, POI weight) that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows the complex multi-criteria decision-making to be broken down into manageable components, each contributing to the overall station ranking without requiring the entire system to become overly complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a weighting factor mechanism as an intermediary between user preferences and charging station selection. These weighting factors act as mediators that translate multiple user preferences into a unified ranking system, simplifying the interface between diverse user requirements and the station selection process while maintaining system manageability.
3Loss of energy
If charging cost is minimized, then economic efficiency is improved, but availability of desirable charging stations may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the cost parameter from a fixed minimum threshold to a flexible weighted factor that can be adjusted relative to other criteria. This allows the system to find charging stations that offer optimal balance between cost and availability, rather than simply selecting the cheapest option which may not be available or convenient.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and associated system for selecting a charging station for a subject vehicle is described, and includes determining a state of charge of an on-vehicle DC power source arranged to supply electric power to a propulsion system for the subject vehicle. A travel route to a destination point is determined, and locations of a plurality of charging stations proximal to the travel route are identified. Desired states and corresponding weighting factors for a plurality of user-selectable parameters are determined, and a sorting routine is executed to rank the plurality of charging stations proximal to the travel route based upon the desired states and corresponding weighting factors for the plurality of user-selectable parameters and the state of charge of the on-vehicle DC power source. One of the charging stations is selected based upon the ranking, and a charging reservation is scheduled.