Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy for Cost and Availability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicle charging systems often require vehicles to charge during off-peak hours to save money, but this can lead to inconvenience and potential stranding if the vehicle is not available when needed, as it halts charging during peak usage times.
Innovation Solution
A system that initiates and halts charging based on a minimum state of charge, resuming when electric energy is economical, and includes a tracking server to manage charging across multiple vehicles to reduce overall energy consumption and prevent stranding by adjusting charging times based on renewable energy sources and sector energy demand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the vehicle is set to charge during off-peak hours only, then energy cost is reduced, but the vehicle may be stranded when needed during peak hours
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary charging during off-peak hours to reach a minimum state of charge threshold before peak hours begin. This preliminary action ensures the vehicle has sufficient charge for emergency use during peak hours without requiring continuous charging during expensive periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the charging parameter (state of charge threshold) based on time of day and grid conditions. During off-peak hours, the system charges to a minimum threshold rather than full charge, and can resume charging during peak hours if needed, flexibly adjusting charging behavior to balance cost and reliability.
2Reliability
If the vehicle charges continuously to full capacity, then vehicle availability is ensured, but energy cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial charging action by charging only to a minimum necessary state of charge threshold rather than continuously charging to full capacity. This partial action is sufficient to ensure vehicle availability for emergency use while avoiding the excessive energy cost of continuous full charging.
Solution Approach 2:
The system autonomously manages charging by monitoring state of charge levels and automatically initiating or halting charging based on predefined thresholds and grid conditions, eliminating the need for user intervention while optimizing the balance between availability and cost.
3Reliability
If multiple vehicles charge simultaneously during peak hours, then individual vehicle availability is maintained, but overall grid demand increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary charging during off-peak hours when grid demand is low, reducing the need for simultaneous charging during peak hours. This preliminary action spreads energy consumption across different time periods, maintaining vehicle availability while reducing overall peak grid demand.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic charging cycles that alternate between charging during off-peak hours and maintaining charge during peak hours. This periodic action pattern distributes energy consumption across different time periods rather than concentrating it during peak hours, reducing overall grid demand while ensuring vehicle availability.
Data Source
AI summary
The charging of an electric vehicle connected to a charging station is initiated. When a state of charge of the vehicle reaches a minimum state of charge, the charging is halted. The minimum state of charge is less than the full charge capacity of the vehicle. A time for reinitiating the charging is determined. The charging of the vehicle is reinitiated at the determined time.