Electric Vehicle Fleet Charging Control System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for charging electric vehicle fleets do not effectively manage energy costs based on prevailing utility rates and the state of charge of vehicles, leading to inefficiencies and increased operational expenses.
Innovation Solution
A control system that integrates with electric buses and charging stations to optimize charging schedules based on real-time energy tariffs, vehicle state of charge, and operational data, using energy storage devices to shift charging to lower-cost periods and adjust charging rates to minimize overall energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If fast-charge battery systems are employed to enable quick charging, then recharge time is reduced, but the range of the vehicle between recharges decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by charging batteries during off-peak hours when energy costs are lower and demand is reduced. The control system schedules charging operations in advance based on predicted usage patterns, allowing vehicles to be charged during periods of low demand and then ready for service during peak periods, thus resolving the contradiction between quick charging availability and energy cost efficiency
2Adaptability or versatility
If charging stations are provided at every bus stop to enable frequent recharging, then operational flexibility is improved, but system complexity and infrastructure cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system provides multi-functionality by serving multiple purposes: it optimizes charging schedules based on energy costs, monitors battery state of charge across the fleet, predicts vehicle usage patterns, and coordinates charging operations across multiple locations. This centralized intelligent control replaces the need for physical charging infrastructure at every stop, achieving operational flexibility through software-based coordination rather than widespread physical deployment
3Reliability
If vehicles are charged during peak energy rate periods to ensure availability, then vehicle availability is improved, but energy cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary charging actions during off-peak hours when energy rates are lower. The control system predicts when vehicles will be needed and schedules charging operations in advance during periods of low energy cost and low demand, ensuring vehicles are ready for service without incurring peak rate costs
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic charging cycles that alternate between charging during off-peak periods and operational periods. By rhythmically charging during low-demand periods and operating during high-demand periods, the system achieves reliable vehicle availability while minimizing energy costs through periodic synchronization with utility rate cycles
4Speed
If the charging rate is increased to reduce recharge time, then charging speed is improved, but energy cost and demand on the grid increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action by alternating between high-speed charging during off-peak periods when grid demand is low and slower charging during peak periods. This rhythmic charging pattern allows the system to achieve fast charging when it provides the most value (during low-cost periods) while avoiding the penalties of high-demand periods, thus resolving the contradiction between charging speed and energy cost
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for controlling the charging of multiple electric vehicles operating in a geographic area may include inputting a tariff schedule into a control system. The tariff schedule may identify the cost of energy at different times in the geographic area. The method may also include receiving data from the multiple electric vehicles. The data may include at least the state of charge of the vehicle. The method may further include sending instructions to at least one vehicle of the multiple electric vehicles. The instructions may include directives on charging based at least on the tariff schedule and the received data.