EV On-Board Unit Charging Schedule Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

In smart communities, managing electric vehicle (EV) charging to avoid peak power consumption is challenging, as many EVs are charged simultaneously, leading to potential overconsumption of electric power, and existing methods do not effectively distribute charging across different time zones to optimize energy use.

Innovation Solution

An EV management system with an on-board unit that detects the vehicle's location and communicates with a central management system to manage and optimize charging schedules, ensuring that EVs charge during times when power is available, thereby preventing overconsumption by adjusting charging requests based on predicted demand and available power margins.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If EV charging is managed without time-based distribution, then charging convenience for users is improved, but electric power consumption peaks occur causing overconsumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging convenienceVSAvoidelectric power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by notifying users in advance of charging schedules and power availability conditions. The on-board unit receives notifications from the power supply management device about available power margins and charging schedules, allowing users to plan charging in advance rather than charging immediately when connected, thus avoiding peak consumption while maintaining user convenience through advance information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the on-board unit continuously monitors charging status, power consumption, and receives notifications about power supply conditions. This feedback loop allows the system to adjust charging behavior based on real-time power availability information, distributing charging loads away from peak periods while providing users with visibility into charging progress and power conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Use of energy by moving object

If EV charging is distributed across time zones, then electric power consumption is optimized, but charging time for vehicles is extended

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectric power consumptionVSAvoidcharging time
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies dynamics by creating flexible, adjustable charging schedules rather than fixed time slots. The power supply management device determines charging schedules based on dynamic power supply conditions and available power margins, allowing the system to adapt charging timing to actual grid conditions. This dynamic approach optimizes power consumption distribution while minimizing unnecessary time extensions by charging during periods of actual power availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary calculations and notifications about charging schedules before actual charging begins. The on-board unit receives advance notifications about scheduled charging times and power availability, allowing users to plan accordingly. This preliminary action helps manage user expectations about charging duration while enabling the system to optimize power consumption through advance scheduling during off-peak periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Use of energy by moving object

If centralized management of EV charging is implemented, then power consumption is optimized, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectric power consumptionVSAvoidmanagement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses an intermediary approach by introducing a power supply management device that acts as a mediator between the power grid and multiple EVs. This centralized management component optimizes power consumption by coordinating charging schedules based on power availability, while the on-board units in individual vehicles serve as simplified interfaces that receive notifications and report status. This intermediary structure enables centralized optimization without requiring complex intelligence in each individual vehicle system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Use of energy by moving object

If charging schedules are predetermined, then power consumption peaks are avoided, but flexibility in charging timing is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectric power consumptionVSAvoidcharging timing flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic charging schedules that are determined based on real-time power supply conditions and available power margins. Rather than using fixed predetermined schedules, the power supply management device continuously assesses grid conditions and adjusts charging schedules accordingly. This dynamic approach avoids power consumption peaks by adapting to actual power availability while maintaining flexibility to charge vehicles when power is available, balancing optimization with adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10850630B2On-board unit and electric vehicle management system
Publication Date: 2020.12.01 MITSUBISHI HEAVY IND LTD
  • US10850630B2 patent drawing
  • US10850630B2 patent drawing
  • US10850630B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A charge management method includes generating and storing a charge schedule related to an electric energy for charging a vehicle within an amount of suppliable electric power for charging said vehicle located in a region, wherein said vehicle includes a rechargeable battery. The method further includes storing an identification number of said vehicle in said region by an EV controlling center. The method further includes determining a propriety of charging said vehicle at a current time and location based on said charge schedule in response to detection of a signal indicating a start of a charging process of said rechargeable battery from said vehicle having said identification number.