Bi-Directional EV Precooling Control for Peak Grid Demand
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building precooling systems are inefficient in reducing energy consumption from the power grid during high electricity cost or demand periods, as they do not effectively utilize bi-directional Electric Vehicles (EVs) to supply energy for precooling.
Innovation Solution
A bi-directional Electric Vehicle (EV) system that automatically calculates and transfers energy to a building to precool it during high electricity cost or demand periods, using real-time temperature and HVAC load profile data to optimize energy transfer and minimize grid energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If a building uses traditional precooling systems, then the building temperature is reduced before high demand periods, but energy consumption from the power grid remains high during low cost periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the building energy system to utilize multiple energy sources: the bi-directional EV battery can supply energy to the building during both low cost periods (precooling) and high cost periods (direct operation), making the energy system versatile and adaptable to different operational scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary cooling action by using EV battery energy to cool the building during low cost periods before high demand periods occur, reducing the need for grid energy during expensive periods while maintaining comfort standards
2Use of energy by stationary object
If the EV supplies energy continuously to the building, then the building's energy spend is optimized, but the EV battery state of charge decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the energy transfer rate from the EV to the building based on real-time conditions including battery state of charge, ambient temperature, building temperature, and electricity cost/demand signals, optimizing energy spend while preserving sufficient battery charge
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from temperature sensors, battery state of charge monitors, and electricity cost/demand signals to continuously adjust the energy transfer strategy, ensuring optimal building energy spend while maintaining adequate EV battery charge levels
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively reduces the building's energy consumption from the power grid by precooling the building before high demand periods, thereby optimizing energy spend and improving energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The vehicle may transfer energy to the building to operate a building heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle configured to transfer energy to a building is disclosed. The vehicle may include a transceiver and a processor. The transceiver may receive temperature information and demand information associated with a power grid. The processor may determine that a first predefined condition may be met based on the demand information. The processor may then calculate a first amount of energy to be transferred to the building based on the temperature information, and cause the vehicle to transfer the first amount of energy to the building. The processor may further determine that a second predefined condition may be met based on the first amount of energy and/or vehicle availability information, and determine a second amount of energy to be transferred to the building based on the temperature information. The processor may then cause the vehicle to transfer the second amount of energy to the building.