EV Charging Network for Peer-to-Peer Rescue Power Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles face the challenge of rapid charging, leading to 'range anxiety' due to the lack of easily accessible power sources, which can leave drivers stranded without a simple solution like refueling gasoline vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented system and method for managing electric vehicle charging through a network that allows vehicles to request power from nearby electric vehicles or charging locations, considering factors like location, state of charge, direction, and driver availability to facilitate power transfer or charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If electric vehicles use rapid charging to reduce charging time, then charging speed is improved, but the availability of charging infrastructure and ease of access to power sources deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a networked system that acts as an intermediary between stranded electric vehicles and potential power sources. The system uses transceivers to communicate vehicle locations, battery states, and routing information, enabling stranded vehicles to find nearby power sources without requiring dense charging infrastructure. This mediator system resolves the contradiction by providing access to power sources through intelligent routing rather than physical infrastructure density.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing electric vehicles to autonomously request assistance from nearby vehicles or locations through the network. When a vehicle is stranded, it automatically transmits its location and power needs, and the system routes it to appropriate power sources without requiring manual intervention or extensive charging station networks.
2Duration of action of moving object
If electric vehicles carry larger batteries to extend range, then operating duration is improved, but vehicle weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the resource pool of multiple electric vehicles through the network system. Instead of each vehicle carrying excessive battery capacity for maximum range, the system combines available power resources across the fleet. When one vehicle is stranded, others can provide power through the network, effectively extending operational duration without increasing individual vehicle weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The network system creates a universal power-sharing infrastructure where any electric vehicle can potentially serve as a power source for others. This multi-functionality allows the vehicle fleet to collectively provide extended range services without individual vehicles needing larger batteries, resolving the weight-duration contradiction.
3Ease of operation
If a networked charging system is implemented to enable peer-to-peer charging, then accessibility to power sources is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where transceivers continuously exchange information about vehicle locations, battery states of charge, and power availability. This feedback loop enables the network to dynamically route stranded vehicles to appropriate power sources, improving accessibility while managing complexity through automated information exchange rather than complex control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses information copying and transmission through the network rather than physical complexity. Vehicle data (location, battery state, routing information) is copied and transmitted electronically across the network, enabling complex routing decisions without physical system complexity. This resolves the contradiction by replacing physical complexity with information-based coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
Computer-implemented methods and computer systems are disclosed herein as implemented by a controller operatively coupled to a network of electric vehicles. The methods and systems include the controller (i) receiving a notification that an electric vehicle is stranded without sufficient power to operate; (ii) receiving information regarding the stranded electric vehicle; (iii) detecting one or more other electric vehicles in a vicinity of the stranded electric vehicle; (iv) receiving information regarding the detected one or more other electric vehicles; and/or (v) determining, based upon the received information, which of the detected one or more other electric vehicles to send a power source request. Alternatively, the notification may indicate that an electric vehicle has a low state of charge (SOC), or is otherwise has a battery in need of being recharged to facilitate the electric vehicle traveling to a destination.