EV Charging Network for Vehicle-to-Vehicle Rescue Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles face challenges in quickly replenishing their battery power, leading to 'range anxiety' due to the lack of easily accessible power sources, unlike fuel-powered cars, which can be refueled quickly.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that utilizes a network of electric vehicles to share power, where a controller detects nearby vehicles with sufficient charge and determines the most suitable ones to assist a stranded vehicle by sending a power source request, considering factors like location, state of charge, route, and driver availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electric vehicles use traditional charging stations, then they can be charged, but the charging infrastructure is insufficient and not easily accessible, leading to range anxiety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables electric vehicles to charge each other directly through vehicle-to-vehicle power transfer. The stranded vehicle receives power from nearby vehicles with sufficient charge, eliminating the need for external charging infrastructure. This self-service mechanism allows vehicles to help each other in need, directly addressing the insufficiency of traditional charging stations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows electric vehicles to serve multiple functions: normal driving, power sharing, and acting as mobile charging stations. Vehicles with excess charge can function as power sources for stranded vehicles, creating a universal solution where any vehicle can potentially assist another, reducing dependence on dedicated charging infrastructure.
2Duration of action of moving object
If electric vehicles carry larger batteries to extend range, then they can travel farther, but the vehicle weight increases and charging time when stranded remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the battery resources of multiple vehicles to solve the range limitation problem. Instead of each vehicle carrying excessive battery weight for extended range, the system merges the charge capacity of nearby vehicles through power sharing, allowing stranded vehicles to recharge without having oversized batteries installed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electric vehicles rely on fixed charging stations, then charging is possible, but the system lacks flexibility and vehicles cannot be charged in remote or unexpected locations
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms the static charging model (fixed stations) into a dynamic one where any vehicle with sufficient charge can become a mobile charging source. This dynamic adaptation allows charging to occur anywhere in the network, providing flexibility in location while maintaining reliability through the distributed vehicle network.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication network acts as an intermediary that coordinates power sharing between vehicles. When a vehicle is stranded, the system uses the network to detect nearby vehicles, evaluate their charge status, and facilitate the power transfer, enabling flexible charging in remote locations without fixed infrastructure.
4Reliability
If the system requests power from all detected vehicles, then charging options are maximized, but the communication overhead and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by evaluating and prioritizing nearby vehicles based on their charge status, distance, and suitability to provide power. Instead of treating all detected vehicles equally, the system assigns different weights and priorities to different vehicles, communicating with only those that meet specific criteria, thus reducing overhead while maintaining reliable charging options.
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.