Route Search System for Electric Automobiles Optimizing Charging Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current route search systems for electric automobiles do not always optimize the time required to reach a destination, as they do not accurately determine how much charge is needed at intermediate charging stations to minimize overall travel time.
Innovation Solution
A route search system that includes a telematics center, electric automobiles, and charging stations connected by a network, which uses algorithms to search for routes that minimize charging times and travel distances by specifying optimal charging stations for an electric automobile to pass through, including the use of Dijkstra's algorithm to determine the shortest route.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the electric automobile charges the battery at normal charging stations, then the charging cost is lower and the stations are widely spread, but the charging time becomes four to eight hours or more
Solution Approach 1:
The route search system dynamically adjusts charging strategies based on real-time conditions. It determines optimal charging amounts at each station by calculating the difference between required charge for next destination and current charge level, adapting the charging plan to minimize total travel time while considering station availability and type (normal vs. quick charging).
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes charging parameters (charging amount, charging station type selection) to optimize the contradiction between availability and charging time. By selecting appropriate charging stations and determining precise charging amounts needed for each segment, the system balances the widespread availability of normal stations with the time efficiency of quick charging stations.
2Loss of time
If the electric automobile uses quick charging stations, then the charging time is reduced to thirty minutes, but the equipment cost increases and the stations are not widely spread
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects between normal and quick charging stations based on route requirements and time constraints. It determines the optimal mix of charging station types along the route, using quick charging stations when time is critical and normal stations when they suffice, thereby balancing time efficiency with station availability constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial charging actions at each station - charging only the necessary amount needed to reach the next charging station or destination, rather than always charging to full capacity. This reduces unnecessary charging time while ensuring sufficient charge for the next segment, optimizing the trade-off between charging time and station availability.
3Reliability
If the route search system only considers preventing battery from emptying, then the traveling distance is reduced, but the time required to reach destination is not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations to determine the exact charging amount needed at each station before execution. By pre-calculating the charge required to reach the next charging station or destination and comparing it with current charge levels, the system determines the precise charging amount needed, avoiding both over-charging (wasting time) and under-charging (risking battery emptying).
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback loops that continuously monitor battery charge levels, charging station availability, and route progress. It adjusts the charging strategy based on real-time conditions, comparing the calculated optimal charging amount with actual charging performed, and modifying subsequent charging decisions to minimize total travel time while ensuring battery reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
An object of the present information is to search for a route taking into account the charging times in the charging stations (102). When an electric automobile (101) provided with a battery (304) cannot reach a second point from a first point without the battery (304) being charged in a charging station (102) halfway, a route-search processing section (213) specifies one or two or more charging stations (102), which the electric automobile (101) is to pass through in order to reach the second point from the first point in a shorter time including a charging time in each of the charging stations (102) and moving times among the charging stations (102), and derives a route for reaching the second point from the first point passing through the specified charging stations (102).