Electric Freight Asset Routing With Vehicle-to-Vehicle Energy Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limitations of electric vehicles in freight transport due to shorter range and longer recharging times compared to internal combustion engine vehicles, along with battery degradation, necessitate a more efficient management of energy flow and route optimization for electric assets in freight transportation systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that manage energy flow and freight transportation by receiving mobile electric asset information and freight transport assignments, determining electric energy requirements, and assigning routes and charging schedules for mobile electric assets, allowing for dynamic energy transfer between self-propelled and non-self-propelled assets, optimizing routes for battery efficiency and extending battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If electric vehicles are used for freight transport, then environmental friendliness is improved, but range is reduced and recharging time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electric vehicles into a collaborative network where vehicles can share battery capacity and transport capacity. By merging resources across the fleet, the system achieves extended operational range without requiring individual vehicles to have larger batteries, thus maintaining environmental benefits while solving the range limitation.
Solution Approach 2:
Electric vehicles in the system serve multiple functions: they can perform freight transport, act as mobile charging stations for other vehicles, and participate in dynamic route optimization. This multi-functionality allows the same vehicle to contribute to both cargo delivery and energy management, effectively extending the operational capabilities of the entire fleet.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If electric vehicles are used for freight transport, then environmental friendliness is improved, but recharging time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables electric vehicles to charge each other autonomously through vehicle-to-vehicle energy transfer. When one vehicle has excess battery capacity, it can automatically charge another vehicle that is low on energy, eliminating the need to stop at external charging stations and significantly reducing recharging time while maintaining the environmental advantages of electric propulsion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary routing and energy management calculations to optimize charging opportunities before vehicles embark on their routes. By pre-planning energy transfers and route assignments, the system ensures that vehicles are charged at optimal moments during their journeys, minimizing downtime while maintaining emission reductions.
3Duration of action of moving object
If battery capacity is increased to extend range, then range is improved, but battery degradation accelerates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the battery capacity requirement across multiple vehicles in the fleet rather than concentrating it in a single vehicle. Each vehicle maintains a moderate battery size, but the collective fleet capacity provides the necessary range for all operations. This segmentation reduces the degradation burden on individual batteries while achieving the required operational range through collaborative energy sharing.
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
This approach enhances the efficiency and longevity of electric vehicle batteries, reduces maintenance and operational costs, and promotes the use of renewable energy sources, treating energy flow as a new dimension in freight transportation systems, thereby improving overall eco-friendliness and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
electricity can be transferred directly between the self-propelled vehicle assets and non-self-propelled vehicle assets
Data Source
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AI summary
According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of managing energy flow and freight transportation within a system. The system can include a plurality of mobile electric assets (1). The mobile electic assets (1) can be self-propelled vehicles, non-self-propelled vehicles and non-vehicle electric assets. The management includes treating energy flow as a new dimension of a freight transportation system.