EV Charging Control Using GUI Scheduling and Load Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicle charging requires significant time and adherence to schedules, leading to vehicle unavailability and resistance in charging and uncharging processes, with existing systems lacking efficient load balancing and intelligent charging solutions.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent electric vehicle charging system that uses vehicle sensors and communication devices to determine charging schedules, manage power distribution, and balance electrical loads by selecting optimal power sources, including vehicle-generated energy, to minimize costs and optimize charging times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electric vehicles are charged regularly to maintain electrical charge, then the vehicle remains operational, but the vehicle becomes unavailable for protracted stretches of time and requires user intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system automatically determines when and how to charge vehicles without user intervention. The system monitors vehicle charge levels, identifies available power sources, and executes charging operations autonomously, allowing vehicles to service their own charging needs while parked.
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively charges vehicles before they are needed, using available power sources including other vehicles in the parking lot. By anticipating charging needs and executing charges in advance, the system ensures vehicle availability without requiring users to plan charging schedules.
2Ease of operation
If users manually plug in and unplug vehicles for charging, then charging can be controlled, but user resistance increases due to inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system operates completely autonomously without requiring user action. Vehicles are charged automatically through wireless power transfer while parked, eliminating the need for users to physically connect or disconnect charging equipment, thereby removing the source of user resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical plug-and-play charging with automated wireless power transfer. Electromagnetic fields enable energy transfer without physical connection, substituting the mechanical interaction that caused user inconvenience with a contactless automated process.
3Loss of time
If charging infrastructure is expanded to reduce charging time, then vehicle availability improves, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Vehicles serve dual functions as both power consumers and power sources. Each vehicle can draw power when needed and supply power to others when charged, creating a multi-functional system where the same assets perform multiple roles, reducing the need for additional dedicated charging infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the charging infrastructure with the vehicle fleet itself. Rather than building separate charging stations, the vehicles are combined into a mutual charging network where power is exchanged between vehicles, simplifying the overall system architecture.
4Productivity
If traditional charging methods are used, then charging can be performed, but load balancing and cost optimization are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors power availability, vehicle charge levels, and energy costs to dynamically adjust charging decisions. Feedback loops enable the system to identify optimal charging opportunities, balance loads across the fleet, and minimize energy costs by charging when power is abundant and inexpensive.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system dynamically adapts to changing conditions including power source availability, vehicle needs, and energy prices. Rather than following fixed schedules, the system flexibly adjusts charging operations in real-time to optimize efficiency and cost-effectiveness based on current system state.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for charging electric vehicles utilizing Graphical User Interface (GUI) elements.