Mobile EV Charging Platform for On-Route Fast Charging Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The lack of availability and accessibility of public charging stations for electric vehicles hinders their widespread adoption, as the high cost of constructing and deploying Level-3 Direct Current Fast Chargers makes it uneconomical to provision single chargers, resulting in a low geographical distribution and density of charging stations compared to gasoline stations.
Innovation Solution
A mobile electric vehicle charging system that includes a mobile charging platform equipped with an electric vehicle charger, a power source, and a controller for determining positions and scheduling charging sessions, utilizing existing resources like flatbed trucks or tractor-trailers to provide on-route charging services, leveraging economy sharing and IoT technologies for efficient deployment and reservation management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If Level-3 Direct Current Fast Chargers are deployed to provide fast charging services, then charging speed and service quality are improved, but construction cost and capital investment increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from static, fixed charging stations to mobile charging units that can be dynamically deployed. The charging system is mounted on movable platforms (trucks, trailers, or boats) that can be repositioned to different locations based on demand, eliminating the need for permanent infrastructure construction while providing fast charging services.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the charging infrastructure into modular, portable units rather than requiring large, fixed station installations. Each mobile charging unit operates independently and can be deployed separately, reducing the capital intensity per unit and allowing flexible scaling without the need for utility company intervention or structural modifications at each location.
2Reliability
If fixed charging stations are constructed with multiple chargers per station, then charging capacity and reliability are improved, but geographical distribution and accessibility worsen due to high construction costs
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile charging units can be dynamically relocated to different geographical locations based on real-time demand, weather conditions, and route requirements. This dynamic deployment strategy enables wide geographical distribution without the need for permanent fixed stations at each location, improving accessibility while maintaining charging capacity through strategic positioning of multiple mobile units.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile charging units are designed to be universally deployable across various terrains and locations using existing transportation infrastructure (roads, waterways). The same charging unit can serve multiple locations and different vehicle types, providing multi-functional capability that enhances geographical distribution without requiring location-specific customizations or additional construction.
3Ease of manufacture
If public charging stations are sparsely distributed due to economic constraints, then construction costs are reduced, but travel time and detour distance increase for electric vehicle drivers
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows drivers to pre-book mobile charging units for specific locations and times along their intended travel route. The charging units are then dispatched to meet the driver at the scheduled location and time, eliminating the need for detours or waiting at fixed stations. This preliminary scheduling ensures that charging services are available exactly where and when needed, reducing travel time while maintaining low construction costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile charging unit acts as an intermediary that travels between fixed infrastructure points to provide charging services. Instead of requiring drivers to travel to sparsely distributed fixed stations, the charging unit moves to the driver's location, effectively bridging the gap between limited infrastructure and user needs, thereby reducing travel time without requiring extensive infrastructure construction.
4Adaptability or versatility
If mobile charging platforms are deployed to improve geographical distribution, then accessibility and flexibility are improved, but system complexity and coordination requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates real-time feedback mechanisms where drivers can request charging services through a digital platform, and the system automatically dispatches appropriate mobile charging units based on current location, availability, and route information. This automated feedback loop simplifies coordination by using digital communication and tracking systems rather than manual scheduling, reducing perceived system complexity while maintaining high accessibility and flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile charging platform for charging an electric vehicle includes an electric vehicle charger for charging the electric vehicle. A connector connects the electric vehicle to the electric vehicle charger. A power source provides power to the electric vehicle charger. A mobile charging platform controller determines a first position of the mobile charging plat form and transmits and receives control data for scheduling a meeting location between the mobile charging platform and the electric vehicle responsive to the first position of the mobile charging platform and a second position of the electric vehicle.