Mobile Generator Charging With PLC-Based SOC Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a challenge in charging electric vehicles, devices, or systems due to the lack of accessible power sources, particularly in remote locations or during power outages following natural disasters, necessitating a transportable and versatile power solution.
Innovation Solution
A mobile generator charging system utilizing programmable logic controllers (PLCs) to manage communication and energy transfer between a generator, vehicle batteries, and an on-board battery pack, ensuring preset state of charge (SOC) is maintained, and utilizing renewable fuels like compressed natural gas (CNG) and renewable natural gas (RNG), with the system housed in a trailer for easy transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed power source is used for charging, then charging reliability is improved, but accessibility to remote locations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the charging system from a static fixed power source to a mobile platform that can dynamically relocate. The charging system is mounted on a vehicle platform with propulsion systems, allowing it to move to remote locations and disaster areas where vehicles need charging, thus maintaining charging reliability while improving accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional mobile charging platform that can serve multiple purposes: it can charge various types of vehicles (electric vehicles, aircraft, watercraft), provide emergency power during disasters, and relocate to different geographical locations. This universal design resolves the contradiction by making the system both reliable and accessible.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile charging system is deployed, then accessibility to remote locations is improved, but system complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the mobile charging system into modular functional units: propulsion system, battery pack, charging equipment, and control systems. Each module can be independently managed and maintained, reducing overall system complexity while preserving mobility and accessibility capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing programmable logic controllers (PLCs) as mediators that manage communication and coordination between different system components. The PLCs handle the complex interactions between the propulsion system, battery management, and charging equipment, simplifying the control architecture while enabling sophisticated mobile charging operations.
3Manufacturing precision
If PLCs manage communication between chargers and batteries, then charging precision is improved, but control system complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing communication systems that enable real-time monitoring and adjustment of charging parameters. The PLCs receive feedback from battery state-of-charge sensors and adjust charging rates accordingly, ensuring precise charging control while managing the complexity through automated feedback loops rather than manual intervention.
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
The system provides a reliable and sustainable means to charge vehicles and devices by ensuring consistent energy transfer and efficient SOC management, even in remote areas, using renewable fuels and optimizing energy usage to maintain a consistent generator output.
Implementation Method 1
a first charger connected to one of an aircraft, a watercraft, and a vehicle having at least one vehicle battery, a second charger connected to an on board battery pack
Implementation Method 2
at least one programmable logic controller (PLC) to manage communication between the at least one vehicle battery and the first charger to ensure that the at least one vehicle battery reaches a preset state of charge (SOC), manage communication between the on board battery pack and the second charger to ensure that the on board battery pack reaches the preset SOC
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a first charger connected to one of an aircraft, a watercraft, and a vehicle having at least one vehicle battery, a second charger connected to an on board battery pack, and at least one programmable logic controller (PLC) to manage communication between the at least one vehicle battery and the first charger to ensure that the at least one vehicle battery reaches a preset state of charge (SOC), manage communication between the on board battery pack and the second charger to ensure that the on board battery pack reaches the preset SOC, and manage transfer of energy from the on board battery pack to the at least one vehicle battery.