Parallel Motorcycle Charging Chain for Shared Station Queues
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Solution Overview
Problem
Charging electric vehicles, particularly motorcycles, can be time-consuming and lead to queues at charging stations, as existing infrastructure is insufficient to meet demand, and sequential charging can degrade batteries.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for parallel charging of multiple motorcycles using parallel charging modules and cables, allowing up to four motorcycles to share a single charging station's electrical flow, with each motorcycle connected via a plug and socket system that includes a switch and resistor configuration to manage communication, and a manager motorcycle to coordinate charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If sequential charging is used at existing charging stations, then charging infrastructure complexity is minimized, but charging time and queue waiting time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system is segmented into multiple independent charging modules (first charging module, second charging module, etc.) that can operate simultaneously. Each module has its own charging socket and control circuitry, allowing multiple motorcycles to be charged in parallel at a single charging station, thereby reducing total charging time without requiring multiple separate charging stations.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging station is designed with universal charging sockets that can accommodate different motorcycle battery configurations. The system can dynamically allocate charging capacity among multiple motorcycles with different battery sizes and charging requirements, making a single charging station serve multiple functions and multiple vehicle types simultaneously.
2Speed
If faster charging rates are used to reduce charging time, then charging speed increases, but battery degradation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
Each charging module can independently adjust its charging rate based on the specific battery characteristics, state of charge, and health status of the connected motorcycle. This localized control allows some motorcycles to receive faster charging while others receive slower charging, optimizing the balance between charging speed and battery preservation for each individual vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system dynamically adjusts charging parameters in real-time based on battery status, temperature, and load conditions. The control circuitry monitors battery health and automatically modulates charging current to prevent overheating and excessive stress on battery cells, thereby extending battery lifespan while maintaining acceptable charging speeds.
3Productivity
If multiple motorcycles charge simultaneously at a single station, then station utilization efficiency improves, but communication and control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A central control unit acts as an intermediary between multiple charging modules and the external power grid. This mediator coordinates power distribution, manages communication protocols, and handles authentication and billing for multiple motorcycles simultaneously, simplifying the overall control architecture while enabling high station utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system incorporates feedback mechanisms where each charging module reports status, power consumption, and battery state to the central control unit. The control unit uses this feedback to dynamically balance power distribution, prevent overload conditions, and optimize charging allocation across multiple motorcycles, thereby maintaining efficient station utilization through real-time monitoring and adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
Charging electric vehicles at shared charging stations may involve waiting in line to connect one's vehicle. By allowing multiple motorcycles to charge in parallel at a charging station, better use of the available space can be made and the process can be more efficient for motorcyclists riding in groups. Connectors and cables are configured to connect a chain of motorcycles in parallel to a single charging station. The connectors and cables carry the charging current to each motorcycle and include communication wiring. One motorcycle is deemed a manager motorcycle, which detects the other motorcycles in the chain and initiates charging. Each motorcycle's battery management system controls the amount of charge for its respective battery.