Multi-Controller Battery Charging Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery charging methods fail to optimally consider the diverse constraints and preferences of various users and devices involved in the charging process, particularly in the context of electric vehicles that may encounter different battery types, chargers, and energy service providers during travel.
Innovation Solution
A method employing a plurality of controllers that communicate and coordinate to determine a charge rate that accounts for multiple constraints and preferences, including safety, cost, and contractual considerations, by monitoring and influencing the current flow between batteries and power supplies using shared electrical signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single controller is used to manage battery charging, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to account for multiple constraints and preferences of different users and devices is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The charging management system is segmented into multiple specialized controllers, each responsible for monitoring specific input variables and enforcing particular constraints. This segmentation allows each controller to focus on specific aspects of charging management, thereby increasing the overall adaptability without requiring one overly complex monolithic controller.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple controllers are designed to work together in a universal charging system that can accommodate different battery types, charging standards, and user preferences. Each controller maintains independence while contributing to a unified charging decision, enabling the system to serve multiple functions and adapt to various scenarios.
2Productivity
If multiple controllers are deployed to monitor all input variables, then the charging optimization is improved, but the communication overhead and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediary communication protocol or mediator mechanism is established between controllers to efficiently exchange necessary information. This intermediary layer coordinates the controllers, allowing them to share data and reach consensus on charging parameters without requiring extensive direct communication between all controller pairs, thereby reducing overall communication overhead.
3Reliability
If real-time monitoring of all input variables is performed, then the charging safety and optimization are improved, but the computational requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The computational task of monitoring and analyzing input variables is segmented across multiple controllers, each responsible for specific variables. This distribution of computational load maintains comprehensive monitoring for safety while avoiding the need for a single controller to handle all computations, thereby managing system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for managing the charging and discharging of batteries wherein at least one battery is connected to a battery charger, the battery charger is connected to a power supply. A plurality of controllers in communication with one and another are provided, each of the controllers monitoring a subset of input variables. A set of charging constraints may then generated for each controller as a function of the subset of input variables. A set of objectives for each controller may also be generated. A preferred charge rate for each controller is generated as a function of either the set of objectives, the charging constraints, or both, using an algorithm that accounts for each of the preferred charge rates for each of the controllers and/or that does not violate any of the charging constraints. A current flow between the battery and the battery charger is then provided at the actual charge rate.