Network Planner for Electric Vehicle Energy Demand Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing electric vehicle systems face limitations in the number of vehicles that can operate on a route due to the capacity constraints of the electrical power grid, leading to potential stalls and power outages when multiple vehicles demand energy simultaneously, which is costly to address by increasing grid capacity.

Innovation Solution

A network planner system that monitors the available electrical energy on the grid and controls the movements of electric vehicles to ensure their energy demand does not exceed the grid capacity, by modifying energy usage plans and allocating vehicle-specific maximum energy demands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the capacity of the electrical power grid is increased to allow more electric vehicles to operate simultaneously, then the number of vehicles that can be powered is improved, but the financial cost and infrastructure complexity worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of electric vehiclesVSAvoidgrid capacity infrastructure

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the operational parameters of electric vehicles by modifying their speed profiles and scheduling their movements along the route. The network planner continuously monitors grid capacity and reallocates energy consumption timing among vehicles, transforming the static grid capacity constraint into a dynamic resource allocation problem that can accommodate more vehicles without infrastructure upgrades.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational parameters of electric vehicles, specifically their speed and timing characteristics, to match the available grid capacity. By adjusting vehicle speed profiles and departure/arrival times, the system optimizes energy consumption patterns to fit within existing grid constraints, allowing more vehicles to operate without increasing grid capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If multiple electric vehicles demand energy simultaneously from the same grid source, then the productivity and utilization of the route is improved, but the risk of exceeding grid capacity and causing vehicle stalls worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle utilizationVSAvoidvehicle operation continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The network planner performs preliminary calculations and simulations to determine optimal speed profiles and scheduling for each vehicle before they begin their trips. Energy consumption patterns are pre-computed and adjusted to ensure that simultaneous vehicle operations will not exceed grid capacity, preventing stalls before they occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous monitoring of actual grid capacity and vehicle energy consumption, with the network planner receiving feedback on deviations from planned consumption patterns. This feedback loop allows real-time adjustments to vehicle scheduling and speed profiles to maintain reliable operation within grid constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Use of energy by moving object

If the speed and movement of electric vehicles are strictly controlled to match grid capacity, then the energy demand management is improved, but the flexibility and operational freedom of vehicles worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy demand controlVSAvoidvehicle movement flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides dynamic speed profiles that allow vehicles to operate with flexibility within defined parameters rather than imposing rigid speed limits. Vehicles can adjust their speed within ranges that collectively maintain energy consumption within grid capacity, preserving operational freedom while achieving energy management goals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The route is divided into segments with different speed and energy consumption characteristics. The network planner allocates specific segments to vehicles at different times and adjusts speed profiles segment-by-segment, allowing vehicles to maintain higher speeds on less constrained segments while managing overall energy demand through coordinated control on critical segments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8948940B2Method and system for controlling energy demand of vehicles on a network

Publication Date: 2015.02.03 TRANSPORTATION IP HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

A method includes monitoring an available amount of electrical energy on an electrical power grid for powering one or more loads at one time. The available amount of electrical energy represents an amount of electrical energy that may be consumed at one time without exceeding a grid capacity. The method also includes monitoring an electrical energy demand of plural electric vehicles traveling on a network of routes that includes one or more conductive pathways extending along the routes for delivering the electrical energy from the electrical power grid to the electric vehicles. The method further includes controlling movements of the electric vehicles such that the electrical energy demand of the electric vehicles does not exceed the available amount of electrical energy on the electrical power grid.