Preconditioning Heated Charging Plugs via Predictive Frost Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Public charging points' charging plugs may frost in winter, making them uncomfortable to handle and potentially causing short circuits due to melted water, and existing solutions require manual activation or continuous heating, which is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for preconditioning heatable charging points by using sensors and cameras to detect frost and ambient conditions, allowing users to reserve and preheat the charging point before arrival, with heating limited to the charging plug, cable, and ground as needed, via a mobile interface and backend communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the charging point is heated constantly to prevent frosting, then the charging plug remains frost-free and usable, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating action by sending a preheat request to the charging point before the user arrives. The charging point is heated in advance based on predicted arrival time and weather conditions, so that by the time the user reaches the charging point, the plug is already frost-free and ready for use, eliminating the need for constant heating
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous heating, the system implements periodic heating based on scheduled preheat requests. The heating is activated only during specific periods when needed (before predicted user arrival) and deactivated otherwise, converting continuous energy consumption into periodic, controlled heating cycles
2Use of energy by moving object
If the charging point is heated only after user arrival, then energy is saved, but the charging plug may still be frosted and unusable
Solution Approach 1:
The system sends a preheat request before the user arrives at the charging point, based on predicted arrival time from navigation data. This preliminary action ensures the charging plug is heated in advance and becomes frost-free before the user needs to use it, resolving the contradiction between energy saving and usability
3Use of energy by moving object
If manual activation of heating is required, then energy consumption is reduced, but user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically sending preheat requests based on predicted user arrival time and weather conditions. The user simply needs to reserve a charging slot through the mobile application, and the system autonomously handles the heating activation without requiring manual intervention, combining energy efficiency with user convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs the heating activation action preliminarily and automatically before the user arrives, eliminating the need for manual activation. The preheat request is sent in advance based on predicted arrival time, so the heating process starts automatically without user 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
Ensures the charging point is defrosted upon arrival, enhancing user comfort, reducing the risk of short circuits, and conserving energy by heating only when necessary.
Implementation Method 1
a heating device (220), and a control unit (230). The temperature sensor (210) and the heating device (220) are electrically connected to the regulator (240)
Implementation Method 2
The temperature sensor and the heating device are mounted on the outer surface of the charging cable. During cold weather, the temperature sensor measures the surface temperature of the charging cable
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a system and a method for preconditioning of heatable charging points of a charging station as needed.