Remote Command Center for Plug-in Vehicle Charging Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited range of plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles between charges restricts their usability, and existing systems lack efficient methods for tracking and billing power consumption when charging at remote locations, making it difficult for vehicle owners to conveniently charge their vehicles away from home.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a remote command center that communicates with plug-in vehicles and utility power control centers to transmit charging authorizations and power consumption data, allowing for convenient charging at multiple locations and accurate billing, using sensors to measure power usage and store data for financial transactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If plug-in vehicles charge from local power grid at home, then charging is convenient and simple, but vehicle range is limited for extended trips
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system is segmented into multiple independent charging locations (home, work, remote destinations) with individual charging sessions. Each location operates autonomously with local charging infrastructure, allowing the vehicle to accumulate range through multiple segmented charging events rather than requiring a single large charge or complex centralized management.
2Length of moving object
If vehicles charge at remote locations, then vehicle range is extended, but tracking and billing power consumption becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
A remote command center acts as an intermediary between utility power control centers and plug-in vehicles. It receives charging location data from vehicles, communicates with utility providers to arrange power delivery, tracks power consumption centrally, and manages billing. This intermediary consolidates the complexity of coordinating multiple utility contracts and tracking remote charging into a single management point.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where the vehicle reports charging location and status to the remote command center, which then provides authorization tokens and monitors power consumption. The command center continuously receives consumption data, compares it against authorized charges, and provides real-time feedback for billing and system optimization, ensuring accurate tracking without requiring complex local monitoring at each charging site.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple utility contracts are established for remote charging locations, then charging availability increases, but system complexity and administrative burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The remote command center provides universal functionality by serving multiple purposes: it acts as a charging coordinator, utility provider interface, consumption tracker, and billing system. This single multi-functional platform enables charging at diverse locations (different utility providers, different geographic regions) without requiring separate specialized systems for each location, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
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
Enables vehicle owners to extend the range of their plug-in vehicles by allowing charging at various locations while ensuring accurate and transparent billing, reducing the complexity of establishing multiple utility contracts.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor configured to sense electric power received from a utility power source used to charge the battery
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for controlling the charging of onboard energy storage systems of a plurality of plug-in vehicles using a remote command center. A system for directing the charging of a plurality of remotely located plug-in vehicles is provided. The system includes a communication system configured to transmit charging authorizations to charge each of the plurality of plug-in vehicles and to receive data related to power consumption from each of the plurality of plug-in vehicles. The system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the communication system and configured to receive the data related to power consumption and to direct the charge authorizations based thereon. A database is also included in the system and is communicatively coupled to the controller, with the database configured to store the data related to power consumption.