Fleet Charging Scheduling for Warm Battery Starts and Station Utilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inefficient and unbalanced charging of electrically powered machines at work sites leads to battery degradation, cold starts, and energy waste due to fast charging and temperature-related inefficiencies, resulting in suboptimal utilization of charging stations.
Innovation Solution
A computer system manages charging processes based on work schedule data, machine status, and charging station capacity to ensure each machine is charged optimally within a time interval before its work shift, using a controlled charging rate to maintain battery warmth and minimize energy loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If fast charging is applied to depleted batteries, then charging speed is improved, but battery degradation increases and charging efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating of the battery before charging to optimize charging conditions. By pre-heating the battery in cold environments, the system prepares the battery for efficient charging, preventing energy loss and degradation while maintaining fast charging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts charging parameters based on battery temperature and state of charge. Charging current and voltage are optimized in real-time, transitioning from constant current to constant voltage charging, and adjusting power levels based on thermal conditions to maximize efficiency while maintaining speed.
2Speed
If fast charging is applied to depleted batteries, then charging speed is improved, but battery degradation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating of the battery before charging to optimize charging conditions. By pre-heating the battery in cold environments, the system prepares the battery for efficient charging, preventing energy loss and degradation while maintaining fast charging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts charging parameters based on battery temperature and state of charge. Charging current and voltage are optimized in real-time, transitioning from constant current to constant voltage charging, and adjusting power levels based on thermal conditions to maximize efficiency while maintaining speed.
3Productivity
If batteries are charged in cold environments, then charging can proceed, but charging performance decreases and additional heating power is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating of the battery before charging to optimize charging conditions. By pre-heating the battery in cold environments, the system prepares the battery for efficient charging, preventing energy loss and degradation while maintaining fast charging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the harmful effect of cold temperatures into a beneficial pre-heating phase. By intentionally heating the battery before charging, the system transforms the cold environment from a constraint into an opportunity for optimized charging preparation, improving overall charging performance.
4Productivity
If charging is not scheduled properly, then machines can operate continuously, but charging stations are underutilized and energy is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses real-time feedback from battery state of charge, temperature, and work schedule data to optimize charging decisions. The control system continuously monitors machine status and charging station availability, adjusting charging schedules dynamically to balance machine productivity with energy efficiency and station utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts charging schedules based on real-time conditions rather than using fixed schedules. Machine work shifts, battery states, and charging station availability all influence the timing and rate of charging, creating a flexible system that optimizes both productivity and energy efficiency.
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
The system ensures electric energy storage systems are warm at the start of the work shift, reducing battery degradation, saving power and time, and optimizing the use of charging stations.
Implementation Method 1
at least one charging station configured to charge the electric energy storage system of the at least one electrically powered machine
Implementation Method 2
the charging process for each of the at least one electrically powered machine is planned to be completed within a time interval before a starting time of a subsequent work shift... such that the electric energy storage system is still warm from the charging process
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and a method (2) for managing charging electrically powered machines (10) in a fleet system (5) comprising a charging station (14) by obtaining (S1) by the processing circuitry (402) work schedule data, machine status and charging information. The method (2) further comprises determining (S2), by the processing circuitry, a charging process for each of the at least one electrically powered machine (10) based on the work schedule data, the machine status and the charging information, such that the charging process for each of the at least one electrically powered machine (10) is planned to be completed within a time interval (T) before a starting time (tw) of a subsequent work shift of each of the at least one electrically powered machine (10), and executing (S3), by the processing circuitry (402), the determined charging process.