Smart Grid EV Charging Control System with Priority Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric vehicle charging solutions do not integrate with smart grids to enable participation in demand response programs, provide visibility into energy sources, or consider CO2 emissions, limiting cost reduction and environmental impact optimization for EV owners.
Innovation Solution
A computerized system for smart grid integrated electric vehicle charging, comprising a control server and a user interface connected via a data network, allowing users to select charging priorities based on cost, time, energy source, and emissions, with real-time data streams from the smart grid for optimized charging decisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If EV owners charge vehicles at specific times to minimize cost, then charging cost is reduced, but the system lacks integration with smart grid demand response programs
Solution Approach 1:
The charging control system is designed to perform multiple functions: it not only minimizes charging costs through time-of-use optimization but also enables participation in demand response programs, provides visibility into energy sources, and allows user customization of charging parameters. This multi-functional approach resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptable to both cost minimization and smart grid integration requirements simultaneously.
2Loss of energy
If EV owners use basic time-based charging control, then charging cost is minimized, but visibility into energy sources and CO2 emissions is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates real-time feedback mechanisms that provide users with information about energy sources, CO2 emissions, and charging status through a user interface. This feedback loop enables users to make informed decisions about their charging preferences, resolving the contradiction by providing both cost minimization and energy source visibility simultaneously.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system provides comprehensive charging control options, then user flexibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically processes user preferences and executes charging control without requiring complex manual configuration. Users simply select their priorities (cost, time, emissions, DR participation) through an intuitive interface, and the system self-manages the complex optimization calculations and charging schedule generation, thereby providing comprehensive control options while minimizing perceived complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for charging an electric or hybrid-electric vehicle, the system incorporating: at least one vehicle charging station intermittently connectable to the vehicle; a control server comprising at least one processing unit and a memory; and a computerized information system comprising a display unit displaying a user interface and a user input unit, the computerized information system being communicatively connected to the control server via a data network, wherein the user interface comprises a charging priority selection portion for receiving, via the user input unit, a plurality of charging priorities from an operator of the vehicle, wherein the computerized information system transmits the received plurality of charging priorities to the control server and wherein the control server controls the at least one vehicle charging station based on the transmitted plurality of charging priorities.