Solar EV Charging Auction System for Grid Load Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current distribution networks are not designed to handle the concentrated charging of a large number of electric vehicles, and insufficient rooftop space for solar panels limits the ability to charge all vehicles simultaneously using local solar energy.
Innovation Solution
A system that optimizes electric vehicle charging by determining requested charge and time, calculating solar and charge capacities, and auctioning excess capacity to operators, utilizing both solar-generated energy and the grid to efficiently distribute charging capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If local solar panels are used to charge electric vehicles, then clean energy usage is improved, but insufficient rooftop space limits the charging capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system is designed to serve multiple functions: it charges electric vehicles using solar energy during the day, stores excess energy in batteries for later use, and can also draw from the grid when needed. This multi-functional approach maximizes the utilization of limited rooftop solar capacity while ensuring vehicles can be charged regardless of solar availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from relying solely on direct solar charging (two-dimensional: solar panels to vehicles) to a three-dimensional energy ecosystem that includes solar generation, battery storage, and grid connection. This adds temporal and spatial dimensions to energy distribution, allowing energy to be stored and redistributed across different times and sources.
2Quantity of substance
If more solar panels are installed to increase charging capacity, then charging capacity is improved, but available rooftop space is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time conditions including solar availability, battery charge levels, grid prices, and vehicle charging requests. The control system optimizes the mix of solar, battery, and grid resources to maximize charging capacity without requiring additional physical space for panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters such as charging rates, battery charge/discharge cycles, and grid draw levels to optimize performance. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system achieves maximum charging capacity from the existing fixed solar installation without needing to expand physical infrastructure.
3Quantity of substance
If the distribution network is used to charge electric vehicles, then charging capacity is improved, but the network is not designed for concentrated charging of large numbers of vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The on-site solar charging system acts as an intermediary between the grid and electric vehicles. It provides a local buffer that can charge vehicles directly from solar power, reducing peak demand on the grid. The battery storage system serves as an additional intermediary, storing excess solar energy and providing it during periods of high vehicle demand, thereby protecting the grid from concentrated charging loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary charging actions by using solar energy to charge batteries and vehicles during periods of low grid demand and abundant solar generation. This advance charging reduces the need for high-power grid connections during peak times, preventing network overload while maintaining reliable charging capacity.
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
This approach maximizes the number of vehicles charged, optimizes clean energy usage, and generates income by efficiently utilizing solar energy and grid power, while ensuring timely charging through auctioning mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
determining a requested charge for the plurality of electric vehicles... calculating the solar charge capacity, the solar charge capacity comprising the total charging capacity of the charging system via solar generated energy
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method of distributing charge capacity to electric vehicles in a charging system that includes a solar charge capacity generated locally. The method may include: determining a requested charge for the plurality of electric vehicles, calculating a requested charge time, the solar charge capacity comprising the total charging capacity of the charging system via solar generated energy; calculating a charge time capacity, the charge time capacity comprising the available charge time of the charging system; comparing the requested charge to the solar charge capacity; comparing the requested charge time to the charge time capacity; and if it is determined that either the requested charge is greater than the solar charge capacity or the requested charge time is greater than the charge time capacity, auctioning the solar charge capacity to operators of the plurality of electric vehicles.