Vehicle Charging Controller Energy Transfer Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle charging systems face inefficiencies due to unmanaged charging station capacity and availability, leading to delays and inefficiencies in electric power distribution, particularly when multiple vehicles need to be charged simultaneously or when stations are occupied.
Innovation Solution
A controller system that monitors and manages the transfer of electric energy between onboard energy storage devices and external substations, adjusting transfer characteristics based on restrictions such as energy storage device capacity, temperature, and cost considerations to optimize charging efficiency and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If charging stations are occupied by other vehicle systems or not equipped to charge the vehicle system, then vehicle systems cannot receive required electric energy in required time, but increasing charging station capacity and management complexity worsens system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a facility control system as an intermediary that manages multiple charging stations and coordinates with vehicle systems. This central controller acts as a mediator that optimizes power distribution, monitors station availability, and manages charging schedules across the entire facility, thereby improving overall charging efficiency without requiring each individual station to become overly complex
Solution Approach 2:
The charging stations are designed with multi-functionality, where a single station can serve multiple vehicle systems with different power requirements. The facility control system enables stations to dynamically adjust their capabilities and serve various vehicle types, reducing the need for specialized equipment at each station while maintaining high charging efficiency
2Loss of time
If multiple vehicle systems need charging simultaneously at limited charging stations, then wait time increases, but adding more charging stations increases facility complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The facility control system performs preliminary actions by pre-scheduling charging sessions, pre-positioning vehicles at appropriate charging stations, and pre-coordinating power allocation before vehicles arrive or before charging begins. This advance planning significantly reduces wait times by eliminating queues and coordination delays without requiring excessive charging infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic charging station allocation where the facility control system continuously monitors vehicle needs, station availability, and power consumption patterns. Charging station assignments and power distribution are dynamically adjusted in real-time based on current conditions, optimizing the use of existing infrastructure and minimizing wait times without adding fixed capacity
3Adaptability or versatility
If charging stations are not equipped to charge specific vehicle systems, then vehicle systems cannot receive required power, but upgrading all stations to highest capacity increases cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different charging capabilities to different stations based on local vehicle needs and facility layout. The facility control system intelligently routes vehicles to stations with appropriate power capacities, allowing each station to be optimized for its specific function rather than all stations having uniform high-end equipment. This maintains versatility while controlling complexity and cost
Data Source
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AI summary
A controller may control a transfer of electric energy between two or more energy storage devices of a plurality of energy storage devices, at least one energy storage device being disposed onboard a vehicle system (100), and identify a transfer restriction on the transfer. The controller may change a transfer characteristic based at least in part on the transfer restriction. A system may include a controller to monitor transfer of electric energy between one or more energy storage devices disposed onboard one or more vehicle system (100)s and energy transfer substations that are offboard the one or more vehicle systems (100). A method may include controlling a transfer of electric energy between two or more energy storage devices, at least one energy storage device being disposed onboard a vehicle system (100), identifying a transfer restriction on the transfer, and changing a transfer characteristic based at least in part on the transfer restriction.