Vehicle Charging Control Using Grid vs Vehicle Battery Cost Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle management systems do not efficiently determine the most economical method for charging electric vehicle batteries, often relying solely on power grid charging and lacking a cost-effective alternative.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle management system that compares the cost of charging a vehicle's battery using power grid electricity versus electricity discharged from another vehicle's battery, selecting the less expensive option and commanding the charge-discharge device to charge accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the battery is charged using electric power from a charging facility (power grid), then the charging process is simple and reliable, but the charging cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charge-discharge device acts as an intermediary between vehicles, enabling one vehicle's battery to charge another vehicle's battery. This mediator facilitates energy transfer between vehicles, allowing cost-effective charging while maintaining system reliability through the managed exchange process
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the energy source parameter by switching between grid power and vehicle-to-vehicle power transfer based on cost conditions. When vehicle-to-vehicle charging is more economical, the system activates this alternative energy source, dynamically adjusting the charging parameters to optimize cost while maintaining charging functionality
2Use of energy by moving object
If the battery of one vehicle is used to charge another vehicle, then the charging cost decreases, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charge-discharge device performs multiple functions: it can charge a vehicle from the power grid, discharge a vehicle's battery to charge another vehicle, and manage the comparison of charging costs. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for each charging method, thereby managing complexity while enabling cost-effective charging options
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables vehicles to serve each other's charging needs through the charge-discharge device. One vehicle's battery becomes a resource for charging another vehicle, creating a self-service mechanism where the vehicle fleet collectively provides charging capacity, reducing dependence on external power grid infrastructure and associated costs
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 enables economical battery charging by utilizing cheaper electricity from other vehicles, potentially reducing overall energy costs and promoting efficient grid power usage.
Implementation Method 1
a battery 53A of the vehicle 50A, a battery 53B of another vehicle 50B different from the vehicle 50A
Data Source
AI summary
When it is necessary to charge the battery of one vehicle of a plurality of vehicles, a vehicle management computer acquires information relating to a charging facility that supplies electric power to a charge-discharge device, and information relating to the battery of another vehicle, which is different from the first vehicle, and which battery is connected to the first vehicle via the charge-discharge device. Based on the information relating to the charging facility and the information relating to the battery of the other vehicle, the vehicle management computer determines which is least expensive, a first cost associated with charging the battery of the first vehicle using the electric power that is supplied from the charging facility, or a second cost associated with charging the battery of the first vehicle using the electric power that is discharged from the battery of the other vehicle.