Vehicle-to-Vehicle Energy Transfer for EV Range Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited range of electric vehicles due to the capacity of their traction batteries and the time-consuming, low-density charging process hinder their widespread adoption.
Innovation Solution
A method for exchanging electrical energy between two electric vehicles while they are in motion, allowing them to share energy through a coupling device, such as inductive or electrical contact, along a coinciding route section, thereby extending the range of the vehicle with a lower state of charge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the accumulator capacity is increased to extend the vehicle range, then the range is improved, but the vehicle weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the energy stores of multiple vehicles through a coupling device, allowing them to function as a single shared energy system. This enables vehicles to access combined energy capacity without each vehicle carrying heavier batteries, thus extending range while avoiding increased individual vehicle weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device enables the energy store to serve multiple functions: it can discharge energy to propel the vehicle when energy is needed, and it can receive energy from other vehicles when surplus is available. This multi-functionality allows the same energy infrastructure to support both propulsion and energy sharing without additional weight.
2Loss of time
If charging stations are increased in density to reduce charging time, then the charging accessibility is improved, but the infrastructure cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables vehicles to charge each other autonomously through peer-to-peer energy sharing. Vehicles with surplus energy can automatically transfer energy to vehicles needing charge via the coupling device, eliminating the need for external charging stations and reducing infrastructure complexity while minimizing charging time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device acts as an intermediary that enables direct energy transfer between vehicles without requiring external charging infrastructure. This mediator allows energy exchange to occur anywhere along the route, effectively reducing charging time without increasing infrastructure complexity.
3Productivity
If the mutual distance between vehicles is reduced to improve energy transfer efficiency, then the energy transfer rate is improved, but the safety and comfort decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities that allow the connection length and coupling strength to vary based on vehicle distance and energy transfer requirements. This enables the system to maintain safe distances while optimizing energy transfer efficiency through real-time adaptation of coupling parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical parameters such as coupling distance, magnetic field strength, or electrical contact pressure to optimize energy transfer while maintaining safety. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system achieves high transfer rates without requiring vehicles to be in unsafe proximity.
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 method enables efficient energy transfer during travel, reducing the need for frequent charging and increasing the range of electric vehicles by allowing them to share surplus energy, thus addressing the range limitations and charging inefficiencies of existing electric vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
allowing them to share energy through a coupling device, such as inductive or electrical contact
Data Source
AI summary
A method for the exchange of electrical energy between at least two moving, electrically powered vehicles, comprising the steps: providing a first and a second electrically powered vehicle, having a respective electrical energy store, the energy store of the first and the second vehicle can emit or receive electrical energy, and the first and second vehicles move or are to be moved along a first or second route; changing the first and second routes in such a way that both changed routes coincide along a route section; steering the first and second vehicle along the changed first and second route in such a way that both the vehicles move along the coinciding route section at a distance to one another that is smaller than a predefined maximum distance; and transferring electrical energy from the energy store of the first vehicle to the energy store of the second vehicle.