Vehicle Power Outlet Control for Battery Charge and Range Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles face reduced driving range when supplying power to external devices via a power outlet, with varying power configurations impacting the vehicle's range differently, and there is a need to manage battery state of charge effectively to prevent depletion.
Innovation Solution
A system with a controller that recommends against using high-power devices externally when the vehicle's distance to empty is below a certain threshold, and limits power output from the vehicle's battery to external devices accordingly, while increasing power availability once the threshold is exceeded.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If power is supplied to external devices via the power outlet, then the power rating requirement is met, but the driving range is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The power outlet dynamically adjusts its power delivery capability based on real-time vehicle state (battery charge level, driving range). When driving range is sufficient, full power is available; when driving range is low, power is limited or disabled. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making power availability conditional rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the power delivery parameters (available power, current limit) based on the vehicle's state of charge and driving range. By monitoring battery parameters and adjusting power outlet output accordingly, the system prevents excessive power consumption that would reduce driving range, while still allowing high-power device operation when range is sufficient.
2Power
If high-power devices are used externally, then the power demand is met, but the battery state of charge decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The power outlet system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring battery state of charge and driving range, then adjusting power delivery to external devices accordingly. When battery charge is low or driving range is insufficient, the system reduces or prevents high-power output, creating a closed-loop control that prevents excessive battery depletion.
Solution Approach 2:
The power delivery capability is made dynamic rather than static, adjusting in real-time based on battery state. The system transitions between different power delivery modes (full power, limited power, disabled) based on current battery conditions, ensuring high-power demand is met only when battery state of charge is sufficient.
3Length of moving object
If power is limited to conserve battery, then the driving range is maintained, but the power availability to external devices is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The power outlet provides dynamic power availability that adapts to driving range conditions. When driving range is sufficient, full power is available to external devices. When driving range is low, power is automatically limited or disabled. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by making power availability conditional on driving range rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes power delivery parameters (current limit, power cap) based on driving range measurements. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system ensures that power availability to external devices does not compromise the vehicle's driving range, while still allowing full power operation when range is sufficient.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller selectively generates output for display indicative of a recommendation against use of a power outlet in a vehicle with devices external to the vehicle having a power rating greater than a predefined power rating threshold based on a difference between a current state of charge of a battery of the vehicle and a required state of charge for the battery.