Vehicle Power Sharing for Multi-EV Charging With Limited Chargers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The lack of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles leads to inefficiencies and inconveniences, such as long charging times for vehicles with limited chargers, especially in residential and commercial settings, causing conflicts and limiting the adoption of eco-friendly vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A power sharing system and method that allows multiple electric vehicles to share power from an eco-friendly vehicle charger, using a master vehicle with a power output terminal, a power converter, and a communication system to authenticate and charge other vehicles, enabling simultaneous charging and settling of costs through a server.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a limited number of chargers are installed in residential or commercial areas, then infrastructure cost is reduced, but charging efficiency and user satisfaction deteriorate due to long waiting times and conflicts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables electric vehicles to serve multiple functions: they are not only charged by fixed chargers but also act as mobile charging sources for other vehicles. The vehicle-to-vehicle power sharing system allows any charged vehicle to become a charging station, making the charging infrastructure universal and distributed across multiple vehicles rather than concentrated at fixed locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the centralized charging function into distributed individual vehicle capabilities. Instead of relying on a few centralized charger units, each electric vehicle is equipped with power output terminals and control systems that enable it to independently provide charging services to other vehicles, dividing the charging function across multiple autonomous units.
2Quantity of substance
If one charger serves multiple electric vehicles in a household or fleet, then infrastructure cost is reduced, but charging time increases due to sequential charging requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous charging operations by allowing power transfer between multiple vehicles simultaneously. When one vehicle is charged from the grid, it can immediately begin charging other vehicles in the household or fleet, ensuring that charging activity continues uninterrupted across the group rather than stopping after one vehicle is charged.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary charging of available vehicles so they can serve as power sources for others. By charging vehicles in advance and enabling them to immediately share power with waiting vehicles, the system eliminates idle waiting time and ensures continuous charging operations across multiple vehicles.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electric vehicles are equipped with power sharing capabilities including output terminals and power converters, then charging versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the vehicle's power system: the power converter and output terminals serve both as charging reception components (when connected to fixed chargers) and as power transmission components (when charging other vehicles). This dual functionality increases versatility while minimizing additional hardware by making existing components multi-purpose.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the charging reception function and power transmission function into a single integrated system. The same power converter and output terminals that receive power from fixed chargers are also used to transmit power to other vehicles, combining what could be separate systems into one unified power management architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment power sharing method of a vehicle includes electrically connecting the vehicle to an external charger, determining whether a second vehicle connected to a power output terminal of the vehicle via a cable is an authenticated vehicle, in response to a determination that the second vehicle is an authenticated vehicle, transmitting a request for the second vehicle to a server, receiving a response to the request from the server, charging power to the second vehicle, and communicating information with the server or the second vehicle, the information related to the power charged to the vehicle and the second vehicle.