Vehicle-to-Vehicle Power Transfer for EV Range Without Larger Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure is inefficient and costly, with heavy batteries contributing to increased energy consumption and range anxiety, and requires extensive infrastructure investments for frequent charging stops, especially in urban areas where vehicles need to frequently accelerate and decelerate.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) power transfer system that enables non-contact wireless or tethered power transfer between EVs, allowing vehicles with spare power to charge peers in need, reducing battery size and weight, and utilizing Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) technology for precise coordination and alignment during power transfer, even while in motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If battery capacity is increased to extend driving range, then driving range is improved, but vehicle weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a power transfer system as an intermediary mechanism between vehicles. A transmitter vehicle transfers electrical energy wirelessly to a receiver vehicle through electromagnetic coupling, enabling the receiver to extend its driving range without carrying a larger battery. This mediator system decouples the relationship between battery capacity and driving range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a temporal and spatial dimension to energy storage by enabling dynamic power transfer between vehicles. Instead of storing all required energy statically in the battery, the system allows energy to be transferred dynamically between vehicles during operation, effectively using the power grid and other vehicles as external energy reservoirs.
2Use of energy by moving object
If battery capacity is reduced to decrease vehicle weight, then energy consumption is reduced, but charging infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables vehicles to serve themselves by transferring power directly between them. Vehicles with excess energy can transfer power to vehicles needing charge, creating a peer-to-peer power sharing network. This self-service mechanism reduces dependency on external charging infrastructure while maintaining optimal battery sizes for energy efficiency.
3Ease of manufacture
If wireless power transfer is implemented between vehicles, then infrastructure investment is reduced, but power transfer efficiency is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment of power transfer parameters including frequency, power level, and coupling distance. The system continuously optimizes the electromagnetic coupling between transmitter and receiver to maximize transfer efficiency. By dynamically adapting to changing conditions, the system maintains high efficiency despite the wireless transfer medium.
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 solution reduces battery size and weight by up to 50%, decreases energy consumption, matches or surpasses current driving ranges, eliminates the need for extensive infrastructure investments, and creates a sharing economy for EV charging, providing cost savings and new business opportunities.
Implementation Method 1
non-contact wireless or tethered power transfer (PT) between EVs
Implementation Method 2
non-contact wireless or tethered power transfer (PT) between EVs
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle-to-vehicle power transfer system for use between a first vehicle and at least a second vehicle. The system includes an electric power system disposed in each of the first and second vehicles configured to provide electrical drive power to a vehicle drive system for propulsion of the associated vehicle and a power transfer system configured to transfer electric power from at least the electric power system of the first vehicle to the electric power system of the second vehicle while the vehicles are in motion or stationary.