Vehicle Rental Mode Power Limit Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles lack a system to effectively manage power output during rental modes, ensuring power limits are not exceeded and battery state of charge thresholds are maintained to prevent over-discharge, while allowing for safe and efficient power sharing.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system with a controller that regulates power output based on remote-defined limits during rental mode, disabling power outlets when thresholds are reached and requesting increases when necessary, and enabling power supply when exiting rental mode, while monitoring and managing battery state of charge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the power outlet is enabled to supply power during rental mode, then power sharing capability is improved, but risk of power over-extraction and battery damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors the state of charge of the traction battery and compares it against predefined thresholds. When the state of charge reaches a threshold during rental mode, the controller automatically disables the power outlet to prevent over-discharge, and can request permission to increase power limits. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables safe power sharing while protecting the battery from damage.
2Reliability
If the power outlet is disabled during rental mode to prevent over-discharge, then battery protection is improved, but power sharing functionality is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the power outlet status based on real-time battery state of charge levels. Rather than a static disabled state, the power outlet operates with adaptive power limits that are modified based on current battery conditions, allowing maximum power sharing capability while maintaining battery protection thresholds.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller modifies operational parameters (power limits, state of charge thresholds) based on rental mode requirements and battery status. By changing these parameters dynamically, the system enables power sharing functionality within safe operational boundaries, resolving the contradiction between enabling power export and protecting the battery.
3Reliability
If power limits are set low during rental mode to protect battery, then battery health is maintained, but available power for devices is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service by automatically managing power limit adjustments based on battery state of charge. When the battery reaches certain charge levels, the controller autonomously requests permission to increase power limits, eliminating the need for manual intervention while optimizing the balance between battery health and available power for connected devices.
4Reliability
If the controller continuously monitors power output and state of charge, then power limit compliance is ensured, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs multiple functions using a single integrated system: it monitors state of charge, enforces power limits, communicates with external devices, and manages rental mode operations. This multi-functional approach ensures power limit compliance while minimizing the addition of separate dedicated components, thereby controlling system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller, responsive to receiving a message from a device remote from a vehicle defining a power limit during a rental mode of operation for a power outlet, prevents power output by the power outlet from exceeding the power limit during the rental mode of operation and responsive to the power output reaching the power limit during the rental mode of operation, generates a request for the device to increase the power limit.