Vehicle Solar Energy Data Integration for User Awareness

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems lack effective means to raise awareness and promote the utilization of natural energy, such as solar power, and do not adequately utilize secondary information like generation location, time, and user details to enhance interest and tracking of energy generation.

Innovation Solution

An energy utilization information system and method that acquires primary and secondary information about solar power generation in vehicles, combining this data to create natural energy utilization information, which includes generation amounts, charging data, consumption, and CO2 reduction, and displays this information to raise awareness and interest in natural energy use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If solar power generation is implemented in vehicles, then renewable energy utilization is improved, but awareness and interest among people remain insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverenewable energy utilizationVSAvoidpublic awareness
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by collecting actual solar power generation data from vehicles and displaying it to users through a user terminal. The display shows cumulative generation amounts, daily generation amounts, and comparisons with other vehicles, providing continuous feedback that raises awareness and encourages further renewable energy utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary information processing mechanism that collects raw generation data from vehicles, processes it through the control unit, and presents it in an engaging format to users. This intermediary layer transforms technical data into awareness-raising information that motivates public interest.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If only primary generation data is collected, then data acquisition is simple, but user interest and awareness are not sufficiently raised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata collection complexityVSAvoiduser engagement
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges primary generation data with secondary vehicle information (vehicle type, model, registration date) to create comprehensive natural energy utilization information. This combination enriches the data without significantly increasing collection complexity, as both data types are already available from vehicle sensors and registration systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system collects multiple types of information (generation data, vehicle data, positional data) that serve multiple functions: technical monitoring, public awareness, and future expansion possibilities. This multi-functional approach maximizes the value of collected data without proportionally increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of information

If detailed natural energy utilization information is provided, then awareness and interest are raised, but information processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepublic awarenessVSAvoidinformation processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments information processing into distinct functional modules: data acquisition from vehicles, data storage in databases, data processing and calculation by the control unit, and data display to users. This segmentation manages complexity by organizing processing tasks into separate, manageable components that can operate independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs automatic data collection from vehicle sensors, automated calculation of generation amounts by the control unit, and automated display to users. This self-service approach minimizes manual intervention and reduces processing complexity while providing comprehensive information to raise public awareness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

The system effectively raises awareness and interest in natural energy utilization by providing detailed information on solar power generation, facilitating better tracking and promoting the use of renewable energy sources.

Implementation Method 1

a solar power generation apparatus mounted in a vehicle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolar power generation: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4331906A1Energy utilization information system, energy utilization information processing method and program
Publication Date: 2024.03.06 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • EP4331906A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4331906A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4331906A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Primary information relating to generation or use of electrical energy generated by the solar power generation apparatus (23) mounted in the vehicle (5) and secondary information relating to the vehicle (5) mounting the solar power generation apparatus (23) are acquired, and natural energy utilization information tying the acquired secondary information with the acquired primary information is prepared.