Smart Charging for Electric Vehicle Batteries Based on Chemistry and Use

This patent describes a method for electric vehicle charging stations to adjust how fast they charge a battery based on its specific chemical type, its current charge level, and even how many passengers are on board.

What it covers

The patent outlines a method for an electric vehicle charging station to intelligently manage power delivery. First, as an electric vehicle approaches the station, the system "receives a chemistry of the battery system" (Claim 1), meaning it learns what type of battery it is (e.g., lithium-ion, nickel-metal hydride). After connecting, it figures out the battery's "state of charge" (how full it is) and the "passenger load" (Claim 1). Using a database that matches battery chemistry and charge level to a recommended current, it calculates an initial "charge current" (Claim 1). This current is then "adjusted... based on the determined passenger load" to become a "modified charge current" (Claim 1). The vehicle then charges using this modified current. As charging progresses, the system continuously monitors the "updated state of charge" and "adjusts the value of current" again (Claim 1) to optimize the charging process. For example, an electric bus (Claim 9) might communicate its battery type and current passenger count, allowing the charging station to deliver power efficiently, perhaps prioritizing a faster charge if many passengers are waiting or if it has a long route ahead.

What it doesn't cover

• —Does not cover charging systems that do not consider the specific "chemistry or type of the battery system" when determining the charge current (Claim 1).
• —Does not cover charging methods that do not adjust the charge current based on "passenger load" (Claim 1).
• —Does not cover systems that only determine a charge current once, without "determining an updated state of charge" and "adjusting the value of current" again during charging (Claim 1).
• —Does not cover charging methods that manually set the current, rather than determining it from a database based on state of charge and chemistry (Claim 1).
• —Does not cover charging methods that do not involve receiving battery chemistry specifically "as the electric vehicle approaches a charging station" (Claim 1).

The clever bit

The novelty lies in dynamically adjusting the charge current not just based on the battery's current charge level and its specific chemical makeup, but also factoring in external operational data like "passenger load" (Claim 1) and even "distance to be traveled... to the next charging event" (Claim 4). This allows for highly adaptive and efficient charging tailored to real-world vehicle use.

Why it matters

This patent is significant for optimizing the charging of electric vehicle fleets, especially those with varying battery types and operational demands like electric buses (Claim 9). Efficient charging extends battery life, reduces charging times, and can lower energy costs. Proterra, the assignee, is known for manufacturing electric transit buses, making this technology directly relevant to their core business and the broader public transportation sector's transition to electric.

Real-world examples

• 1.Electric bus fleet charging stations
• 2.Commercial vehicle charging depots
• 3.Proterra electric buses
• 4.Smart charging infrastructure for public transport