Optimizing vehicle recharging to limit use of electricity generated from non-renewable sources

摘要

Implementations of the present invention contemplate using the communication infrastructure represented by a network of telematics units communicatively coupled to a telematics service provider (TSP) to implement procedures designed to curtail the load placed on electricity suppliers by electric vehicles during periods of critically high demand for electricity. The present invention contemplates monitoring charging related information for multiple electric vehicles through the telematics units in those vehicles. The invention further contemplates a request from an energy utility for a response to a critically high demand for electricity and the execution of a demand response program (DRP). The DRPs involve aggregating information from a fleet of the electrically powered vehicles, processing the aggregated information, and issuing instructions to one or more vehicles in the fleet that cause the one or more vehicles to reduce the load they are placing on electricity suppliers through their charging activities.

主权项

1. A method, implemented by an information aggregator having one or more processors, for reducing a present electricity consumption load on an electricity supplier attributable to charging of electric vehicles, the method comprising:
receiving, at the information aggregator, a request to activate a demand response program (DRP) for a group of electrical vehicles enrolled in the DRP to reduce a present demand on the electricity supplier pursuant to the activated DRP; receiving, at the information aggregator, information pertaining to, on an individualized basis, members of the group of electrical vehicles enrolled in the DRP; identifying, based upon individualized information for members of the group of electrical vehicles enrolled in the DRP, present candidates for participation in the activated DRP; and transmitting instructions to the present candidates to facilitate a reduction in demand for electricity attributable to charging the present candidates while the DRP is activated.