Method and apparatus for managing charging transactions and load at a charging station

Abstract

In accordance with an embodiment, charging of an electric vehicle is optimized by suspending charging transactions at one or more charging points based on various parameters and priorities and setting them in a queue. Furthermore, the maximum current for charging may be varied during an ongoing charging transaction. The optimization may be deployed remotely by a computing device. A computing device, a method, and a computer program are disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application generally relates to electric vehicle charging stations. In particular, some example embodiments of the present application relate to pausing charging transactions at one or more charging stations based on one or more parameters and priorities. Background Art

[0002] The charging station may be subject to a load management service that is used to adjust the total charging current that the charging station cannot exceed on site. The total charging current may be limited, for example, due to grid connection restrictions, peak shaving, peak shifting, or demand side management. However, as the number of electric vehicles increases and the grid is in transition due to more variable production and increased loads, there is a need for more flexible charging management from the perspective of the grid and the user. Summary of the invention

[0003] This Summary is provided to introduce some concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0004] Example embodiments may enable the suspension of active charging transactions by prioritizing some charging transactions over other charging transactions based on one or more parameters and a set minimum charging current. This prioritization may further be used to determine which charging transactions to continue and in what order. Thus, a variable or fixed charging capacity may be flexibly divided among charging points, such that each electric vehicle that wishes to charge may be ensured to receive a meaningful amount of power in a meaningful amount of time.

[0005] According to a first aspect, a method for managing a charging load of an electric vehicle charging station performed by a computing device is provided, the method comprising: monitoring data about charging transactions obtained from a plurality of charging stations grouped into one or more load management groups; detecting a charging transaction event associated with at least a charging point of the charging station; determining whether the charging transaction event causes a share of available charging capacity divided between charging points of the load management group having an active charging transaction to decrease below a predetermined minimum current value determined for each charging point of the load management group; based on one or more prioritization parameters, controlling a maximum charging current of one or more charging points to suspend the active charging transaction so that the predetermined minimum current value is met for the remaining charging points; determining whether the charging transaction event causes the share of the available charging capacity to increase; and based on the one or more prioritization parameters, controlling a maximum charging current of at least one of the charging points to reactivate the suspended charging transaction so that the predetermined minimum current is met for all charging stations having an active charging transaction at the time.

[0006] In an embodiment, the one or more prioritization parameters include arrival times of the electric vehicles being charged, such that the charging transaction is suspended first from one or more last arriving electric vehicles and reactivated first for a first arriving electric vehicle.

[0007] In an embodiment, additionally or alternatively, the method includes: determining a user segment associated with the charging transaction based on the charging transaction data; and wherein the one or more prioritization parameters include the user segments so that charging transactions associated with lower priority user segments are suspended first and are reactivated first for charging transactions associated with higher priority user segments.

[0008] In an embodiment, additionally or alternatively, the predetermined minimum current value is different for higher and lower priority user segments.

[0009] In an embodiment, the predetermined minimum current value, the prioritization parameter and the hierarchy of prioritization are additionally or alternatively configurable by a user.

[0010] In an embodiment, in addition or alternatively, the method further comprises: monitoring changes in the available charging capacity based on data obtained indicating the amount of available local renewable energy; and pausing or reactivating the one or more charging transactions based on how the changed available charging capacity affects the number of charging transactions that meet the predetermined minimum current value.

[0011] In an embodiment, additionally or alternatively, the method further comprises: monitoring changes in the available charging capacity based on data obtained indicating electricity consumption of other consumers; and pausing or reactivating the one or more charging transactions based on how the changed available charging capacity affects the number of charging transactions that meet the predetermined minimum current value.

[0012] In an embodiment, additionally or alternatively, the one or more prioritization parameters include charged energy, so that charging transactions with the least charged energy are prioritized; and wherein the method comprises: updating the charging transactions to be prioritized after a predetermined time.

[0013] In an embodiment, additionally or alternatively, the one or more prioritization parameters include a battery state-of-charge, and wherein charging transactions associated with electric vehicles having a minimum battery state-of-charge are prioritized; and wherein the method includes: updating the charging transactions to be prioritized after a predetermined time.

[0014] In an embodiment, additionally or alternatively, the one or more prioritization parameters comprise a random subset of charge points in the load management group to be prioritized; and wherein the method comprises: after a predetermined time, selecting another subset to be prioritized.

[0015] In an embodiment, additionally or alternatively, the one or more prioritization parameters include at least one of a planned departure time or a desired state of charge of the electric vehicles obtained based on user input, and wherein charging transactions associated with at least one of the electric vehicles scheduled to leave first or requiring the greatest amount of energy are suspended last and reactivated first.

[0016] In one embodiment, additionally or alternatively, when the charging transaction is associated with more than one load management group, and wherein the maximum charging current for the charging transaction is controlled based on the lowest determined value.

[0017] According to a second aspect, a computing device is provided, which is configured to monitor data about charging transactions obtained from a plurality of charging stations grouped into one or more load management groups; detect charging transaction events from at least one charging point of the charging stations; determine whether the charging transaction event causes the share of available charging capacity divided between the charging points of the group with active charging transactions to decrease to below a predetermined minimum current value determined for each charging point of the group; control the maximum charging current of one or more charging points based on one or more prioritization parameters to suspend the active charging transaction so that the predetermined minimum current value is met for the remaining charging points; determine whether the charging transaction event causes the share of the available charging capacity to increase; and control the maximum charging current of at least one of the charging points based on the one or more prioritization parameters to activate the suspended charging transaction so that the predetermined minimum current is met for all charging stations with active charging transactions at the time.

[0018] In an embodiment, the computing device may be configured to perform any embodiment according to the first aspect.

[0019] According to a third aspect, a computer readable medium comprises instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of the first aspect.

[0020] According to a fourth aspect, a computer program product comprises instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of the first aspect.

[0021] Many of the accompanying features will be more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of example embodiments and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate example embodiments and together with the description help explain the principles of example embodiments. In the drawings:

[0023] Figure 1 An example of a method for load management at a charging station by prioritizing charging transactions based on arrival time according to an example embodiment is shown;

[0024] Figure 2 An example of a method for load management at a charging station by prioritizing one user segment over another user segment according to an example embodiment is shown;

[0025] Figure 3 An example of a power system utilizing a method for load management of charging stations based on various parameters and priorities according to an example embodiment is shown;

[0026] Figure 4 A flow chart showing a process for load management of a charging station according to an example embodiment is shown;

[0027] Figure 5 An example of a computing device configured to implement one or more example embodiments is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Reference will now be made in detail to example embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The detailed description provided below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings is intended as a description of examples of the present invention and is not intended to represent the only form in which examples of the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions of the example and possible sequences of operations for constructing and operating the example. However, the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be implemented by different examples.

[0029] A charging station (CS) is used to charge an electric vehicle (EV). EV drivers own electric vehicles (EV) and charge their EVs at a charging station. A charging station can be remotely managed and controlled by a charge point management system (CPM) via an internet connection. The charging station and the CPM can communicate via the OCPP protocol. A charging station can include one or more charge points (CP). A charge point can refer to any electrical energy source connection solution for charging an EV.

[0030] As the number of EVs and charging stations grows, the amount of electricity used to charge EVs is also growing. Electric mobility is not limited to private transportation, but is increasingly being adopted by public transportation. At the same time, many countries are accelerating their renewable energy production while getting rid of fossil fuel infrastructure. In the future, there will be more EVs that need electricity to charge their batteries. At the same time, charging is more dependent on renewable energy. This brings risks and volatility to the power system. For example, there may be longer periods of time when there is not enough solar or wind power generated, and at the same time, in addition to all other electricity consumers, there may be a large number of EVs that need energy. Demand may eventually exceed supply. In addition to the volatility from renewable resources, the power system is also vulnerable to global events such as wars, natural disasters, and other events that may force countries to formulate other sources for bringing electricity to people's daily lives.

[0031] Dynamic Load Management (DLM) is a common technique in the EV industry to manage energy in a group of charging stations. A typical DLM solution is built in a way that multiple charging points are grouped into a single group. The group is assigned a maximum rated current that the charging point is not allowed to exceed. With a centralized DLM solution, the CPM continuously adjusts the maximum rated current that the charging point can use for charging. The CPM controls each CP individually through an API (Application Programming Interface). Every time a DLM event occurs, the CPM recalculates the maximum current of each CP by dividing the current value between the active charging points.

[0032] Typically, an EV specifies the amount of power it will use for charging. Thus, a maximum limit for charging may be set to a charging point, but the EV may use less power. The amount of power the EV uses depends on the charging cycle, i.e., during the start of charging, in the middle of charging, at the end of charging, etc.

[0033] For example, if the limit on site is 64A, and there are eight charging points charging simultaneously, the available charging current for each CP may be 64A / 8=8A. When there are four charging stations charging, the available current for each charging station may be 64A / 4=16A. On some DLM systems, there is also the concept of VIP charging, which may mean that at some dedicated charging stations, EV drivers get a higher charging power than at other charging stations. Therefore, in order to charge at maximum current, users need to look for such VIP charging stations that offer the possibility of charging at higher currents. For example, at a group of eight charging stations, charging stations 1 and 2 may always provide full power, and charging stations 3 to 8 are used for normal charging, providing less power.

[0034] Sometimes, especially in large EV charging sites, the electrical infrastructure may not be able to handle the situation where all charging points are charged at full power at the same time. For standard load management solutions, the basic principle is the same, that is, to divide the available charging current evenly among the charging points. The available charging current can depend on various factors, but in simple solutions, there is a static limit on the charging power. These solutions can be called dynamic load management or power sharing.

[0035] The equal share approach may not be an ideal solution. The available charging current for each active charging station may be too low. Due to the division of capacity, an EV may not be able to start charging after a certain lower limit (typically 6A) has been reached. If equal shares limit charging at a charging point to less than 6A, no one will be able to charge after that limit is reached. Therefore, a more complex logic is needed that begins to suspend some charging transactions after the lower limit is reached and allows some charging transactions to charge when the divided capacity increases to exceed the limit of the remaining charging stations.

[0036] For example, in office parking garages, airport parking lots, shopping mall parking lots, and residential cooperatives, there may be countless parking spaces with charging stations. In addition, it is desirable to enable EV charging in as many parking spaces as possible. The infrastructure may impose some limitations on charging, but this is rare. Typically, some of the EVs are already charged, some are about to finish charging, and some are just starting to charge. EVs may consume different amounts of power depending on the charging cycle. In addition, for example, some of the EVs may be pure electric vehicles and some may be plug-in hybrid vehicles. Likewise, they consume different amounts of power.

[0037] Another factor to consider is dynamically changing charging capacity. For example, the available charging capacity may depend on building consumption, or in the case of local solar production, the sun may stop shining and the site's solar panels are no longer producing additional power. In practice, at one point you may have 100A available for charging, while at another point you only have 50A. In sites like this, it is essential to have an intelligent solution to ensure that the charging point is adjusted to the available energy when needed. The solution may need to be able to react to changes in available capacity within a meaningful time.

[0038] Given the long-term parking and charging aspects mentioned earlier, it is important to ensure that all plugged-in vehicles will eventually have energy flowing into the battery while ensuring that the site's infrastructure is not overly stressed. Therefore, one aim is to ensure that all plugged-in vehicles will charge at a meaningful amount of power while ensuring that the site's infrastructure is not overly stressed, especially in large EV charging sites with long-term charging. The solution takes into account the various parameters that affect the available charging capacity and how to prioritize who charges and when.

[0039] According to an embodiment, the charging of an electric vehicle is optimized by pausing charging transactions at one or more charging points based on various parameters and priorities and placing them in a queue. In addition, during an ongoing charging transaction, the maximum current used for charging can be changed. The optimization can be deployed remotely. For example, any load management adjustments can be controlled by the CPM through cloud computing. For example, the OCPP protocol can be used to implement the control. Therefore, the charging points do not need to be physically linked together (e.g., via Ethernet cables). The solution is compatible with any charging point that can be managed remotely. Therefore, the solution is hardware-agnostic.

[0040] The method provides improved optimization and flexibility because load management is based on different variables, such as varying charging capacity, prioritization based on transaction-related information and / or who is charging. The use of end-user information enables a queuing solution in which it is possible to prioritize one or more user segments over another. For example, a VIP status for charging at a higher current can be based on the user, rather than on a specific charging point. This means that a user associated with a user segment with a VIP status can drive at any charging station to get full power without searching for a dedicated charging station configured to provide the maximum current to any user. In addition, the method enables configuration of how much charging power a single charger must be able to output. If there is not enough charging power available, the charging station or charging point can be placed in a queue. Similarly, when there is enough charging power again, the charging station / point can be released from the queue to start charging. The decision on the order in which the charging station / point is released from the queue can be based on one or more parameters, such as waiting time and / or user segments associated with EVs waiting to start or continue charging.

[0041] Figure 1 An example of a method for load management at a charging station 100 , 102 , 103 , 104 by prioritizing charging transactions based on arrival time according to an example embodiment is shown.

[0042] In one embodiment, a parameter for a minimum current may be set. The minimum current may be configured to indicate how much current each charging point can obtain at least. If the set value is not met, the next charging transaction may be placed in a queue until more capacity is freed up from the previous charging transaction.

[0043] For example, the minimum current may be set to 6A so that the charge point can output the minimum current required for the vehicle to start a charging transaction. The minimum current may be configurable, and 6A is just an example. This may allow for scenarios where a service provider wants to allow as many simultaneous charging transactions as possible, but with limited current.

[0044] Alternatively, the minimum current may be set to match the maximum rated current of the charging station. In one embodiment, the method may be configured to implement a so-called first-in, first-out logic, where the first priority is charged as quickly as possible and other priorities are temporarily queued. This may allow service providers to prioritize charging power and speed over the number of simultaneous charging transactions. In one embodiment, there may be separate minimum current parameters for different user segments. Thus, the minimum current parameter enables flexible solutions and positioning based on different site-specific requirements and preferences.

[0045] For example, the available charging capacity of a group of charging stations may be 38A, and the minimum current value may be set by the user to 16A. The available charging power may be evenly distributed to the charging points until there is not enough available capacity at each charging station to meet the user-defined minimum current. When the minimum current at each charging station drops below the defined parameter(s), the most recent arrival is paused until more capacity is freed up from previously arriving charging transactions. Transactions may be prioritized based on the order of arrival. Thus, the first vehicle to start charging is priority 1, the second vehicle to plug in is priority 2, and so on.

[0046] exist Figure 1 , the first electric vehicle may have started charging at the first charging station 100 at a first moment. Since there is only one active charging transaction, the first charging station obtains all the capacity 38A and meets the minimum required current 16A. At the second moment, the second electric vehicle at the second charging station 102 initiates a charging transaction. The available charging capacity is divided between the first charging station 100 and the second charging station 102 (38A / 2=19A). Therefore, for the charging stations, the minimum current value (19A>16A) is exceeded. Later, new electric vehicles arrive at the third charging station 103 and the fourth charging station 104 for charging. Now, after the third electric vehicle initiates the charging transaction, if the available capacity is divided, the minimum current (38A / 3=12.6A) cannot be reached at any of the charging stations 100, 102, and 103. Therefore, the third charging station 103 is placed in the queue until the capacity is released from the first charging station 100 and / or the second charging station 102. Similarly, when the fourth EV attempts to start charging, the divided capacity will be 38A / 4=9.5A, which is again below the required minimum current value. Therefore, the fourth charging station is also placed in the queue, i.e., the charging transaction at this charging station is suspended by configuring its maximum charging power to zero.

[0047] After one of the first or second priority charging stations 100, 102 has finished charging and has thus released charging capacity, the third charging station 103 is next in the queue based on the arrival time of the third electric vehicle so that it can start charging. Considering the minimum current criterion, in the absence of sufficient capacity for both, the fourth charging station 104 remains in the queue. If new electric vehicles arrive at the first charging station 100 or the second charging station 102 for charging, they will be placed in the queue so that the fourth charging station 104 will now have a higher priority than the charging stations with later arriving electric vehicles. Therefore, based on the information received from the charging stations, such as charging requests or charging stops and timestamps of events, the queue, priorities and suspend or continue charging transactions are continuously updated.

[0048] Figure 2An example of a method for load management at a charging station by prioritizing one user segment over another user segment according to an example embodiment is shown.

[0049] In one embodiment, one user segment may take precedence over another. EV drivers may be grouped into various user segments. For example, one user segment may include "VIP users" whose users receive more power than regular users without VIP status. One or certain user segments may be considered in the queuing solution. For example, a VIP user may avoid queuing and receive full power as long as it may not exceed the energy limit of the site and the minimum current set. VIP users may consume all available energy, resulting in a situation where charging for all non-VIP users is suspended. If all VIP users cannot charge without exceeding the site limit, the VIP users may also be subject to regular load management. During this period, all non-VIP users are set to wait in the queue until more capacity is released from the VIP users.

[0050] exist Figure 2 In the example, there may be two charging stations 105 that provide power to electric vehicles associated with the prioritized user segment. For example, users may be identified before charging begins, and user data associated with the identified users may include an indication of which user segment they belong to. Two charging stations 105 may occupy charging capacity so that no charging station can provide a charging current that exceeds the minimum current limit. If there is a lower priority user segment user charging, the charging transaction at the corresponding charging station 106 is suspended and they are placed in the queue. If another high priority user segment user arrives at the charging station 107, it is also placed in the queue because if the available capacity is divided between the three charging stations 105, 107, the minimum current limit will not be exceeded. However, after releasing capacity from at least one of the charging stations 105, the charging station 107 with a higher user segment user takes precedence over other charging stations in the queue 106, even if the other charging stations 106 will have been waiting in the queue for a longer time. After there are no more high priority user segment users waiting, the remaining charging stations 106 are allowed to start or continue charging in order of waiting time when sufficient current may be allocated for the next charging station in the queue. The minimum current required for an active charging transaction may be different for a higher priority or VIP user segment and for a lower priority user segment without VIP status. For example, the minimum current value for a higher priority user segment may correspond to full power, and for a lower priority user segment, the minimum current value may be much lower.

[0051] Figure 3An example of an electric power system 300 is shown that utilizes a load management method for charging stations based on various parameters and priorities according to an example embodiment. Advantageously, decisions about which EV gets charged and which EV is placed in a queue can be based on varying charging capacities and other transaction-related data. Prioritization can be specific to the charging energy management group 302.

[0052] In addition to the production capacity provided by the grid 307, varying local production and consumption may affect the available capacity. In an embodiment, building consumption 301 may take precedence over charging consumption 303. Thus, when demand at the building increases, the charging load is reduced to avoid exceeding the limits of the site. The site may be equipped with additional measuring equipment for this purpose. In addition, locally generated electricity 304 may be used for charging. Thus, when locally generated electricity is available, there may be more power for charging. Data on local production and consumption may be obtained, for example, from energy meters 305.

[0053] This approach is also compatible with the case where the charging capacity is stable, ie, has a single static limit. This static limit may be based on, for example, the size of the fuses on the switchboard 306.

[0054] Other transaction-related data may include, for example, prioritization based on charging kilowatt-hours. For example, the transaction with the least charging energy may be prioritized. After a predetermined time, the situation may be rechecked so that the charging point with the least charging energy for the charging transaction is then prioritized.

[0055] Additionally, or alternatively, the prioritization may be based on data that the charging station may provide, such as the battery SoC (state of charge). For example, the transaction with the smallest SoC may be prioritized. After a predetermined time, the situation may be rechecked to suspend and / or continue the charging transaction at the charging point that now has a small SoC.

[0056] Additionally or alternatively, priorities may be switched. For example, a subset of charging points may be selected and allowed to charge and the others may be left in line. After a predetermined time, another subset may be selected and allowed to charge while the others may be set to wait for their turn. Priorities may be switched after a predetermined time until at least some of the EVs are fully charged.

[0057] Additionally or alternatively, the prioritization may be based on user input. User input may include, for example, a planned departure time and a desired SoC. Charging transactions may be prioritized based on which EV plans to leave earliest and / or which EV requires the most energy to charge.

[0058] Additionally or alternatively, the prioritization may be based on user related information, such as the previously mentioned user segments. Different prioritization parameters may be hierarchical. For example, user segments may be prioritized over the amount of power charged, so that higher priority users are always prioritized, and charging transactions to be paused or continued are determined based on the power charged.

[0059] Figure 4 A flow chart of a method 400 for load management of a charging station according to an example embodiment is shown. The method may be implemented by a computing device communicatively coupled to a plurality of charging stations. The computing device may be configured to obtain transaction-related data from the charging stations. The computing device may further be configured to control at least a maximum current of the charging station.

[0060] At 401, charging transaction events may be monitored. Once a user starts charging at a charging point and successfully authenticates himself, a charging transaction may begin. Once charging begins, the charging point may change its state from, for example, "available" to "charging". In addition, there may be other state changes within a charging transaction. For example, once the vehicle is fully charged and no longer absorbing energy, the charging point may change its state to "pausing EV" or "ending". An active charging transaction refers to a situation where the charging point is actually charging: it may report the state "charging" and energy is flowing into the electric vehicle. Once the user chooses to stop charging or unplugs the EV, the charging transaction may end. Charging transaction events may include, for example, a charging request, a charging start, the amount of energy charged, the charging time, and a charging stop. The charging transaction events may also include user-related data, such as data indicating to which user segment the user requesting the charge belongs. .

[0061] At 402, upon receiving an event from any charging point, it may be checked whether the charging point belongs to one or more load management groups. The load management groups may be configurable. For example, charging points or charging stations may be added or removed from the group(s).

[0062] At 403, it may be checked what the maximum rated current of the group is. The maximum current rating may be based on, for example, fuse size. At 404, it may be checked whether the available charging capacity depends on a static limit or on a variable limit. At 405, the maximum current of the group may be updated. For example, the maximum current may be reduced or increased based on the consumption or local energy production of the relevant buildings and other entities.

[0063] At 406 , charge points that are not in an active charging transaction may be filtered out because they may not require charging current.

[0064] In one embodiment, the solution may be configured to meet local regulations and / or bans. For example, at 407, it may be checked whether phase balancing is active. If so, at 408, a limit may be set such that, for example, the maximum current cannot be set above 16A for transactions other than three-phase charging transactions, even if the calculated available capacity would be above 16A.

[0065] At 409, it may be checked whether queuing is enabled. If so, at 410, one or more charging transactions may be suspended when a specific parameter, i.e., a minimum current, is not met. If the minimum current is met, the load management solution may follow normal sharing logic. The sharing logic may be, for example, equal sharing, round robin, or any other collective logic. In practice, suspending the transaction may include setting the maximum current of the charge point to 0A. Once the minimum current is no longer available for each charge point, the charging transaction may begin to be suspended in a predetermined priority order.

[0066] At 412, once capacity is freed from the first priority level, the suspended transactions may be resumed, ie, reactivated, in order of priority.

[0067] If queuing is not enabled, then at 413, it may be checked which charging points have prioritized users charging. For example, a user may be authenticated by a computing device to initiate / activate a charging transaction. The computing device may store data about user segments and check to which user segment the user belongs based on the authentication data. At 414, the charging transactions of all prioritized users may be set to full power, or any other value to which they are privileged. Thereafter, at 415, the available capacity for non-prioritized users may be recalculated by reducing the consumption of prioritized users from an import limit. In one embodiment, operations 413 and 415 may be combined with queuing such that charging transactions are suspended once the minimum current is no longer available to all users, with charging transactions from non-prioritized users being suspended first.

[0068] At 416, current adjustments may be sent for each charging station. In one embodiment, a single charging point may be connected to more than one energy management group, and requests from different groups may be prioritized. First, at 417, it may be checked whether the charging point is linked to other groups. If so, then at 418, the calculated station-specific value may be compared to other constraints it is subject to from other energy management services, and the lowest value may be selected. The other energy management services may include, for example, congestion management. At 419, the current of a single charging station may be adjusted based on previously determined conditions and decisions.

[0069] Figure 5An example of a computing device 500 configured to implement one or more example embodiments is shown.

[0070] The computing device 500 may include at least one processor 501. The at least one processor 501 may include, for example, one or more of various processing devices, such as a coprocessor, a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processing circuit with or without an attached DSP, or various other processing devices, including integrated circuits, such as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), microcontroller units (MCUs), hardware accelerators, or dedicated computer chips, etc.

[0071] The computing device 500 may also include at least one memory 502. The memory 502 may be configured to store, for example, computer program code, such as operating system software and application software. In an embodiment, the memory 502 may include, for example, charging capacity data, EV charging station data, and / or user-related data obtained from a charging station, a user device, and / or an electric meter. The memory 502 may be configured to store information about a user segment, which includes a list of users with different priorities. The memory 502 may store one or more charging load management groups including one or more charging stations and / or charging points. The memory 502 may include one or more volatile memory devices, one or more non-volatile memory devices, and / or a combination thereof. For example, the memory may be implemented as a magnetic storage device (such as a hard drive, a magnetic tape, etc.), an optical magnetic storage device, or a semiconductor memory (such as a mask ROM, a PROM (programmable ROM), an EPROM (erasable PROM), a flash ROM, a RAM (random access memory), etc.).

[0072] The computing device 500 may also include a communication interface configured to enable the computing device 500 to send and / or receive information to / from other devices such as a charging station. The computing device 500 may be configured to obtain data from multiple data sources. For example, data may be obtained as an update each time a change occurs in the data. The communication interface may be configured to provide at least one radio connection, such as a 3GPP mobile broadband connection (e.g., 3G, 4G, 5G). However, the communication interface may be configured to provide one or more other types of connections, such as a wireless local area network (WLAN) connection, such as a WLAN connection standardized by, for example, the IEEE 802.11 series or the Wi-Fi Alliance; a short-range wireless network connection, such as Bluetooth, NFC (near field communication) or an RFID connection; a wired connection, such as a local area network (LAN) connection, a universal serial bus (USB) connection, or an optical network connection, etc.; or a wired Internet connection. The communication interface may include or be configured to be coupled to at least one antenna to send and / or receive radio frequency signals. One or more of the various types of connections may also be implemented as a separate communication interface, which may be coupled or configured to be coupled to multiple antennas.

[0073] The computing device 500 may also include a user interface, which includes an input device and / or an output device. The input device may take various forms, such as a keyboard, a touch screen, or one or more embedded control buttons. The output device may include, for example, a display, etc. In an embodiment, a user may configure a minimum current value for one or more charging load management groups and / or user segments via the user interface.

[0074] When the computing device 500 is configured to implement some functions, some components and / or multiple components of the computing device 500, such as, for example, at least one processor 50 and / or memory 502, may be configured to implement the functions. In addition, when at least one processor 501 is configured to implement some functions, the functions may be implemented using, for example, program codes included in the memory 502.

[0075] The functions described herein may be performed at least in part by one or more computer program product components such as software components. According to an embodiment, the computing device 500 includes a processor 501 or a processor circuit, such as, for example, a microcontroller, which is configured by program code to perform the described operations and embodiments of the functions when executed. Alternatively or additionally, the functions described herein may be performed at least in part by one or more hardware logic components. For example, but not limited to, illustrative types of hardware logic components that may be used include field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), application specific standard products (ASSPs), systems on chip (SOCs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), and graphics processing units (GPUs).

[0076] The computing device 500 may be configured to perform or cause the performance of any aspect of the method(s) described herein. In addition, the computer program may include instructions for causing the computing device 500 to perform any aspect of the method(s) described herein when executed. In addition, the computing device 500 may include means for performing any aspect of the method(s) described herein. According to an example embodiment, the means includes at least one processor 501 and a memory 502 including program code, the at least one memory 502 and the program code being configured to cause the performance of any aspect of the method(s) when executed by the at least one processor 501.

[0077] The computing device 500 may include, for example, a server device, a client device, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, or a laptop computer, etc. Although the computing device 500 is shown as a single device, it is understood that the functionality of the computing device 500 may be distributed to multiple devices as long as applicable. In one embodiment, the computing device may be or include a CPM. The computing device 500 may be a cloud computing device configured to deliver computing services such as servers, storage devices, databases, networking, software, analysis, and intelligence via the Internet ("cloud"). The computing device 500 may be located at a location away from the charging station and configured to wirelessly receive data and commands from the charging station and wirelessly transmit data and commands to the charging station. Therefore, the computing device 500 may control any charging station that can be connected to the Internet, regardless of hardware differences in charging stations of different suppliers or models.

[0078] It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that the basic idea of ​​the invention can be implemented in various ways as technology advances. Therefore, the invention and its embodiments are not limited to the above examples, but they can vary within the scope of the claims.

[0079] Other features of the method result directly from the functions and parameters of the computer device described in the appended claims and throughout the specification and are therefore not repeated here. Note that one or more operations of the method may be performed in a different order.

[0080] Any range or device value given herein may be expanded or altered without losing the effect sought. Furthermore, any embodiment may be combined with another embodiment unless expressly prohibited.

[0081] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or acts, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Instead, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as examples of implementing the claims, and other equivalent features and acts are intended to fall within the scope of the claims.

[0082] It should be understood that the benefits and advantages described above may relate to one embodiment or may relate to several embodiments. The embodiments are not limited to those embodiments that solve any or all of the problems described, or those embodiments that have any or all of the benefits and advantages described. It will also be understood that reference to "an" item may refer to one or more of these items.

[0083] The operations of the methods described herein may be performed in any appropriate order, or simultaneously where appropriate. In addition, individual blocks may be deleted from any method without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein. Aspects of any of the above-described embodiments may be combined with aspects of any other embodiment described to form additional embodiments without losing the effects sought.

[0084] The term "comprising" is used herein to mean including the identified methods, blocks or elements, but such blocks or elements do not include an exclusive list and the method or apparatus may contain additional blocks or elements.

[0085] As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of only a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or a portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers (for example and if applicable to a particular claim element) a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0086] It should be understood that the above description is given as an example only, and various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art. The above description, examples and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of the exemplary embodiments. Although various embodiments are described above with a certain degree of particularity or with reference to one or more separate embodiments, those skilled in the art may make many changes to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of this specification.

Claims

1. A method for remotely managing charging loads of a plurality of electric vehicle charging stations executed by a cloud computing device, the method comprising: monitoring data regarding charging transactions obtained from the plurality of charging stations grouped into one or more load management groups; detecting a charging transaction event associated with at least a charging point of the charging station; determining whether the charging transaction event causes a share of available charging capacity having a static limit and divided among charging points of the load management group having an active charging transaction to drop below a predetermined minimum current value determined for each charging point of the load management group; controlling a maximum charging current for one or more charging points based on one or more prioritization parameters to suspend the active charging transaction such that the predetermined minimum current value is met for the remaining charging points; determining whether the charging transaction event results in an increase in the share of the available charging capacity; as well as Based on the one or more prioritization parameters, the maximum charging current of at least one of the charging points is controlled to reactivate the suspended charging transaction such that the predetermined minimum current is met for all of the charging points subsequently having active charging transactions.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the one or more prioritization parameters include arrival times of the electric vehicles being charged, such that the charging transaction is first paused from one or more last arriving electric vehicles and first reactivated for the first arriving electric vehicle.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: Based on the charging transaction data, determining a user segment associated with the charging transaction; and wherein the one or more prioritization parameters include the user segments so that charging transactions associated with lower priority user segments are suspended first and reactivated first for charging transactions associated with higher priority user segments.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein: The predetermined minimum current value is different for the higher priority user segment and the lower priority user segment.

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the predetermined minimum current value, the prioritisation parameter and the prioritisation level are configurable by a user.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: monitoring a change in the available charging capacity based on the obtained data indicative of an amount of available local renewable energy; And wherein the one or more charging transactions are suspended or reactivated based on the changed available charging capacity affecting the number of charging transactions that meet the predetermined minimum current value.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: monitoring a change in the available charging capacity based on the obtained data indicative of power consumption by other consumers; And wherein the one or more charging transactions are suspended or reactivated based on the changed available charging capacity affecting the number of charging transactions that meet the predetermined minimum current value.

8. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the one or more prioritisation parameters include charging energy, such that charging transactions with the least charging energy are prioritised; and wherein the method comprises: After a predetermined time, the charging transaction to be prioritized is updated.

9. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the one or more prioritisation parameters include a battery state of charge, and wherein charging transactions associated with electric vehicles having a minimum battery state of charge are prioritised; and wherein the method comprises: After a predetermined time, the charging transaction to be prioritized is updated.

10. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the one or more prioritisation parameters comprises a random subset of charge points in the load management group to be prioritised; and wherein the method comprises: After a predetermined time, another subset is selected to be prioritized.

11. A method as described in any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more prioritization parameters include at least one of a planned departure time or a desired charge state of the electric vehicles obtained based on user input, and wherein the charging transactions associated with at least one of the electric vehicles scheduled to leave first or requiring the greatest amount of energy are suspended last and reactivated first.

12. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein when the charging transaction is associated with more than one load management group, and wherein the maximum charging current for the charging transaction is controlled based on a lowest determined value.

13. A cloud computing device for remotely managing charging loads of a plurality of electric vehicle charging stations, configured to: monitoring data regarding charging transactions obtained from the plurality of charging stations grouped into one or more load management groups; detecting a charging transaction event associated with at least a charging point of the charging station; determining whether the charging transaction event causes a share of available charging capacity having a static limit and divided among charging points of the load management group having an active charging transaction to drop below a predetermined minimum current value determined for each charging point of the load management group; controlling a maximum charging current for one or more charging points based on one or more prioritization parameters to suspend the active charging transaction such that the predetermined minimum current value is met for the remaining charging points; determining whether the charging transaction event results in an increase in the share of the available charging capacity; as well as Based on the one or more prioritization parameters, the maximum charging current of at least one of the charging points is controlled to reactivate the suspended charging transaction such that the predetermined minimum current is met for all of the charging stations of a then subsequently active charging transaction.

14. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

15. A computer program product comprising instructions which, when said program is executed by a computer, cause said computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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