SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TRANSFERRING POWER FROM A VEHICLE TO AN INFRASTRUCTURE

Abstract

A system and a method for delivering power to an external device are disclosed. The system may include a vehicle having an inductive power exchange device that can be configured to operate in a vehicle receiving mode and a vehicle transmitting mode. In the vehicle receiving mode, the device can be configured to receive power from a power source installed on a roadway and charge the vehicle's electrical storage unit. In the vehicle transmitting mode, the device can be configured to transfer power from the vehicle's electrical storage unit to the power source, enabling the power source to supply power to an external device.The vehicle includes a processor configured to receive a trigger signal to activate the vehicle transfer mode and to activate the vehicle transfer mode in response to receiving the trigger signal to transfer power from the vehicle's electrical storage unit to the power source.

Description

AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for supplying power to infrastructure, such as traffic lights, a network, etc., in the event of a power outage. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] In the event of a power outage, traffic signals typically switch off. Inoperative traffic signals can cause traffic jams at intersections and sometimes lead to undesirable situations.

[0003] There are devices / systems that can be used to keep traffic signals functioning during a power outage. For example, if there is a power outage, authority personnel can carry a portable generator to the location of the inoperative traffic signal and connect the generator to the signal to provide power. In this case, the portable generator acts as an emergency power source when the main power supply is interrupted.

[0004] While such measures allow traffic lights to operate during a power outage, managing and using portable generators can be inconvenient for government personnel. Additionally, government personnel (e.g., police officers) may need to manually direct traffic at intersections to reduce congestion, which can be burdensome for the officer. SUMMARY

[0005] The present disclosure describes a system that enables a vehicle to supply power to external devices, such as traffic lights, streetlights, a power grid, etc., during a power outage. The system can use an inductive charging system installed on a roadway to allow the vehicle to wirelessly supply power to the external devices.

[0006] In some aspects, the vehicle may include an inductive power exchange device, which may be connected to an electrical storage unit of the vehicle (e.g., a battery). The roadway may include an inductive power exchange device, which may be connected to a power source (e.g., an electrical transmission line). Both the vehicle's inductive power exchange device and the roadway's inductive power exchange device may include electromagnetic coils that can facilitate power exchange between the vehicle's electrical storage unit and the power source when the two electromagnetic coils are located close to each other.

[0007] The vehicle's inductive power exchange device can be configured to operate in a vehicle receive mode and a vehicle transmit mode. In vehicle receive mode, the vehicle can be configured to receive power from the power source installed in the roadway. In vehicle transmit mode, the vehicle can be configured to transmit power from the vehicle's electrical storage unit to the power source, enabling the power source to supply power to the external device(s).

[0008] Similarly, the inductive power exchange device of the roadway can be configured to operate in a roadway transmission mode and a roadway reception mode. In roadway transmission mode, the power source (or the roadway) can be configured to transmit power to the vehicle (or the vehicle's electrical storage unit) to enable wireless vehicle charging. In roadway reception mode, the power source can be configured to receive power from the vehicle, for example, during power outages.

[0009] In some aspects, if a power outage occurs, the vehicle can move close to a charging pad associated with the external device requiring power, and a vehicle user can initiate a power transfer from the vehicle's electrical storage unit to the external device via the power source installed in the roadway. In other aspects, the vehicle user can initiate the power transfer by transmitting a trigger signal to the vehicle via a human-machine interface (HMI) or user device, provided the vehicle is close to the charging pad associated with the external device. In this case, a vehicle processor can receive the trigger signal to activate the vehicle transfer mode and then activate the vehicle transfer mode in response to receiving the trigger signal.When the vehicle transfer mode is activated, the vehicle's inductive power exchange device can transfer power from the vehicle's electrical storage unit to the roadway's inductive power exchange device. The roadway's inductive power exchange device can receive power from the vehicle's inductive power exchange device and supply it to the power source, which in turn can supply power to the external device.

[0010] The present disclosure discloses a system that enables seamless traffic / street lighting operation in the event of a power outage. The system allows for power exchange between the vehicle and external devices during power outages, significantly improving comfort for commuters using the roads. Additionally, the system facilitates power supply to the external devices for the vehicle user without requiring them to exit the vehicle, thus increasing user convenience.

[0011] These and other benefits of the present revelation are provided in detail in this document. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying drawings. The use of the same reference numerals may indicate similar or identical elements. Different embodiments may use different elements and / or components than those illustrated in the drawings, and some elements and / or components may not be present in different embodiments. The elements and / or components in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Throughout this disclosure, singular and plural expressions may be used interchangeably depending on the context. Fig. 1 represents an exemplary environment in which techniques and structures for providing the systems and procedures disclosed in this document may be implemented. Fig. Figure 2 represents an exemplary system for supplying power to traffic signals in accordance with the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 3 represents an exemplary system for supplying a network via a roadway according to the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 4 presents a flowchart of an exemplary method for supplying power to external device(s) according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] The disclosure is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, and is not intended to be restrictive.

[0014] Fig. Figure 1 represents an exemplary environment 100 in which techniques and structures for providing the systems and procedures disclosed in this document may be implemented. Fig. 1 is used in conjunction with Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 described.

[0015] Environment 100 can include a vehicle 105, which may be a battery electric vehicle (BEV) capable of driving on a road network or carriageway 110. The vehicle 105 can take the form of any passenger or commercial vehicle, such as an SUV, car, crossover, van, minivan, bus, truck, etc. In some aspects, the vehicle 105 may be assigned to a vehicle user (not shown). The vehicle user may be assigned to an authority (e.g., the police) or be a police officer. Furthermore, the vehicle 105 may be a manually driven vehicle and / or may be configured to operate in a partially or fully autonomous mode. In other aspects, the vehicle 105 may be a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).If the vehicle 105 is a PHEV, the vehicle 105 may be equipped with an internal combustion engine which can be used either alone or in combination with other energy sources to propel the vehicle 105.

[0016] In some aspects, the roadway 110 may include an inductive charging system that facilitates wireless power exchange between the roadway 110 and the vehicle 105. Furthermore, the roadway 110 may include wired power connections to external devices and may be configured to provide power to these external devices as needed. The external devices may include, among others, a traffic light or traffic signal 115, streetlights 120, a network 305 (in Fig. 3 shown) and / or the like. In some aspects, the inductive charging system can enable the transfer of power from lane 110 to vehicle 105 (e.g., to enable wireless charging of vehicle 105) when vehicle 105 is potentially driving (or parked) on lane 110. In other aspects, the inductive charging system can enable the reception of power from vehicle 105 to lane 110 to allow lane 110 to supply power to external devices when needed, e.g., during power outages.

[0017] In some aspects, the inductive charging system may include an inductive power exchange device 202 on the roadway, which may be connected to a power source 204 installed on the roadway 110 (e.g., under the road). The power source 204 may be configured to supply power to the inductive power exchange device 202 on the roadway (e.g., via a power grid) during normal operating conditions, which can then supply power to the vehicle 105 to charge it. In some aspects, the inductive power exchange device 202 on the roadway may supply power to the vehicle 105 or charge the vehicle 105 via inductive charging.

[0018] In other aspects, the power source 204 can receive power from the vehicle 105 via the roadway's inductive power exchange device 202 during "special" or "abnormal" operating conditions, for example, if there is a power outage in the area where the roadway 110 is located. In this case, the power source 204 can supply power to the traffic signal 115, the streetlights 120, the network 305, etc., to enable the normal operation of such devices during the power outage. In some aspects, the power source 204 may include an electrical transmission line, which may be located below the road surface. In other aspects, the power source 204 may be located above the road surface, for example, at a roadside.

[0019] The roadway's inductive power exchange device 202 (or a "first inductive plate") may include first electromagnetic coils (e.g., copper coils). The roadway's inductive power exchange device 202 may be placed below the road surface and may be connected to the power source 204 (e.g., via a wired connection). Alternatively, the roadway's inductive power exchange device 202 may be placed on top of the road surface. The first electromagnetic coils can create / generate an electromagnetic field above the road surface when current from the power source 204 flows through the first electromagnetic coils.The generated electromagnetic field can facilitate the exchange of power between the vehicle 105 and the power source 204 when the vehicle 105 is driving or parked on the roadway 110 on the first electromagnetic coil / inductive power exchange device 202 of the roadway. In this way, the first electromagnetic coils can magnetically facilitate the exchange of power between the vehicle 105 and the power source 204. The vehicle 105 does not need to be connected to the inductive power exchange device 202 of the roadway by wires to enable a power exchange; thus, the inductive power exchange device 202 of the roadway facilitates a "wireless" power exchange between the vehicle 105 and the power source 204.

[0020] In some aspects, the inductive power exchange device 202 of the roadway can be installed in a section of the roadway 110. For example, a large number of inductive power exchange devices of the roadway can be installed on a lane (e.g., one in Fig. The inductive power exchange device 202 of the roadway can be installed at specific slots on the roadway 110 (e.g., a charging lane 125 shown in Figure 1), which can be used by the vehicle 105 to charge the vehicle 105 while it is traveling on the roadway 110. In another example, the inductive power exchange device 202 of the roadway can be installed at specific slots on the roadway 110 (e.g., one in Figure 1). Fig. Charging pads 130 (as shown) can be installed, which may be located at the roadside or on the hard shoulder. The charging pad 130 can be used by the vehicle 105 to charge itself (or to receive power from the power source 204 via the roadway's inductive power exchange device 202) or to transfer power via the roadway's inductive power exchange device 202 to the power source 204 to supply power to external devices in the event of a power failure. For example, if the vehicle user wishes to supply power to the traffic signal 115 during a power failure, the vehicle user can park the vehicle 105 at the charging pad 130 (which may be located near the traffic signal 115) and initiate the power transfer from the vehicle 105 to the traffic signal 115 via the roadway 110 (e.g., via the roadway's inductive power exchange device 202).

[0021] In one aspect, the inductive power exchange device 202 of the roadway can be configured to operate in a roadway transmission mode and a roadway reception mode. In the roadway transmission mode, the inductive power exchange device 202 of the roadway can be configured to transfer power from the power source 204 to the vehicle 105 (e.g., via an inductive power exchange device 208 of the vehicle associated with the vehicle 105, as described below) to charge an electrical storage unit 210 of the vehicle. In the roadway reception mode, the inductive power exchange device 202 of the roadway can be configured to receive power from the vehicle 105 (e.g., from the electrical storage unit 210 of the vehicle via the inductive power exchange device 208 of the vehicle) to enable the power source 204 to charge the external devices (e.g.,to supply power to the traffic signal 115, the street lamps 120, etc.

[0022] The inductive charging system (or the track 110) may further include a power exchange device controller 206, which may be configured to control the power exchange between the track's inductive power exchange device 202 and the vehicle 105. The power exchange device controller 206 may be communicatively coupled to the power source 204 and the track's inductive power exchange device 202. The power exchange device controller 206 may be configured to activate / deactivate the track's transmit mode and track's receive mode based on command signals or requests received from the vehicle 105.In some aspects, the power exchange device control 206 can be configured to select the road transmission mode or the road reception mode, and can activate the road transmission mode or the road reception mode based on the selection.

[0023] In some aspects, the power exchange device controller 206 can be configured to switch the mode of the roadway's inductive power exchange device 202 from roadway transmission mode (or a default mode) to roadway reception mode based on a vehicle instruction / request signal received from the vehicle 105. The vehicle instruction / request signal can indicate to the power exchange device controller 206 that the vehicle user wishes to transfer power from the vehicle 105 (e.g., from the vehicle's electrical storage unit 210) to the roadway 110 (e.g., to the power source 204). Additionally, the power exchange device controller 206 can switch the mode from roadway transmission mode to roadway reception mode in the event of a power failure (e.g., when there is no supply of mains power from the power source 204 to the traffic signal 115, the streetlights 120, etc.).

[0024] The vehicle 105 can include a variety of components, including, but not limited to, the vehicle's inductive power exchange device 208, the vehicle's electrical storage unit 210 (e.g., a vehicle battery), a transceiver 212, a processor 214, a memory 216, a human-machine interface (HMI) 218, and / or the like. The vehicle 105 can be communicatively connected to a server 220 via a network 222. The server(s) 220 can be part of a cloud-based computing infrastructure and can be associated with and / or include a telematics service delivery network (SDN) that provides digital data services to the vehicle 105 and other vehicles (not shown) that may be part of a vehicle fleet.In some aspects, Server 220 can be configured to provide Vehicle 105 with a server instruction / command signal to transfer power to external devices (such as Traffic Signal 115, Streetlights 120, Network 305, etc.) during a power outage. In other aspects, Server 220 can be configured to detect a power outage and, in response to such detection, transmit the server instruction / command signal to Vehicle 105. In some aspects, the server instruction / command signal can include instructions to move to a location associated with the external device that may require power (e.g., Traffic Signal 115) and to supply power to the external device. The server instruction / command signal can also include information associated with the external device.This information may include the location of the external device, the type of external device (e.g., the traffic signal 115, the streetlights 120, the network 305, etc.), and / or the like.

[0025] The network(s) 222 illustrate an example of a communication infrastructure in which the connected devices discussed in various embodiments of this disclosure can communicate. The network(s) 222 can be and / or include the Internet, a private network, a public network, or another configuration operating using any one or more known communication protocols, such as Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP), Bluetooth, or other protocols. ®Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Wi-Fi based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standard 802.11, Ultra-wideband (UWB) and mobile communication technologies such as Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPDA), Long-Term Evolution (LTE), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) and Fifth Generation (5G), to name a few examples.

[0026] The vehicle's inductive power exchange device 208 can facilitate wireless power exchange (via inductive charging) with the roadway 110 (e.g., with the inductive charging system associated with the roadway 110). In some aspects, the vehicle's inductive power exchange device 208 can enable the vehicle to receive power from the roadway 110 (e.g., from the power source 204 via the roadway's inductive power exchange device 202) when the vehicle 105 is driving on (or parked on) the roadway 110. Additionally, the vehicle's inductive power exchange device 208 can enable the transfer of power from the vehicle 105 to the roadway 110 (e.g., to the power source 204 via the roadway's inductive power exchange device 202) to facilitate power transfer to the previously described external devices during a power outage.

[0027] In some aspects, the vehicle's inductive power exchange device 208 can be connected to the vehicle's electrical storage unit. The vehicle's electrical storage unit 210 can be a vehicle battery (e.g., a traction battery) that can be configured to receive power from the roadway 110 (e.g., from the power source 204 via the inductive charging system) through the generated electromagnetic field, as described above. In other aspects, the vehicle's electrical storage unit 210 can transfer power to the roadway 110 (e.g., to the power source 204) in the event of a power failure.

[0028] The vehicle's inductive power exchange device 208 (or a "second inductive plate") may include second electromagnetic coils (or copper coils). In some aspects, the vehicle's inductive power exchange device 208 may be located under the vehicle's chassis (or on a vehicle floor surface, as shown in Fig. 2) and can be connected to the vehicle's electrical storage unit 210, e.g., via a wired connection. The first electromagnetic coils (contained in the inductive power exchange device 202 of the roadway) and the second electromagnetic coils (contained in the vehicle's inductive power exchange device 208) can facilitate the magnetic or inductive exchange of power between the roadway 110 (e.g., the inductive charging system) and the vehicle 105, when the vehicle 105 may be driving or parked on the roadway 110.

[0029] In some aspects, the vehicle's inductive power exchange device 208 can be configured to operate in a vehicle receive mode and a vehicle transmit mode. In the vehicle receive mode, the vehicle's inductive power exchange device 208 can be configured to wirelessly receive power from the power source 204 (e.g., via the roadway's inductive power exchange device 202) and charge the vehicle's electrical storage device 210. In the vehicle transmit mode, the vehicle's inductive power exchange device 208 can be configured to wirelessly transmit power from the vehicle's electrical storage unit 210 to the power source 204 (e.g., via the roadway's inductive power exchange device 202) and allow the power source 204 to supply power to the external device as described above, e.g., during a power outage.

[0030] The transceiver 212 can be configured to receive information / input from one or more devices or systems. For example, the transceiver 212 can be configured to receive a server instruction / command signal from the server 220. Additionally, the transceiver 212 can be configured to receive a request to transfer power from the vehicle 105 to the roadway 110 (e.g., from the vehicle's electrical storage unit 210 to the power source 204) from a vehicle driver / user via a user interface (e.g., via the HMI 218 or a user device assigned to the vehicle driver). The user device can include, for example, a mobile device, a laptop, a tablet, a smartwatch, or any other device with communication capabilities.Additionally, the transceiver 212 can be configured to transmit the vehicle instruction / request to the power exchange device controller 206. For example, the transceiver 212 can transmit a signal to the power exchange device controller 206 that can cause the power exchange device controller 206 to activate the road receive mode of the road's inductive power exchange device 202 (to receive power from the vehicle 105).

[0031] The processor 214 can be arranged in communication with one or more storage devices, which are arranged in communication with the respective computing systems (e.g., the memory 216 and / or one or more external databases, not shown). The processor 214 can use the memory 216 to store programs in code and / or to store data for performing aspects according to the disclosure. The memory 216 can be a non-transient, computer-readable storage medium or memory for storing load management program code. The memory 216 can include any or a combination of volatile memory elements (e.g., dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random-access memory (SDRAM), etc.) and one or more arbitrary non-volatile memory elements (e.g.,These include erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), etc.

[0032] During operation, if the vehicle 105 is possibly driving on charging lane 125 or parked on charging pad 130, the processor 214 can activate vehicle receive mode to wirelessly charge the vehicle 105 (e.g., via the power source 204 and the inductive power exchange device 202 of the roadway). In some cases, the processor 214 can receive input from a first detector (e.g., a first induction loop detector) and, based on this input, determine whether the vehicle 105 is possibly driving on charging lane 125 or parked on charging pad 130. In response to such a determination, the processor 214 can activate vehicle receive mode. The processor 214 can deactivate vehicle receive mode if the vehicle 105 is possibly not driving on charging lane 125 or parked on charging pad 130.In other aspects, if the vehicle 105 is possibly driving on the charging lane 125 or parked on the charging pad 130, the power exchange device controller 206 can activate the lane transfer mode. In some aspects, the power exchange device controller 206 can receive inputs from a second detector (e.g., a second induction loop detector) and, based on the inputs, determine that the vehicle 105 is possibly driving on the charging lane 125 or parked on the charging pad 130. In response to such a determination, the power exchange device controller 206 can activate the lane transfer mode. If the vehicle 105 is operating in the vehicle receive mode and the lane 110 is operating in the lane transfer mode, power can be transferred from the lane 110 to the vehicle 105 (e.g.,from the power source 204 to the vehicle's electrical storage unit 210), which can enable the vehicle 105 to charge wirelessly.

[0033] If a power outage is possible, the vehicle user (e.g., police or civilian) can move the vehicle 105 near the external device, such as the traffic signal 115, and park the vehicle 105 on the charging pad 130, which may be located near the traffic signal 115. When the vehicle 105 is parked on the charging pad 130 (or when the charging pad 130 is aligned with the vehicle's inductive power exchange device 208), the vehicle user can initiate a power transfer from the vehicle 105 to the roadway 110 (e.g., to the roadway's inductive power exchange device 202 associated with the charging pad 130). In some cases, the vehicle user can use the user interface (e.g., the HMI 218 or the user device) to initiate the power transfer from the vehicle 105 to the roadway 110.

[0034] When the vehicle user initiates power transfer via the HMI 218 or the user device, the processor 214 can receive a trigger signal to activate the vehicle transfer mode. Since the vehicle user initiates power transfer when a power failure event occurs, the processor 214 can receive the trigger signal when a power failure event occurs. In response to receiving the trigger signal, the processor 214 can activate the vehicle transfer mode to transfer power from the vehicle's electrical storage unit 210 to the power source 204 (via the roadway's inductive power exchange device 202 and the vehicle's inductive power exchange device 208), which enables the power source 204 to supply power to the traffic signal 115.

[0035] In some aspects, the processor 214 can transmit a vehicle instruction / request signal to the power exchange device controller 206 to activate the lane receive mode when the processor 214 activates the vehicle transfer mode (or before the vehicle transfer mode is activated). The power exchange device controller 206 can be configured to receive the vehicle instruction / request signal from the vehicle 105 in the event of a power failure (e.g., via the network 222) and activate the lane receive mode in response to receiving the request signal. Power can be transferred from the vehicle 105 to the lane 110 (e.g., from the vehicle's electrical storage unit 210 to the power source 204) when the vehicle's inductive power exchange device 208 is operating in vehicle transfer mode and the lane's inductive power exchange device 202 is operating in lane receive mode.

[0036] In some aspects, the processor 214 can, in response to receiving the trigger signal from the HMI 218 or the user device, switch the operating mode of the vehicle's inductive power exchange device 208 from vehicle receive mode to vehicle transmit mode (e.g., if vehicle receive mode was previously activated). Similarly, in response to receiving the vehicle instruction / request signal from the vehicle 105, the power exchange device controller 206 can switch the operating mode of the roadway's inductive power exchange device 202 from roadway transmit mode to roadway receive mode to facilitate the vehicle 105's power supply to the traffic signal 115 via the power source 204.

[0037] Although the above description describes one aspect in which the processor 214 receives the trigger signal from the vehicle user via the HMI 218 or the user device, the present disclosure is not limited to this aspect. In other aspects, the processor 214 can receive the trigger signal from the server 220 when the processor 214 receives the server instruction / command signal from the server 220. The processor 214 can activate the vehicle transfer mode in response to receiving the trigger signal from the server 220. When the vehicle transfer mode is activated, the vehicle's inductive power exchange device 208 can transfer power from the vehicle's electrical storage unit 210 to the roadway's inductive power exchange device 202, and the roadway's inductive power exchange device 202 can receive power and supply the power to the power source 204.To receive power from the vehicle 105, the power exchange device controller 206 can activate the road-receiving mode of the road's inductive power exchange device 202. In some aspects, the processor 214 and the power exchange device controller 206 can control the power flow between the vehicle's electrical storage unit 210 and the power source 204.

[0038] In the aspect where processor 214 receives the trigger signal from server 220, processor 214 can cause vehicle 105 to move autonomously towards the external device, such as traffic signal 115, in order to initiate power transfer from vehicle 105 to the roadway 110 based on the server instruction / command signal (e.g., if vehicle 105 is an autonomous vehicle). In such cases, processor 214 can cause vehicle 105 to move towards the external device in response to receiving the trigger signal from server 220. As described above, the trigger signal or server instruction / command signal received from server 220 includes information related to the location of the external device, which can facilitate vehicle 105's autonomous movement towards the external device.

[0039] The processor 214 can activate the vehicle transfer mode if the vehicle 105 is possibly near the external device (e.g., the charging pad 130 located near the traffic signal 115).

[0040] In a similar manner to that described above, the processor 214 can receive the trigger signal from the server 220 or the HMI 218 / user device to supply power to the streetlights 120 or the network 305 via the roadway 110. The network 305 can receive its power supply from the vehicle 105 and can also supply power to other equipment / devices, such as other vehicles, streetlights 120, houses, other buildings, etc.

[0041] In further aspects, the processor 214 can deactivate the vehicle transfer mode based on a user request received via the HMI 218 or the user device. In additional aspects, the processor 214 can deactivate the vehicle transfer mode if the state of charge (SoC) level assigned to the vehicle's electrical storage unit 210 is less than a predefined threshold. In yet another aspect, the processor 214 can deactivate the vehicle transfer mode if the vehicle 105 moves away from the charging pad 130. In some aspects, the traffic signal 115 may include a battery and / or a capacitor to continue operation even if the vehicle 105 is not supplying power to the traffic signal 115 (and power has not yet been restored from the grid).

[0042] The Vehicle 105 can implement and / or perform operations as described herein in accordance with the user manual and safety guidelines. Additionally, any action taken by the vehicle user based on notifications / recommendations provided by the Vehicle 105 should comply with all regulations specific to the vehicle's location and operation (e.g., federal, state, local, municipal, etc.). The notifications / recommendations provided by the Vehicle 105 should be treated as suggestions and followed only in accordance with any rules specific to the vehicle's location and operation.

[0043] Fig. Figure 4 presents a flowchart of an exemplary method 400 for supplying power to external device(s) according to the present disclosure. Fig. 4 can be further illustrated by referring to the previous figures, including Fig. 1-3. The following process is exemplary and not limited to the steps described below. Furthermore, alternative embodiments may include more or fewer steps than shown or described in this document, and these steps may be in a sequence that differs from the sequence described in the following exemplary embodiments.

[0044] At step 402, procedure 400 can begin. At step 404, procedure 400 can involve processor 214 receiving a trigger signal to activate the vehicle transfer mode of the vehicle's inductive power exchange device 208. At step 406, procedure 400 can involve processor 214 activating the vehicle transfer mode in response to receiving the trigger signal. As previously described, when vehicle transfer mode is activated, the vehicle 105 can transfer power from the vehicle's electrical storage unit 210 to the power source 204 via the roadway's inductive power exchange device 202.In some aspects, the processor 214 can transmit the vehicle instruction / request to the power exchange device controller 206 when the vehicle transmission mode is activated, which can cause the power exchange device controller 206 to activate the roadway receive mode of the inductive power exchange device 202 of the roadway (to receive power from the vehicle 105).

[0045] At step 408, the procedure can end in step 400.

[0046] The preceding disclosure refers to the accompanying drawings, which form part thereof and illustrate specific implementations in which the present disclosure can be practically implemented. It is understood that other implementations may be used and structural modifications made without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. References in the description to "an embodiment," "an exemplary embodiment," etc., indicate that the described embodiment may include a specific feature, structure, or property, but not every embodiment necessarily includes that specific feature, structure, or property. Furthermore, such formulations do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.Furthermore, if a feature, structure or property is described in connection with an embodiment, the person skilled in the art will recognize such a feature, structure or property in connection with other embodiments, whether this is expressly described or not.

[0047] Furthermore, the functions described in this document may be performed in one or more hardware, software, firmware, digital components, or analog components. For example, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) may be programmed to execute one or more of the systems and procedures described in this document. Certain terms used throughout the description and in the claims refer to specific system components. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the components may be designated by other names. This document does not distinguish between components that differ in name but do not differentiate in function.

[0048] It is also understood that the word "example," as used in this document, is not intended to be exclusive or restrictive. In particular, the word "example," as used in this document, indicates one of several examples, and it is understood that no undue emphasis or preference is placed on the specific example described.

[0049] A computer-readable medium (also called a processor-readable medium) comprises any non-transient (e.g., physical) medium involved in providing data (e.g., instructions) that can be read by a computer (e.g., by a computer's processor). Such a medium can take many forms, including, without limitation, non-volatile and volatile media. Computing devices can contain computer-executable instructions, the instructions being executable by one or more computing devices, such as those listed above, and being stored on a computer-readable medium.

[0050] With regard to the processes, systems, procedures, heuristics, etc., described in this document, it is understood that although the steps of such processes, etc., have been described as occurring according to a specific, ordered sequence, such processes could be implemented in practice, with the described steps being carried out in a sequence that differs from the sequence described in this document. Furthermore, it is understood that certain steps could be carried out simultaneously, that other steps could be added, or that certain steps described herein could be omitted. In other words, the descriptions of processes in this document serve the purpose of illustrating various embodiments and should in no way be interpreted as limiting the patent claims.

[0051] Accordingly, it is understood that the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Many other embodiments and applications beyond the examples provided will become apparent from reading the preceding description. The scope should not be determined by reference to the foregoing description, but instead by reference to the attached claims, together with the full scope of equivalents to which these claims entitle. It is expected and intended that there will be future developments in the technologies discussed in this document and that the disclosed systems and methods will be incorporated into such future embodiments. Overall, it is understood that the application may be modified and varied.

[0052] All terms used in the patent claims shall have their general meanings as they are known to a person skilled in the art in the field of the technologies described in this document, unless expressly stated otherwise herein. In particular, the use of singular articles such as "a," "an," "the," "a," "a," etc., shall be understood to mean that one or more of the specified elements are named, unless a patent claim expressly limits this to the contrary. Phrases expressing conditional relationships, such as "may," "could," "can," or "could," are generally intended to convey that certain embodiments may include certain features, elements, and / or steps, whereas other embodiments may not include them, unless specifically stated otherwise or the context makes it clear otherwise.Therefore, such formulations, which express conditional relationships, should generally not imply that features, elements and / or steps are required in any way for one or more embodiments.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the external device comprises one or more traffic signals, streetlights, or networks.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the system is installed on a roadway.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a power exchange device control which is communicatively coupled to the inductive power exchange device of the roadway and the power source, wherein the power exchange device control is configured to activate the roadway transmission mode or the roadway reception mode.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the power exchange device control is further configured to: receive a vehicle request signal from the vehicle to activate the road receiving mode, wherein the power exchange device control receives the vehicle request signal in the event of a power failure; and activate the road receiving mode in response to receiving the vehicle request signal.

[0057] According to the present invention, a method comprises the following: receiving a trigger signal to activate a vehicle transmission mode of a vehicle-associated inductive power exchange device of a vehicle by a processor, wherein: the vehicle's inductive power exchange device is connected to an electrical storage unit of the vehicle, wherein the vehicle's inductive power exchange device is configured to operate in a vehicle receive mode and the vehicle transmission mode, wherein the vehicle's inductive power exchange device is configured to receive power from a power source installed on a roadway and to charge the vehicle's electrical storage unit in the vehicle receive mode, and the vehicle's inductive power exchange device is configured toTo transfer power in vehicle transfer mode from the vehicle's electrical storage unit to the power source; and to activate vehicle transfer mode by the processor in response to receiving the trigger signal to transfer power from the vehicle's electrical storage unit to the power source, enabling the power source to supply power to an external device.

Claims

[1] Vehicle, comprising: an electrical storage unit of a vehicle; an inductive power exchange device of the vehicle, which is connected to the electrical storage unit of the vehicle, wherein: the vehicle's inductive power exchange device is configured to operate in a vehicle receive mode and a vehicle transmit mode, The vehicle's inductive power exchange device is configured to receive power from a power source installed on a roadway and to charge the vehicle's electrical storage unit in vehicle receive mode, and the vehicle's inductive power exchange device is configured to transfer power from the vehicle's electrical storage unit to the power source in the vehicle transfer mode; and a processor configured to do the following: Receiving a trigger signal to activate vehicle transmission mode; and Activating the vehicle transfer mode in response to receiving the trigger signal transfers power from the vehicle's electrical storage unit to the power source, enabling the power source to supply power to an external device. [2] Vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the inductive power exchange device of the vehicle is configured to receive power from or transfer power to the power source via an inductive power exchange device installed on the roadway. [3] Vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the inductive power exchange device of the vehicle comprises first electromagnetic coils, wherein the inductive power exchange device of the roadway comprises second electromagnetic coils, and wherein the first electromagnetic coils and the second electromagnetic coils exchange power via induction. [4] Vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the processor is further configured to transmit a vehicle request signal to a power exchange device controller installed on the roadway in response to the activation of the vehicle transmission mode, in order to activate a roadway receive mode of the roadway's inductive power exchange device, and wherein the roadway's inductive power exchange device is configured to receive power from the vehicle's electrical storage unit via the vehicle's inductive power exchange device in the roadway receive mode. [5] Vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the external device comprises one or more traffic signals, streetlights or networks. [6] Vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to receive the trigger signals from a user interface. [7] Vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to receive the trigger signals from a server. [8] Vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the processor receives the trigger signal in the event of a power failure. [9] Vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to cause the vehicle to move close to the external device in response to receiving the trigger signal in order to initiate a power transfer from the vehicle's electrical storage unit to the power source. [10] Vehicle according to claim 9, wherein the processor is further configured to activate the vehicle transfer mode when the vehicle is near the external device. [11] Vehicle according to claim 8, wherein the vehicle is an autonomous vehicle. [12] Vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle is a battery electric vehicle. [13] System, encompassing: a power source; and an inductive power exchange device of the roadway connected to the power source, wherein: The inductive power exchange device of the roadway is configured to operate in a roadway transmission mode and a roadway reception mode. The roadway's inductive power exchange device is configured to transfer power from the power source to your vehicle in order to charge the vehicle's electrical storage unit in roadway transfer mode, and The inductive power exchange device of the roadway is configured to receive power from the vehicle's electrical storage unit in the roadway receiving mode, in order to enable the inductive power exchange device of the roadway to deliver power to the external device. [14] System according to claim 13, wherein the inductive power exchange device of the roadway is configured to receive power from or transfer power to the vehicle's electrical storage unit via an inductive power exchange device of the vehicle installed in the vehicle. [15] System according to claim 14, wherein the inductive power exchange device of the vehicle comprises first electromagnetic coils, and the inductive power exchange device of the roadway comprises second electromagnetic coils, and the first electromagnetic coils and the second electromagnetic coils exchange power via induction.

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