Method, device and control system for an electrical power supply for electric vehicle charging

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method, a device, and a system for controlling an electrical power source for charging an electric vehicle (10). To this end, computer means receive a first data point representing a demand for use of said source (10) and a second data point representing the availability of said source (10), compare the first data point with said second data point, and generate a control signal for said source (10) based on the result of said comparison, said control signal comprising at least one charging activation. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Method, device and system for controlling an electrical power source for recharging an electric vehicle Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vehicle charging stations. The present invention relates more particularly to a method, a device and a system for controlling an electrical power source for charging an electric vehicle, making it easier to use and share.

[0002] By electrical power source within the meaning of the present invention, is meant here any means configured to allow the connection and recharging of an electric vehicle. Such an electrical power source preferably corresponds to an electric charging station, or even to a port of a charging station. Such an electrical power source also corresponds to a domestic socket capable of being controlled, or even to a reinforced socket, allowing in particular access to a power of 3.7kW.

[0003] The present invention will thus find numerous advantageous applications for the installation and use of electrical power sources for recharging electric vehicles, in particular in collective contexts, in urban and peri-urban areas, and / or in a co-ownership context. State of the art

[0004] Electric vehicles must be recharged regularly from an electrical power source, in particular an electric charging station. Such charging stations are commonly associated with charging stations, which correspond to infrastructures equipped with one or more charging stations.

[0005] Electric vehicles generally have at least two ports, including at least a first port suitable for rapid and / or very rapid charging, and a second port corresponding to a dedicated socket for slow or occasional charging, particularly in a private home.

[0006] Thus, individuals generally only have access to slow charging at home, which restricts the possible use of electric vehicles, coupled with limitations in autonomy and battery. Similarly, the use of fast charging is restricted by the local infrastructure, which can be relatively limited, particularly in comparison with thermal vehicles.

[0007] Another solution would be to install a charging station directly at the individual's home. The installation of additional charging stations However, this involves significant costs, limiting its adoption. This installation cost is also reflected in all other situations, and reduces the total number of charging stations installed and available to a driver. In addition, the pre-existing electricity network is also limited in power, and increasing its capacity requires significant civil engineering work, posing an additional constraint, especially in very dense areas. For example, a company or municipality managing a fleet of vehicles will also be encouraged to limit the number of charging stations installed. Thus, the total number of charging stations installed is strongly constrained by the direct use of the charging stations by their owner. To date, charging stations remain mainly integrated into commercial charging stations, like fuel supply stations.

[0008] Furthermore, the charging time, even by rapid charging, at a charging station, remains significant and depends on a number of factors, including weather conditions and the characteristics of the battery to be recharged. An average time of 4 hours is thus estimated to recharge a vehicle between 20% and 80%. A user cannot therefore be forced to park their vehicle and remain close to it for the entire charging time.

[0009] It also appears that, in view of these limitations, access to any source of electrical power, beyond electric charging stations, would represent additional progress in ensuring the autonomy of electric vehicles, while limiting the load on the existing electrical network. Access to these sources, in particular domestic sockets, is however extremely limited and represents a significant security risk.

[0010] The Applicant therefore submits that there is currently no satisfactory alternative solution to facilitate the installation and accessibility of electrical power sources. Summary of the invention

[0011] The present invention aims to improve the current situation described above.

[0012] The present invention aims more particularly to remedy the above drawbacks- above by proposing a solution for controlling an electrical power source for recharging an electric vehicle, allowing collective and controlled use of the electrical power source, and thus making its installation and availability more attractive despite the associated constraints.

[0013] To this end, the subject of the present invention relates in a first aspect to a method for controlling an electrical power source for recharging an electric vehicle, the method being implemented by at least one processor, the method comprising the following steps: - receipt of a first data representative of a request to use the source; - reception of a second data item representing the availability of the source; - comparison of the first data item with the second data item; and - generation of a source control signal based on a result of the comparison, the control signal comprising at least one recharge activation.

[0014] The first data is for example received by communication with a remote device, for example a remote server or an electronic device associated with a user making the use request.

[0015] The first data item thus comprises information making it possible to characterize the use request, for example an identifier associated with the user or with a vehicle to be recharged, information on the type of vehicle to be recharged, in particular an accepted format of charging cable plug, information representative of a position of the user, or even information representative of a timestamp of the use request.

[0016] In parallel, the second data item comprises information making it possible to determine the conditions under which the electrical power source is accessible. The second data item comprises, for example, information representing a possibility of using the source at a given time, information representing the format(s) of the charging cable plug of the source, in particular formats compatible with an electrical charging station, information representing a position of the source, information representing one or more authorized users and / or vehicles, information representing a confirmation of access from an owner of the source, or information representing reservations made with respect to the source, each reservation being, for example, associated with a time slot and a predetermined identifier.

[0017] The second data thus comes for example from a memory associated with the processor, for example a memory integrated into the source, or by communication with a remote server, for example a database of a source reservation service for recharging vehicles.

[0018] The comparison of the first data with the second data thus corresponds to a matching of the information received in order to authorize, or not, the use of the source.

[0019] According to a first example, the comparison of the first data with the second data thus corresponds to a verification of the compatibility of the source with the user's vehicle, or to other parameters of availability of the source, by example of the opening hours of the source to the public.

[0020] According to a second example, provision is made, upstream of the execution of the method, for an online reservation of the source according to a plurality of criteria of the user and the owner of the source. The comparison of the first data with the second data then corresponds to a comparison of an identifier associated with the request and a timestamp of the request with the reservation slots associated with the source, in order to confirm that the user has actually reserved the source for a given time slot, and to restrict the use of the source in this time slot to this user.

[0021] According to a third example, the comparison of the first data with the second data corresponds to a comparison of the user identifier with a plurality of identifiers corresponding to persons authorized to use the electrical power source, for example a white list of users corresponding to persons manually authorized by the owner, for example the owner himself, relatives or employees.

[0022] Thus, the control signal of the electrical power source makes it possible to control the source according to the data processed by the execution of the method. In particular, the activation of the recharge makes it possible to make the terminal usable and functional exclusively according to the criteria defined by the owner, for example according to predefined reservation slots or any other operation. Obviously, the control signal can include other commands than the activation of recharge, in particular according to the variants described below. The control signal also includes, for example, a deactivation of the recharge corresponding, for example, to the end of a reservation slot.

[0023] Thanks to the present invention, an electrical power source can be controlled remotely according to predefined criteria by restricting its use in a controlled manner. An owner of the source can thus define the availability of a source and make it accessible to other users according to his criteria, while distinguishing it from a terminal of a commercial charging station. The use of a given electrical power source is thus greatly increased and allows, on the one hand, drivers to have a greater number of sources for recharging their vehicle, and on the other hand, a greater number of private or public actors to install their own charging station, reinforced socket, or to make any other electrical power source available. This invention is for example coupled with a source reservation service for vehicle recharging, allowing owners to make their sources profitable.

[0024] Preferably, the electrical power source corresponds to a charging station.

[0025] It is understood here that the method according to the present invention is mainly dedicated to control an electric charging station, but can also be used to control a plurality of electrical power sources, in order to make them available for charging an electric vehicle.

[0026] In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the control signal comprises a control of source locking means.

[0027] It is understood here that this design allows, beyond the control of the activation of the recharge, to allow any interaction with the source only by an authorized user. The locking means are for example associated with the charging cable of a charging terminal, the control signal comprising for example a control of locking means specifically associated with the charging cable compatible with the user's vehicle.

[0028] According to another example, the locking means allow locking between the source and the vehicle during recharging. Control of the locking means thus makes it possible to avoid untimely disconnection of the charging cable during recharging.

[0029] More generally, locking means may be integrated or associated with the source of a plurality of means. Preferably, a charging station type source integrates the locking means controlled by an internal command of the terminal, called a “shutter”, the command of the locking means of the control signal corresponding to an activation and / or deactivation of the “shutter”.

[0030] Thus, the control of locking means makes it possible to secure recharging in the absence of the owner of the source and / or the user of the source.

[0031] In an additional embodiment, the method further comprises receiving information representative of a charging start command, the control signal further being generated as a function of the charging start command.

[0032] The charging start command is for example received by communication with an electronic device associated with the user. Charging then only actually starts once commanded by the user, after the source has been connected to the vehicle.

[0033] Preferably, the control of the locking means comprises locking as a function of the recharging start command.

[0034] Depending on the design, the charging start command thus triggers the activation of charging and / or the locking of the source with the vehicle, for example a locking of the charging cable, associated with the source, on the vehicle.

[0035] According to another variant, the control signal, in particular the activation of recharging, corresponds to a making available of the source, the recharging being effectively launched by another means, for example by physical interaction with the source, with an interface associated with the source, or by any other direct communication between the source and the user.

[0036] In an additional embodiment, the method further comprises receiving information representative of a charging stop command, the control signal being further generated as a function of the charging stop command.

[0037] Like the charge start command, the charge stop command is for example received by communication with an electronic device associated with the user.

[0038] This design allows in particular direct control of deactivation of the recharge, as described above. The user can thus deactivate the recharge on command, for example before the end of a reservation slot or before the end of a complete recharge of the vehicle.

[0039] Preferably, the control of the locking means comprises an unlocking as a function of the recharging stop command.

[0040] This unlocking makes it possible, for example, to simply secure access to the source and the vehicle, by allowing only the user carrying out the recharging to dissociate the source and the vehicle.

[0041] According to another example, the control signal comprises a deactivation of the recharge at the end of a reservation slot or a complete recharge of the vehicle, the recharge stop command specifically allowing unlocking. This design makes it possible, for example, to discourage prolonged use of the source beyond a reservation slot, while securing the source and the vehicle.

[0042] According to another example, the control signal comprises a deactivation of the recharging and an unlocking at the end of a reservation slot or a complete recharging of the vehicle, the recharging stop command being usable only before this end to access the vehicle in advance. This example makes it possible in particular to avoid any blocking of the source by a user, in particular in order to allow another user to use the source without restriction.

[0043] In yet another embodiment, the method further comprises obtaining information representative of the distance between the source and a user, the control signal being further generated as a function of the information representative of the distance.

[0044] Obtaining the information representing distance corresponds for example to receiving information representing the position of the user and the source, for example from the first and second data. The information representing position is for example derived from a respective geolocation of the user and the source. According to another example, obtaining the information representing distance corresponds to a detection of the user near the source, or to any other means allowing a measurement of the distance between the user and the source.

[0045] This design thus makes it possible to condition the operation of the source on proximity to the user. Such conditioning is for example integrated into the comparison of the first data with the second data, or parallel to it. For example, it is provided that the unlocking of the source and / or the activation of the recharge are conditioned on a sufficiently short distance, so as to avoid a “fake” activation of the source without the actual presence of a user. According to another example compatible with the previous example, the deactivation of the recharge is conditioned on a sufficiently short distance, for example in order to ensure that the user is present to recover his vehicle and release the source, rather than a remote deactivation. In other words, the start and / or stop of the recharge only take place if the user, for example equipped with a smartphone in communication with the source, is close to the source..

[0046] According to another example, the unlocking of the source is conditioned by a sufficiently short distance without any other command, so as to achieve automatic unlocking when the user approaches.

[0047] In another embodiment, the method further comprises the following steps: - obtaining a third data representative of a recharge carried out with the source; and - transmission of the third data item to at least one remote device.

[0048] It is understood here that the third data item comprises one or more pieces of information associated with the actual use of the source, i.e. the evolution of its occupation by one or more users, or the energy consumed during recharging.

[0049] The third data item comprises, for example, information representing connection and / or disconnection from the source, for example associated with a user determined based on the first data item.

[0050] The third data item also includes, for example, one or more pieces of information associated with energy consumption, for example, information representative of a recharge duration, information representative of the instantaneous power of the source, information representative of the electrical intensity of the source, or information representative of the total energy delivered by the source. Obtaining the third data item thus depends on the parameters measured at the source. For example, provision is made for receiving information representative of the instantaneous power of the source, during recharge, from which a third data item comprising information representative of the total energy delivered by the source is calculated.

[0051] The transmission of the third data, for example to the user and / or the owner of the source, thus makes it possible to monitor the progress of the recharge and also to take unforeseen events into account. The third data makes it possible, for example, to identify a fluctuation in the power delivered by the source, in particular in the event of load shedding, and the impact of such a fluctuation on the actual energy consumed during the recharge, and therefore on the autonomy of the recharged vehicle or on the cost associated with the recharge of the vehicle, for example in relation to a recharge price associated with the source and / or recorded in a memory of the source and / or a database associated with the control of the source.

[0052] Optionally, the third data also includes monitoring of the occupation time of the source, directly or indirectly via the connection and disconnection of the source, in particular in order to identify an overrun of a reservation slot by a user, or any other unforeseen behavior, and to avoid congestion of the source.

[0053] In an additional embodiment, the method further comprises transmitting the signal to the source.

[0054] It is understood here that the method is designed to generate a control signal for the source, which is then transmitted to the source itself, or to a device associated with the source, for implementing the control as a function of the signal. The control signal is for example transmitted using a wireless communication mode to a communication card of a smart charging station, or transmitted using a wired communication mode to an actuator associated with the source, for example to a charging station not integrating any communication or control means.

[0055] In another embodiment, the method further comprises actuating the source based on the signal.

[0056] It is understood here that the method is integrated directly into a broader method of actuating the source, comprising both the determination of the control and the actuation of the source as a function of this control. Such a method is for example implemented directly by an electronic device integrated or associated with the source.

[0057] In an additional embodiment, the method further comprises generating a second control signal for an opening associated with the source, based on a result of the comparison.

[0058] It is understood here that the opening corresponds to a means of physical access to the source, for example a parking door, a gate, or any other controlled means making it possible to block or authorize entry to an area associated with the source.

[0059] This design thus allows controlled and secure access to a source associated with a private place, for example a private parking lot of a company or an individual wishing to make a charging station available. The second control signal allows for example the opening and closing of the opening, under control of the user, when the latter is recognized as authorized during the execution of the method, via the comparison. The user can for example send specific commands to the opening, for example an opening and / or closing command or more simply a command to operate the opening, like the command to start charging and / or the command to stop charging described above. Such commands are thus for example received from an electronic device associated with the user.The second control signal is then further determined based on these commands, or corresponds to a readiness of the opening, from which the actuation commands can be directly received by the opening.

[0060] Preferably, the method further comprises a transmission of the second signal to the opening.

[0061] The second signal is for example transmitted using a wireless communication mode to the opening or an actuator associated with the opening.

[0062] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a computer program comprising instructions for implementing the method according to the first aspect of the present invention, in particular when these instructions are executed by a processor.

[0063] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a computer-readable recording medium on which is recorded a computer program comprising instructions for carrying out the steps of the method according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0064] On the one hand, the recording medium may be any entity or device capable of storing the program. For example, the medium may comprise a storage means, such as a ROM memory, a CD-ROM or a microelectronic circuit type ROM memory, or a magnetic recording means or a hard disk.

[0065] Furthermore, this recording medium may also be a transmissible medium such as an electrical or optical signal, such a signal being able to be conveyed via an electrical or optical cable, by conventional or hertzian radio or by self-directed laser beam or by other means. The computer program according to the present invention may in particular be downloaded from an Internet-type network.

[0066] Alternatively, the recording medium may be an integrated circuit in which the computer program is incorporated, the integrated circuit being adapted to perform or to be used in performing the method in question.

[0067] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a device for controlling an electrical power source, the device comprising: - a beacon unit configured to receive a first data item representative of a request to use the source and a second data item representative of an availability of the source; - a processing unit configured to compare the first data and the second data and to generate a source control signal based on a result of the comparison, the control signal comprising at least one recharge activation.

[0068] Preferably, the device comprises computer means configured for implementing the method according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0069] The computing means, including the beacon unit and the processing unit, are for example integrated into a microcontroller. The beacon unit is for example configured to allow wireless communication, in particular communication according to a Wi-Fi network or according to the LTE (Long Term Evolution) 3G, 4G or 5G, Bluetooth or BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) standards.The beacon unit communicates, for example, using the OCPP protocol (Open Charge Point Protocol), enabling integration with other applications associated with vehicle charging, including an EMSP or e-MSP (E-Mobility Service Provider) or a CPO (Charge Point Operator).

[0070] In a particular variant, the device is configured to be integrated into a server in communication with at least one source for its control. The source, in particular of the charging station type, integrates for example a communication card allowing its remote management, the device transmitting the control signal to the communication card.

[0071] In one embodiment, the device is configured to be installed on the source.

[0072] In other words, the device is configured to directly control the source, so as to convert the source by adding additional functions for its control. The device is for example configured to be installed in a non-communicating, or non-intelligent, charging station and transform it into a communicating station, or an intelligent station, i.e. a station allowing the communication of a variety of information, for example with a remote server or a dedicated application. The device is more generally configured to convert a source standard power supply into a controllable source, i.e. one whose power supply can be controlled.

[0073] The device is for example installed on the source via dry contacts, making it possible in particular to activate or deactivate the recharging of the source during its control. According to another example, the device is installed on the source via a simple power connection. The installation of the device is done for example directly at a charging station, or at an electrical panel associated with the electrical power source.

[0074] Preferably, the device is made of a single-piece element.

[0075] The device thus comprises, in a single housing, all of the computer means enabling the control of the electrical power source. The device comprises, for example, a power card and a communication card connected by wire. The device is, for example, installed entirely inside a charging station, adjacent to a charging station, or connected to an electrical panel. The power card corresponds, for example, to a first portion of the device, and the communication card to a second portion of the device, the two portions being grouped together in the single-piece element forming, for example, a housing.

[0076] According to another variant, the device comprises a first portion configured to be installed inside the source, the first portion comprising means for controlling the source as a function of the control signal, the device further comprising a second portion configured to be installed outside the source, the second portion comprising the beacon unit.

[0077] The second portion comprises, for example, other computer means, for example all of the computer means described above and integrated into the same controller. This design then corresponds to a second portion forming an intelligent part of the device and configured to control the first portion, which acts directly on the source. The first portion and the second portion are advantageously configured to communicate with each other by wire, in particular for the exchange and transmission of information, for example the transmission of the control signal from the second portion to the first portion.

[0078] It is also understood that the arrangement of the second portion outside the source, in particular outside a charging station or an electrical panel, makes it possible to optimize the reception and / or transmission of information via the beacon unit, in particular the reception and transmission of radio waves for communication according to an LTE standard.

[0079] The first portion is advantageously, as described above, connected directly to the electrical circuit of the source, for example via dry contacts or by power connection.

[0080] In an additional embodiment, the device further comprises means for locking the source, the control signal comprising a command of the locking means.

[0081] It is understood here that the locking means are similar to those described above, and allow for example to block or release access to one or more charging cables of the source.

[0082] According to a fifth aspect, the present invention relates to an electrical power source equipped with a device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention.

[0083] Preferably, the electrical power source corresponds to an electrical charging station.

[0084] It is understood here that the electrical power source corresponds to a so-called intelligent source, either in itself, via for example an integrated communication card independent of the device, or by integration of the functions of the device providing communication capabilities, in particular beyond the execution of the method according to the invention, and transforming a non-communicating source into a communicating source.

[0085] It is further understood that the source equipped with the device therefore corresponds to a controlled source, the recharging of which can be controlled, in particular by wireless communication.

[0086] Obviously, the device here corresponds to a device configured to be installed on the source, as described above.

[0087] According to a sixth aspect, the present invention relates to a system for controlling an electrical power source for recharging an electric vehicle, the system comprising: - at least one power supply source; - a remote server from the source; and - at least one device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, wherein the device is configured to establish communication between the source and the server.

[0088] It is understood here that the reception, during the execution of the method, of the first data and the second data depends on the integration of the device.

[0089] Thus, in a first example, a device integrated into a server and implementing the method according to the invention receives the first data by communication with an electronic device of the user and the second data by communication with the source or a memory of a database recording information representative of one or more sources. Such a device is then configured to transmit the control signal to the source, the source corresponding for example to a smart, or communicating, charging station, i.e. comprising communication means configured to receive the control signal, and capable of implementing such control. The source then comprises, for example, means for activating and deactivating recharging, as well as locking means as described above.

[0090] In a second example, a device integrated into a source and implementing the method according to the invention receives the first data by communication with an electronic device of the user or the remote server, and the second data from an internal memory of the source or by communication with the remote server. In a specific example, the communication with the remote server is reduced to a one-off update of the data recorded in the internal memory of the source. The internal memory of the source is optionally merged with an internal memory of the device, in particular in the context of a source that is initially non-communicating before the integration of the device. The device then comprises, for example, means for activating and deactivating recharging, as well as locking means as described above, corresponding to the additional functions added to the source.

[0091] Similarly, the control signal is for example transmitted by wireless communication to a source, from a device integrated into the remote server, transmitted by wired communication to a source from a device associated with the source, or even directly used by actuators integrated into the device.

[0092] Thus, through the various functional and structural characteristics above, the Applicant proposes a method, a device and a system for controlling an electrical power source for recharging an electric vehicle, allowing remote control and in particular its use by a plurality of users, depending on availability criteria. This solution facilitates and secures collective use of an electrical power source, whether associated with an individual, a community or a company. Brief description of the figures

[0093] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the description below with reference to the appended figures 1 to 5 illustrating exemplary embodiments which are devoid of any limiting character and in which:

[0094] [Fig.l]

[0095] [Fig.l] schematically illustrates a system for controlling an electrical power source, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0096] [Fig.2]

[0097] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates a device for controlling a source in accordance with [Fig.1], according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0098] [Fig.3]

[0099] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates a first portion of a device according to [Fig.2] and configured to be installed on a source according to [Fig.l];

[0100] [Fig.4]

[0101] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates a second portion of a device according to [Fig.2] and configured to be installed on a source according to [Fig.l];

[0102] [Fig.5]

[0103] [Fig.5] schematically illustrates a device according to [Fig.2] produced in a single-block assembly and configured to be installed on a source according to [Fig.l];

[0104] [Fig.6]

[0105] [Fig.6] illustrates a flowchart of the different steps of a method for controlling a source in accordance with [Fig.1], according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0106] Description of the examples of embodiment

[0107] A method, a device and a system for controlling an electrical power source for recharging an electric vehicle will now be described in what follows with joint reference to Figures 1 to 6. The same elements are identified with the same reference signs throughout the description which follows.

[0108] As indicated in the preamble to the description, the installation of charging stations is mainly limited to their integration into conventional charging stations, despite the interest for an individual or a company to have its own charging stations. In addition, the limitations of the infrastructure call for shared use of other electrical power sources, which are generally not designed for secure collective use.

[0109] One of the objectives of the present invention is to propose a control of an electrical power source, which is adapted to the constraints of a company or an individual, having their own personal recharging needs but not justifying on their own the installation of a significant number of terminals.

[0110] This is made possible in the example described below.

[0111] As illustrated in [Fig.l], the example described here provides a system 1 for controlling an electrical power source 10 for recharging an electric vehicle. In this example, the electrical power source 10 corresponds to an electric charging station. It is understood here that this example is not limiting and that the electrical power source 10 may also correspond to a domestic socket, a reinforced socket configured to deliver higher power, or any other source allowing the connection of an electric vehicle. This will be done reference hereinafter to an electrical power source corresponding to an electric charging station 10.

[0112] The electric charging station 10 is for example associated with one or more parking spaces in an urban or peri-urban environment. Preferably, the electric charging station 10 is not located inside a public charging station, but on the contrary in a private place or with restricted access, for example a company parking lot or a parking space associated with a private home. The electric charging station 10 is for example provided with at least one charging cable 11 forming a charging point, also called a plug or charging gun. The electric charging station 10 is for example provided with a plurality of charging cables 11, each charging cable 11 being associated with a different format or standard, for example with the CCS (Combined Charging System) 1.0 or 2 standards.0, or the CHAdeMO standard (from the English “Charge de Move” or in French “movement by charge”). According to other examples, the electric charging station 10 is only equipped with ports allowing the connection of one or more charging cables 11. Similarly, an electrical power source corresponding to a domestic or reinforced socket corresponds to a plug allowing the connection of a charging cable 11.

[0113] The control system 1 also comprises a server 12 remote from the charging terminal, for example a server of a terminal reservation service, a server of a database comprising information on the charging terminal 10 or even a server associated with an owner of the terminal 10.

[0114] Furthermore, the system 1 comprises a device 2 for controlling the electric charging terminal 10, which is described in more detail below. The device 2 is in particular configured to establish communication between the terminal 10 and the server 12, that is to say to allow the exchange of data between the terminal 10 and the server 12.

[0115] According to the design, a device 2 is thus provided in a first example associated with the server 12 and configured to transmit data to the charging station 10, in particular the control signal described below. The charging station 10 then comprises, in this example, communication means allowing the reception of data transmitted by the device 2, in particular a communication card allowing its remote management, in particular by a “supervisor” corresponding to a central server or an application. Such a charging station 10 corresponds to a communicating terminal, or intelligent terminal.

[0116] In a second example, the device 2 is on the contrary associated with the charging terminal 10, for example integrated with the charging terminal 10, in particular so as to allow the charging terminal 10 to establish remote communication. The device 2 thus allows the reception of data from the server 12, and thus to make the charging station 10 communicative, in particular for the execution of the following method or for any other configuration or setting of the charging station 10.

[0117] According to an alternative embodiment illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the device 2 is associated with the charging terminal 10 and comprises a first portion 21 ([Fig.3]) and a second portion 22 ([Fig.4]). In this alternative, the first portion 21 is configured to be installed in the terminal 10 and to control the terminal 10 as a function of the control signal obtained during the execution of the method according to the invention, in particular via integrated control means, while the second portion 22 is configured to be installed outside the terminal 10 and comprises communication means, in particular the beacon unit 201 described below.

[0118] It is understood here that the integration of the first portion 21 in the terminal 10 allows the first portion to act directly on the terminal 10, in particular on its electrical circuit, while the arrangement of the second portion 22 outside the terminal 10 makes it possible to optimize the reception and / or transmission of data by wireless communication.

[0119] The first portion 21 and the second portion 22 are advantageously connected to each other by wire, in particular by a connector 210, 220 allowing the transmission of energy and information between the first portion 21 and the second portion 22. The connector 210, 220 allows for example the first portion 21 to power the second portion 22, and the second portion 22 to control the first portion 21. The connector 210, 220 is for example of the RJ45 type. The second portion 22 integrates for example all of the computer means for the implementation of the control method described below, the second portion 22 thus being configured for the generation of a control signal and its transmission to the first portion 21.

[0120] According to another embodiment variant illustrated in [Fig.5], the device 2 is made of a single-piece element, for example a single housing containing all of the computer means. Such a single-piece device 2 is for example installed directly inside the charging station 10, in particular to ensure its safety, or outside the charging station 10, for example for reasons of space requirement. The placement of the device 2 is for example determined according to the internal volume of the charging station 10. According to yet another design, the single-piece device 2 comprises the first portion 21 and the second portion 22, grouped in the same housing, and connected to each other by wire.

[0121] The first portion 21 thus corresponds to a power part of the device 2, and is preferably integrated into the charging terminal 10, between the charging terminal 10 itself and an associated electricity meter. This design makes it possible on the one hand to measure the current consumed during operation of the terminal 10, that is to say during of recharging a vehicle, on the other hand to cut off the power supply to the charging station 10 if necessary. The integration of the first portion 21 into the terminal 10 also makes it possible to secure it against any external action. Preferably, the first portion 21 is integrated into the charging station 10 via dry contactors 15 of the charging station 10. According to another example, the first portion 21 is integrated into the charging station 10 by a simple power connection.

[0122] According to the example of [Fig.3], the first portion 21 is thus powered by an electrical energy input 14, for example an alternating current of 230V. This input 14 is connected firstly to a current transformer 211, for example of the ASM-050 type. The transformer 211 makes it possible to achieve total isolation between the electrical network and the device 2, that is to say between the input 14 and the assembly formed by the first portion 21 and the second portion 22. The transformer 211 is thus connected to the connector 210. The transformer 211 advantageously has an electrical insulation of 2500VAC and an operation suitable for temperatures between -40°C and 120°C. The phase wire passing through the center of transformer 211, it heats up when loaded above 20A, which corresponds to an apparent power of 4600W.

[0123] The input 14 is also connected to a switching power supply 212 configured to convert the current to a voltage appropriate for the first portion 21 and the second portion 22. The switching power supply 212 is for example configured to convert a 230V alternating current into a 5V direct current. The switching power supply 212 is thus connected to the connector 210, to an output 213 of the first portion 21 (in particular a 5V output), to the ground GND and to all the other components of the first portion 21. As illustrated in [Fig. 3], the connector 210 is also connected to the ground GND, also allowing grounding of the second portion 22.

[0124] Finally, the first portion comprises a relay 214 forming the means for controlling the terminal 10. The relay 214 thus receives a signal via the connector 210, preferably the control signal from the second portion 22, in order to act on the terminal 10. The relay 214 is preferably controlled by a set of components RI, R2, D1, Q1 configured to limit the current draw towards the second portion 22 and thus preserve it.

[0125] According to another variant (not illustrated here), in which terminal 10 does not have dry contactors 15, generally corresponding to a “low-cost” terminal, first portion 21 comprises a static relay between input 14 and the terminal, allowing current switching, which is also combined with a resistance, directly on the electrical circuit of first portion 21 or via the wiring external. For example, switching of a current of 45A is provided, considering that terminals not provided with dry contactors are generally configured for switching a current of around 33A, for 7.5kW. According to another variant, the device 2 is configured for switching a current associated with a power of 22kW. The first portion 21 is for example equipped with jumpers allowing the configuration of the first portion 21 to be changed, between a first configuration adapted for a terminal 10 with dry contactors 15, and a second configuration adapted for a terminal 10 without dry contactors.

[0126] In parallel with the first portion 21, the second portion 22 corresponds to the intelligent portion of the device 2, and comprises for example, as stated above, all of the computer means for executing the control method. The second portion 22 is thus powered and grounded via the connector 220, making it possible to connect the second portion 22 to the components stated opposite the first portion 21.

[0127] The second portion 22 is for example articulated around a development card 221. The development card 221 integrates one or more communication module(s), for example of the Wi-Fi, BLE, LTE type, the module(s) forming a beacon unit 201 of the device 2 as described below. The development card 221 also integrates a processor, for example a microcontroller of the ESP32 type, which forms a processing unit 202 of the device 2 as described below. The development card 221 is thus connected to the connector 220 for the transmission of the control signal to the relay 215 of the first portion 21, in addition to the power supply of the development card 221.

[0128] The second portion 22 also comprises an amplifier 222, for example of the low-noise AOP type, or low-noise operational amplifier, configured to receive a signal from the transformer 211 and return an amplified version thereof to the development card 221, for example with a gain of 10. The development card 221 integrates, for example, in a complementary manner, an analog-to-digital converter 223 allowing conversion of the signal into usable data.

[0129] The analog-to-digital converter 223 provides a 12-bit signal conversion. Considering that the input signal can have a maximum dynamic range of 3.3V, we therefore have a voltage quantum of the order of 0.8mV.

[0130] This design thus makes it possible to integrate a current measurement in parallel with the control of the charging terminal 10. The Applicant submits in particular that this design has a measurement error of less than 1.6% on the amperage delivered.

[0131] As stated above, [Fig.5] illustrates a variant of the device 2 in a single-block format, i.e. grouping together the first portion 21 and the second portion 22, for example without connector 210, 220. The current transformer 211 is thus directly connected to the amplifier 222 and to ground GND. The switching power supply 212 is connected to the development board 221, and the development board 221 is connected to the output 213, to the relay 214 via the set of components RI, R2, Ql, DI limiting the current draw towards the development board 221, and to ground GND.

[0132] In accordance with the underlying concept of the invention, the device 2 comprises computer means configured to implement a method for controlling the charging station 10, for example the method 3 of [Fig. 6]. Such a control method is part, for example, of another broader method, for example in accordance with the implementation variants of the device 2. The control method is therefore part, for example, of a first broader method of communication with a charging station 10, in which the quantities determined during the method according to the invention, in particular the signal described below, are used as input data for communication with the charging station 10.The control method is part of a second, broader method for actuating the charging station 10, in which the quantities determined during the method according to the invention, in particular the signal described below, are used as input data for actuating the charging station 10. According to another example, the control method is part of another, broader method, in which the quantities used during the method according to the invention, in particular the first data item and / or the second data item described below, are determined as output data for executing the control method, in particular a method for reserving or configuring the charging station 10 making it possible to establish the parameters according to which the station is controlled.

[0133] As illustrated in Figures 2 to 5, such computing means are for example grouped in one or more electronic devices, for example a processor, a microprocessor, or a microcontroller. In accordance with Figures 4 and 5, the computing means are for example grouped in the development board 221. The elements of the device 2, individually or in combination, can be integrated in a single integrated circuit, in several integrated circuits, and / or in discrete components. The device 2 can be produced in the form of electronic circuits and software (or computer) modules or even a combination of electronic circuits and software modules.

[0134] The device 2 comprises one (or more) processor(s) configured to execute instructions for carrying out the steps of the method and / or for executing the instructions of the software(s) embedded in the device 2. The processor may include integrated memory, an input / output interface, and various circuits known to those skilled in the art. The device 2 further comprises at least one memory 200 corresponding for example to a volatile and / or non-volatile memory and / or comprises a memory storage device which may comprise volatile and / or non-volatile memory, such as EEPROM, ROM, PROM, RAM, DRAM, SRAM, flash, magnetic or optical disk.

[0135] The computer code of the embedded software(s) comprising the instructions to be loaded and executed by the processor is for example stored in the memory 200 of the device 2.

[0136] In a first step 31 of the method for controlling the charging station 10, the device 2 receives a first piece of data representative of a request to use the charging station 10. The first piece of data comprises, for example, one or more pieces of information making it possible to characterize the request for use, for example: - information representative of the user making the request, in particular an identifier associated with the user and / or a geographic position associated with the user; and / or - information representative of the vehicle associated with the request, in particular an identifier associated with the vehicle and / or a type of vehicle and / or a charging standard associated with the vehicle; - information representative of the request itself, including a timestamp of the request and / or a location of the request and / or a reservation identifier associated with the request.

[0137] The device 2 comprises for example, as illustrated in figures 2, 4 and 5, a beacon unit 201 configured to receive the first data. The beacon unit 201 corresponds for example to integrated communication means of the device 2. The beacon unit 201 is for example configured to communicate according to one or more of the Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, BLE, LTE technologies. Advantageously, the beacon unit 201 is configured to communicate according to the OCPP communication protocol so as to ensure its long-term integration into existing communication infrastructures, in particular to ensure communication between the terminal 10 and the server 12 according to a variety of applications relevant to the charging stations, beyond the execution of the method according to the invention.

[0138] The first data is for example at least partially received by communication with a remote device 13 associated with the user. Such a remote device 13 corresponds for example to a personal electronic device, in particular a smartphone carried by the user and implementing an application for communication with the charging station 10, for example a charging station reservation application or an application for controlling the charging station 10.

[0139] According to another example, the first data is at least partially derived from the server 12, and received, depending on the integration of the device 2, by wireless communication with the server 12 or by direct communication with a memory of the server 12. The server 12 is for example configured to centralize the reservation requests of the users, by communication between the remote device 13 and the server 12.

[0140] In a second step 32, the device 2, for example the beacon unit 201, also receives a second piece of data representative of an availability of the terminal 10. The second piece of data comprises for example one or more pieces of information making it possible to characterize the access conditions of the terminal 10, for example: - information representing immediate availability of terminal 10, for example in the form of Boolean data; and / or - information representing users authorized to use terminal 10, for example in the form of a white list, or in the form of data on the accessibility of terminal 10 to the public; and / or - information representative of the types of vehicles authorized to use terminal 10, for example a list of specific vehicles or a list of charging standards supported by terminal 10; and / or - information representing a calendar of availability of terminal 10, for example a set of free reservation slots or slots associated with particular identifiers; and / or - information representing a direct authorization of use, for example obtained by communication with a remote device 13 associated with the owner of the terminal 10.

[0141] It is understood here that the second data item varies greatly depending on the type of service considered and / or a setting specific to the owner of the terminal 10. It is thus possible to design the method according to the invention as part of a service for reserving and commissioning charging terminals, allowing the owner of the terminal to rent its use to other users, privately or publicly, or to share the terminal 10 free of charge with a specific list of users. Access to the terminal 10 can also be conditioned both on users and on time slots, for example so as to associate the charging terminal 10 with a fleet of vehicles on predefined schedules, and to open this same terminal to a greater number of users outside these schedules.The exact content of the first data and the second data can therefore be adapted according to the external conditions in which the method according to the invention is implemented. Similarly, preliminary steps of requesting and authorizing use of the terminal 10 can be integrated, for example in order to allow the owner of the terminal 10 to confirm a request for use or a reservation.

[0142] The second data is for example at least partially received by commu communication with an internal memory associated with the terminal 10, for example the memory 200 of the device 2. The memory 200 records for example information representative of an immediate availability of the terminal 10, for its instant use, or information representative of a list of charging standards supported by the terminal 10, corresponding to a configuration of the terminal 10.

[0143] According to another example, the second data item is at least partially originating from the server 12, and received, depending on the integration of the device 2, by wireless communication with the server 12 or by direct communication with a memory of the server 12. The memory of the server 12 records for example all of the parameters associated with the terminal 10, for example any associated reservation, the reception of the second data item corresponding to a consultation of these parameters for the execution of the method, in reaction to the reception of the first data item.

[0144] In a third step 33, the device 2 compares the first data item with the second data item. Depending on the result of the comparison, the device 2 generates, in a fourth step 34, a signal for controlling the terminal 10, comprising at least one recharging activation. The device 2 comprises, for example, as illustrated in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, a processing unit 202 configured to compare the first data item and the second data item and / or to generate the control signal. The processing unit 202 advantageously corresponds, for example, to the microcontroller described above.

[0145] It is understood here that the comparison also depends on the nature of the first data and the second data, the processing unit 202 being configured to determine whether or not the charging station 10 must authorize its use in response to the request. The comparison corresponds for example to a matching of the user with a list of authorized users, or for example of a timestamp and an identifier associated with a request for use with a reservation calendar. The processing unit 202 performs for example several comparisons, for example in order to determine firstly whether the user belongs to a white list having unconditional access to the station 10, and secondly whether a user not belonging to such a white list can be granted access to the station 10.

[0146] According to an advantageous variant, the device 2, for example the processing unit, also generates a second signal for controlling an opening associated with the terminal 10, for example a door, a gate or any other barrier limiting access to the terminal 10. This design makes it possible to ensure secure access to a terminal 10 even when the latter is integrated into private property or with controlled access, by temporarily granting similar access to the authorized user.

[0147] As stated above, the control signal comprises at least one recharge activation, for example a command of the relay 214 of figures 3 and 5 so as to make the terminal 10 functional and usable for recharging, or more generally any data that can be processed by the terminal 10 so as to allow, where appropriate, the use of the terminal 10. Conversely, if the user is not authorized to use the terminal 10 for any reason, for example because he does not belong to a list of authorized users or because the request for use does not correspond to the reservation slots, the processing unit 202 does not generate any signal or generates a signal not including recharging activation, so as to keep the terminal 10 inaccessible.

[0148] It is also understood that the control signal may comprise other elements allowing finer control of the charging terminal 10, for example a deactivation of charging associated with the end of a reservation slot.

[0149] Optionally, the device 2, for example the beacon unit 201, also receives information representative of a charging start command. The charging start command is for example received by communication with a remote device 13 associated with a user, or by direct interaction with a human-machine interface integrated into the terminal 10. The control signal is then also generated as a function of the charging start command. For example, if the user is authorized to use the charging terminal 10, the user can then start charging at his convenience, for example after having obtained access to the terminal 10 and correctly connected his vehicle. For example, provision is made, in a complementary manner, for transmission of information representative of authorization to the user, in particular to the remote device 13, upstream of the charging start command.The user is then informed that he can access terminal 10 and connect his vehicle.

[0150] According to another variant, the device 2, for example the beacon unit 201, also receives information representative of a charging stop command. The charging stop command is for example received under the same conditions as the charging start command described above, and the control signal generated as a function of the charging stop command.

[0151] This design allows the user in particular to stop charging, securely, at his convenience. The control signal is for example initially configured to maintain charging indefinitely, until the vehicle is fully charged, or until the expiry of a reservation slot. Receiving the charging stop command then allows the user to indicate the end of use of the terminal 10. This design allows both safe handling of the charging cable 11 and allowing the user to control the extent to which he wishes to recharge his vehicle, in particular in the context of paid rental of the charging terminal 10.

[0152] Advantageously, the device 2 also obtains information representative of the distance between the terminal 10 and the user. According to a first example, the first data item and the second data item comprise information representative of the position, respectively of the user and of the terminal 10. The terminal 10 is for example geolocated. The processing unit 202 then compares, for example in the third step 33, the respective positions so as to establish the distance between the terminal 10 and the user. According to a second example, the device 2, in particular integrated into the terminal 10, comprises means for detecting the user, for example of the remote device 13, near the terminal, for example via short-distance wireless communication.

[0153] The control signal is then also generated as a function of the information representing distance, for example the activation and / or deactivation of recharging as described above, or even a control of locking means as described below. This design then makes it possible to ensure that the functions of the terminal 10 can only be controlled when the user is sufficiently close, i.e. physically present near the terminal 10.

[0154] This design makes it possible on the one hand to secure the control of the terminal 10, for example by preventing a fictitious occupation of the terminal 10 by a user who is not present, or on the contrary by forcing a user to come and collect his vehicle to stop the recharging, and to avoid prolonged occupation of the terminal 10 beyond the recharging. This design can also be used to facilitate the use of the terminal 10, for example by deactivating the recharging and / or by unlocking the terminal 10 when the user approaches, thereby requiring fewer actions on the part of the user.

[0155] According to another variant and as stated above, the control signal comprises a command of locking means of the charging terminal 10. In other words, the charging terminal 10 comprises locking means, for example comprised by the device 2 integrated into the charging terminal 10, or directly by the charging terminal 10 itself. The control signal is then configured to activate a locking or unlocking of the locking means, for example in parallel with the activation of charging and the deactivation of charging. For example, provision is made for blocking and releasing the charging cable 11 of the charging terminal 10, for example the charging cable 11 whose format is compatible with the user's vehicle.Depending on the design, the control of the locking means makes it possible to physically authorize the user to connect the charging cable 11 to the vehicle, or to perform a mechanical lock between the terminal and the vehicle during charging in order to avoid any untimely connection in the absence of the user. Thus, as control of the locking means makes it possible to strongly secure the use of the charging terminal 10, in particular in the absence of both the pro- . owner than the user of the charging station 10.

[0156] Thus, according to a first example, the control of the locking means comprises a locking according to the charging start command. In other words, once charging is activated, the charging terminal 10 locks in order to avoid any other interaction. According to a second example, the control of the locking means comprises an unlocking according to the charging stop command. In other words, the charging terminal 10 unlocks once charging is deactivated, indicating that it is possible to safely dissociate the vehicle from the terminal 10.

[0157] For example, it is provided that the recharging stops by itself once the vehicle is fully recharged and / or the recharging slot has expired, the terminal 10 remaining locked until receipt of the recharging stop command so as to guarantee the security of the system 1 until the user arrives.

[0158] According to another example, the charging stop command only allows unlocking and / or deactivation of charging in an early manner, that is to say if the charging stop command is received before the vehicle is fully recharged and / or the charging slot has expired, one or other of these events also resulting in unlocking and / or deactivation of charging. Such an example then allows the user to recover his vehicle in an early manner, while freeing the terminal autonomously to avoid unjustified occupation.

[0159] According to another embodiment variant, the device 2 obtains a third piece of data representative of a recharge carried out with the terminal 10. The third piece of data comprises, for example: - information representing connection and / or disconnection of the terminal; - information representative of a charging and / or occupation duration of the terminal 10, for example received from an internal timer of the device 2, for example a timer integrated into the development card 221; and / or - information representative of a power associated with terminal 10, for example a nominal power of terminal 10 recorded in a memory in communication with the device 2, or even an instantaneous power measured via the amplifier 222 and the analog-to-digital converter 223; and / or - information representative of an electrical intensity associated with terminal 10, for example a nominal amperage of terminal 10 recorded in a memory in communication with the device 2, or even an instantaneous amperage measured via the amplifier 222 and the analog-to-digital converter 223; and / or - information representative of a total energy delivered by the terminal 10 during its use, for example determined by the processing unit 202 from of the charging time and the power of terminal 10.

[0160] The device 2, for example the beacon unit 201, then transmits the third data item to a remote device 13, for example an electronic device associated with the user and / or the owner of the terminal 10.

[0161] It is understood here that this design allows monitoring of the use of the terminal 10, in particular within a charging station sharing or rental service, for which the total energy delivered is for example correlated with a charging price. According to a variant, the device 2 transmits the third data to the server 12 corresponding to a server of such a service.

[0162] This design also makes it possible to more precisely monitor the use of the terminal 10 beyond the information associated with the first and second data. The third data makes it possible to identify, for example, a charging duration different from a reservation slot, whether shorter or longer, a duration of occupation of the terminal 10 exceeding the charging duration, a connection and / or a disconnection different from reservation slots, or independent of any reservation in order to monitor the use of the terminal without requiring prior reservation information, or even a variation in the power of the terminal 10 compared to its nominal power, in particular in the event of load shedding or any other fluctuation in the available power of the terminal 10.The duration of occupancy of terminal 10 differs, for example, from the charging duration when charging stops at the end of a reservation slot or after fully recharging a vehicle, but the user does not come to collect their vehicle and continues to block the use of terminal 10, for example with a subsequent disconnection of the terminal at the end of the reservation slot.

[0163] Thus, obtaining and transmitting the third data allows more transparent monitoring of the use of the terminal 10, both for the owner and for the user.

[0164] Thus, it will be understood that the present invention provides a method, a device and a system for controlling an electrical power source allowing controlled and secure use of the source by a variety of users, according to availability criteria determined by the owner. Such an invention therefore facilitates the common use of electrical power sources, outside of known commercial charging stations.

[0165] It should be noted that this detailed description relates to a particular embodiment of the present invention, but that in no case does this description have any limiting character with respect to the subject of the invention; on the contrary, its objective is to remove any possible imprecision or any misinterpretation of the claims which follow.

[0166] It should also be noted that the reference signs placed in parentheses in the following claims are in no way limiting; these signs are intended solely to improve the intelligibility and understanding of the following claims and the scope of the protection sought.

Claims

Claims

1. Method for controlling an electrical power source (10) for recharging an electric vehicle, said method being implemented by at least one processor, said method comprising the following steps: - reception (31) of a first data item representative of a request to use said source (10); - reception (32) of a second data item representative of an availability of said source (10); - comparison (33) of said first data item with said second data item; and - generation (34) of a control signal for said source (10) as a function of a result of said comparison, said control signal comprising at least one recharging activation.

2. Method according to claim 1, in which said control signal comprises a control of locking means of said charging terminal (10).

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, which further comprises receiving information representative of a charging start command, said control signal being further generated as a function of said charging start command.

4. A method according to claim 3 in combination with claim 2, wherein said control of the locking means comprises locking in dependence on said recharging start command.

5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, which further comprises receiving information representative of a charging stop command, said control signal being further generated as a function of said charging stop command.

6. Method according to claim 5 in combination at least with claim 2, wherein said control of said locking means comprises unlocking as a function of said charging stop command.

7. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, which further comprises obtaining information representative of distance between said source (10) and a user, said piloting signal being further generated as a function of said information representative of distance.

8. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, which further comprises the following steps: - obtaining a third piece of data representative of a recharge carried out with said source (10); and - transmission of said third piece of data to at least one remote device (13).

9. Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, which further comprises transmitting said signal to said source (10).

10. Method according to one of claims 1 to 9, which further comprises generating a second signal for controlling an opening associated with said source (10), as a function of a result of said comparison.

11. Computer program comprising instructions for implementing the method according to any one of the preceding claims, when these instructions are executed by a processor.

12. A computer-readable recording medium on which is recorded a computer program comprising instructions for carrying out the steps of the method according to one of claims 1 to 10.

13. Device (2) for controlling an electrical power source (10), said device (2) comprising: - a beacon unit (201) configured to receive a first data item representative of a request to use said source (10) and a second data item representative of an availability of said source (10); - a processing unit (202) configured to compare said first data item and said second data item and to generate a signal for controlling said source (10) as a function of a result of said comparison, said control signal comprising at least one recharging activation.

14. Device (2) according to claim 13 comprising computer means configured for the implementation of any one of claims 2 to 10.

15. Device (2) according to claim 13 or 14, said device (2) being configured to be installed on said source (10).

16. Device (2) according to claim 15, which further comprises means for locking said source (10), said control signal comprising a command of said locking means.

17. Electrical power source (10) equipped with a device (2) according to one of claims 15 or 16.

18. System (1) for controlling an electrical power source (10) for recharging an electric vehicle (10), said system including: - at least one electrical power source (10); - a server (12) remote from said source (10); and - at least one device (2) according to one of claims 13 to 16, wherein said device (2) is configured to establish communication between said source (10) and said server (12).

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