Charger control device and charger control system

Abstract

To provide a charger control device and a charger control system which are easily utilized to a charging site of an existing charger corresponding to other communication standard except a specific communication standard.SOLUTION: A charger control device 4 controls a charger 6 for an electric vehicle corresponding to a second communication standard of a physical layer installed in a charging site 7 on the basis of a first message in a form conforming to a first communication standard of a physical layer transmitted from a server 2, and comprises: a message conversion unit 42a which converts the first message into a second message in a form conforming to the second communication standard of the physical layer; and a charger control unit 43 which transmits the second message to the charger 6 to control the charger 6.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a charger control device and a charger control system.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, an EV charger control system has been proposed that controls EV chargers arranged at charging sites by a controller (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The EV charger control system described in Patent Document 1 includes a site controller that communicates with a server, and a first EV charger and a second EV charger controlled by the site controller. The site controller controls the first EV charger using the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP), and controls the second EV charger using a communication protocol different from OCPP.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] According to the conventional EV charger control system, since the communication protocol between the site controller and the EV charger also uses those unique to the EV charger manufacturer, there is no compatibility between EV chargers, and it becomes difficult to control multiple EV chargers simultaneously. Further, if the chargers installed at the charging site are unified to those compatible with a specific communication standard (for example, OCPP), it becomes difficult to utilize existing chargers compatible with communication standards other than the specific communication standard at the charging site.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a charger control device and a charger control system that can be easily used for a charging site of an existing charger compatible with a communication standard other than a specific communication standard.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] [1] A charger control device that controls a charger for an electric vehicle corresponding to a second communication standard of the physical layer installed at a charging site based on a first message in a format compliant with a first communication standard of the physical layer transmitted from a server, a message conversion unit that converts the first message into a second message in a format compliant with the second communication standard of the physical layer; and a charger control unit that transmits the second message to the charger to control the charger. [2] The charger control device according to [1], wherein the message conversion unit converts the first message into the second message when charging start becomes necessary based on reservation information included in the first message. [3] The charger control device according to [2], wherein when the reservation information is an immediate charging request, the message conversion unit immediately converts the first message into the second message. [4] The charger control device according to [2], wherein when the reservation information is a reserved charging start time, the message conversion unit converts the first message into the second message when the current time reaches the reserved charging start time. [5] The charger is a plurality of chargers corresponding to the second communication standard of the physical layer, and the charger control unit includes a charger determination unit that determines the charger to be controlled based on the reservation information and the availability status of the plurality of chargers, and transmits the second message to the determined charger. [6] The first communication standard of the physical layer is LAN (Local Area Network), LTE (Long Term Evolution), or Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity). The charger control device according to [5] above, wherein the second communication standard of the physical layer is a serial communication standard. [7] The charger control device according to [6] above, wherein the message conversion unit converts the first message compliant with the first communication standard of the physical layer and the first communication standard of the application layer into the second message compliant with the second communication standard of the physical layer and the second communication standard of the application layer. [8] The first communication standard of the application layer is the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP), The charger control device according to [7] above, wherein the second communication standard of the application layer is a communication protocol other than the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP). [9] The charger control device according to any one of [5] to [8] above, The plurality of chargers for electric vehicles corresponding to the second communication standard of the physical layer, A charger control system comprising: a communication path corresponding to the second communication standard of the physical layer that connects the charger control device and the plurality of chargers.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the inventions according to claims 1, 7-9, it becomes easy to utilize existing chargers corresponding to communication standards other than a specific communication standard at a charging site. According to the inventions according to claims 2-4, by converting the first message into the second message at the timing when charging needs to start, message conversion can be performed efficiently. According to the invention according to claim 5, chargers can be efficiently operated according to the availability of a plurality of chargers. According to the invention according to claim 6, by adopting a serial communication standard as the second communication standard of the physical layer, it becomes less susceptible to the influence of noise compared to the first communication standard of the physical layer.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, components having substantially the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description thereof is omitted.

[0011] [Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a charger control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. This charger control system 1 includes a server 2, a charger control device 4 connected to the server 2 via a network 3, and a plurality of chargers 6 for electric vehicles installed at a charging site 7 and connected to the charger control device 4 via a serial communication path 5. Note that the number of chargers 6 may be one or more.

[0012] The server 2 communicates with the charger control device 4 via the network 3 using, for example, the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP). OCPP is an open international standard communication protocol (application protocol) for managing chargers for electric vehicles. Further, the server 2 transmits and receives charging-related information to and from a mobile terminal 9 owned by a user who uses the electric vehicle 8 via the network 3. The mobile terminal 9 has an application (hereinafter referred to as a "charging app") for reservation and settlement related to charging pre-installed. OCPP is an example of the first communication standard at the application layer.

[0013] Network 3 is a network compatible with OCPP. For example, LAN (Local Area Network), LTE (Long Term Evolution), Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity), the Internet, etc. can be used. Note that Network 3 can be either wired or wireless. LAN, LTE, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), etc. are examples of the first communication standards of the physical layer.

[0014] The charger control device 4 communicates with the server 2 using OCPP via Network 3, and performs serial communication with a plurality of chargers 6 via the serial communication path 5.

[0015] Each charger 6 is installed at the same or different charging sites 7. The charging site 7 is, for example, a charging station in a lodging facility, a tourist facility, a golf course, a large commercial facility, etc. The charging target of the charger 6 is an electric vehicle 8 equipped with a battery, for example, an EV (electric vehicle). Note that as the charging target electric vehicle 8, in addition to EVs, HVs (hybrid vehicles), PHVs (plug-in hybrid vehicles), etc. may also be included. By inserting the charging connector of the charger 6 into the charging socket of the electric vehicle 8, charging is performed on the battery from an external power source via the charger 6.

[0016] If each charger adopts its own communication protocol, there will be problems with convenience, such as the need for a dedicated app (charging app) for reservation and settlement related to charging for each charger. On the other hand, if all chargers to be controlled are made compatible with a specific communication standard (for example, OCPP), existing chargers 6 that are not compatible with the specific communication standard cannot be utilized. Therefore, in this embodiment, a charger control device 4 having a function of converting messages is provided between the server 2 and the charger 6 so that existing chargers 6 that are not compatible with a specific communication standard can be utilized.

[0017] That is, the charger control device 4 converts a message in a format compliant with LAN, LTE, or Wi-Fi (the first communication standard at the physical layer) and OCPP (the first communication standard at the application layer) (hereinafter referred to as the first message) into a message in a format compliant with the serial communication standard (the second communication standard at the physical layer) and a predetermined application (the second communication standard at the application layer) (hereinafter referred to as the second message). The predetermined application may be, for example, OCPP, CHAdeMO, CAN (Controller Area Network), or the like.

[0018] (Configuration of the server) The server 2 transmits and receives various messages to and from the charger control device 4 through communication using OCPP. That is, the server 2 transmits a message for controlling the charger 6 to the charger 6 via the charger control device 4 based on a request from the user of the electric vehicle 8. After the charging is completed, the charger 6 transmits a message to the server 2 via the charger control device 4.

[0019] The message transmitted from the server 2 to the charger control device 4 includes, for example, a vehicle ID for identifying the electric vehicle 8 (such as a vehicle registration number (the number on the license plate), a vehicle identification number (VIN), etc.), a charging site ID for identifying the charging site 7 where the charger 6 is installed, an immediate charging request, or a reserved charging start time, etc. The message transmitted from the charger 6 to the server 2 via the charger control device 4 includes a vehicle ID, a charging site ID, a charger ID for identifying the charger 6, a charging start time, a charging end time, the state of charge (SoC) of the battery, etc.

[0020] (Configuration of the mobile terminal) The mobile terminal 9 can use a smart device such as a smartphone or a smartwatch, for example. The user of the mobile terminal 9 accesses the web page provided by the server 2 using a charging application, registers the vehicle ID in advance, and registers charging reservation information including the charging site 7, the reserved charging start time, etc. on the web page provided by the server 2 when using the charging site 7.

[0021] (Configuration of Charger) A plurality of chargers 6 each comply with a serial communication standard. Each charger 6 communicates with the charger control device 4 via a serial communication path 5. The serial communication path 5 can use a communication path compliant with a serial communication standard such as RS485 or RS232. According to RS485, data transmission at a higher speed and over a longer distance than RS232C is possible. The charger 6 may be compatible with only a predetermined application, or may be compatible with a predetermined application and other applications other than the predetermined application. A charger ID for identifying the charger 6 is assigned to the charger 6. The charger 6 is powered from a three-phase power supply of an external power source and charges the electric vehicle 8. Note that the charger 6 may be powered from a single-phase AC power supply.

[0022] Also, when the plurality of chargers 6 are installed at different charging sites 7, one charger control device 4 may control the plurality of chargers 6 installed at different charging sites 7, or a charger control device 4 may be provided for each charging site 7, and the charger control device 4 may control the charger 6 installed at the charging site 7 corresponding thereto.

[0023] When the charging of the electric vehicle 8 is completed, the charger 6 generates a message. The charger 6 transmits the generated message to the charger control device 4 via the serial communication path 5. This message includes, for example, vehicle ID, charging site ID, charger ID, charging start time, charging end time, battery state of charge (SoC), etc.

[0024] (Configuration of Charging Equipment Control Device) The charger control device 4 includes a communication control unit 41 that controls communication with the server 2, an OCPP control unit 42 that performs message conversion, and a charger control unit 43 that controls the charger 6.

[0025] The communication control unit 41 communicates with the server 2 via the network 3 using OCPP. The communication control unit 41 includes an external communication interface 41a for communicating with the server 2 via the network 3. The external communication interface 41a allows a plurality of communication means (e.g., LAN, LTE, Wi-Fi, etc.) to be selected by an operation of the administrator of the charger control device 4.

[0026] The OCPP control unit 42 includes a message conversion unit 42a that converts messages between different communication standards (including both the physical layer and the application layer), and a storage unit 42b that stores conversion information 421. The conversion information 421 includes information for converting messages between different communication standards (including both the physical layer and the application layer). That is, the conversion information 421 includes information for converting a first message into a second message and information for converting the second message into the first message. Note that the conversion information 421 may be stored in the storage unit 42b in the form of a table.

[0027] The message conversion unit 42a converts messages based on the conversion information 421. That is, the message conversion unit 42a converts the first message from the communication control unit 41 into a second message and transmits it to the charger control unit 43, and converts the second message transmitted from the charger 6 via the charger control unit 43 into the first message and transmits it to the communication control unit 41.

[0028] The charger control unit 43 includes a charger determination unit 43a that determines the charger 6 to be controlled, and a storage unit 43b that stores an availability status table 431 (see Fig. 2(a)) and a history table 432 (see Fig. 2(b)). The availability status table 431 records the current and future availability status of the charger 6. The history table 432 records control history information.

[0029] The charger determination unit 43a determines the charger 6 to be charged based on the presence or absence of an immediate charging request, the reserved charging start time, etc. in the message from the server 2 and the availability status of the charger 6 in the availability status table 431.

[0030] The charger control unit 43 serially transmits the determined second message to the charger 6 via the serial communication path 5 to cause the electric vehicle 8 to be charged. From the charger 6 that has completed charging, the second message is received via the serial communication path 5.

[0031] FIG. 2(a) is a diagram showing an example of the availability status table 431. The availability status table 431 has columns of "charger ID", "availability status", and "scheduled charging start time". In each column of the availability status table 431, the charger control unit 43 acquires information through communication with each charger 6 and records it. In the "availability status", a cross mark (×) is recorded if it is currently in use, a triangle mark (△) is recorded if it is scheduled to be used in the future (for example, up to 5 hours from now), a circle mark (○) is recorded if it is not scheduled to be used in the future (for example, up to 5 hours from now), and if it is scheduled to be used in the future, the scheduled charging start time is recorded in the "scheduled charging start time" column.

[0032] FIG. 2(b) is a diagram showing an example of the history table 432. The history table 432 has columns of "command number", "control target", and "control time". In each column of the history table 432, the history information of the control performed by the charger control unit 43 on the control target is recorded. In the "command number", the command number corresponding to the type of control is recorded. In the "control target", the charger ID or controller of the control target is recorded. In the "control time", the time when the control was performed is recorded. Note that the controller is a relay device provided between the charger control device 4 and the plurality of chargers 6.

[0033] The communication control unit 41, the OCPP control unit 42, and the charger control unit 43 may be configured by hardware such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Further, the functions of the communication control unit 41, the OCPP control unit 42, and the charger control unit 43 may be realized by storing a program in a memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), reading the program into a RAM (Random Access Memory), and executing the program by a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0034] (Operation of the Charger Control Device) Next, an example of the operation of the charger control device 4 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the charger control device 4.

[0035] The communication control unit 41 of the charger control device 4 receives a first message from the server 2 (S1). The OCPP control unit 42 interprets the first message received by the communication control unit 41 (S2).

[0036] Based on the result of interpreting the first message, the OCPP control unit 42 determines whether the first message includes an immediate charging request to the charger 6 (S3). If the first message includes an immediate charging request (S3: Yes), the message conversion unit 42a converts the first message into a second message based on the conversion information 421 (S4).

[0037] Based on the second message and the availability status recorded in the availability status table 431, the charger control unit 43 determines the charger ID of the charger 6 installed at the same charging site 7 that can respond immediately (S5). The charger control unit 43 serially transmits the second message to the charger 6 with the determined charger ID via the serial communication path 5 (S6).

[0038] In step S3 above, when the immediate charging request is not included in the first message (S3: No), the OCPP control unit 42 checks the time (S7). That is, the OCPP control unit 42 compares the scheduled charging start time included in the first message with the current time, and determines whether the current time has reached the scheduled charging start time (S8).

[0039] When the current time has reached the scheduled charging start time (S8: Yes), the message conversion unit 42a of the OCPP control unit 42 converts the first message into a second message based on the conversion information 421 (S4). Thereafter, the above-described processing (S5, S6) is executed.

[0040] The charger 6 determined as the control target and receiving the second message charges the battery of the electric vehicle 8 via the charging connector inserted into the charging socket of the electric vehicle 8. When the charging of the electric vehicle 8 is completed, the charger 6 generates a second message recording the vehicle ID, charging site ID, charger ID, charging start time, charging end time, battery charge rate (SoC), etc. The charger 6 serially transmits the generated second message to the charger control device 4 via the serial communication path 5.

[0041] The charger control device 4 converts the second message transmitted from the charger 6 into a first message and transmits it to the server 2 via the network 3.

[0042] (Effects of the present embodiment) According to the charger control device 4 according to the present embodiment, the following effects are obtained. (a) Since the charger control device 4 having a function of converting messages between the first message and the second message is provided between the server 2 and the charger 6, it becomes easy to utilize the existing charger 6 corresponding to the serial communication standard at the charging site 7. (b) Since the plurality of chargers 6 all correspond to a common serial communication standard, it is possible to have compatibility between the chargers 6, and a plurality of chargers 6 can be directly controlled by one charger control device 4. (c) By converting the first message into the second message at the timing when charging start becomes necessary, message conversion can be efficiently performed. (d) Chargers 6 can be efficiently operated according to the availability status of multiple chargers 6. (e) By adopting a serial communication standard as the second communication standard of the physical layer, it becomes less susceptible to the influence of noise compared to the first communication standard of the physical layer. (f) Compared with the case of providing a communication interface with the outside for each charger 6, by controlling multiple chargers 6 from one main device 1, communication costs can be reduced.

[0043] As described above, embodiments of the present invention have been explained. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications and implementations are possible.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0044] 1... Charger control system, 2... Server, 3... Network, 4... Charger control device, 5... Serial communication path, 6... Charger, 7... Charging site, 8... Electric vehicle, 9... Portable terminal, 41... Communication control unit, 41a... External communication interface, 42... OCPP control unit, 42a... Message conversion unit, 42b... Storage unit, 43... Charger control unit, 43a... Charger determination unit, 43b... Storage unit, 421... Conversion information, 431... Availability status table, 432... History table

Claims

1. A charger control device that controls a charger for an electric vehicle corresponding to a second communication standard of the physical layer installed at a charging site based on a first message in a format compliant with a first communication standard of the physical layer transmitted from a server, a message conversion unit that converts the first message into a second message in a format compliant with a second communication standard of the physical layer; a charger control unit that transmits the second message to the charger to control the charger; A charger control device comprising:

2. The message conversion unit converts the first message into the second message when charging needs to start based on reservation information included in the first message. The charger control device according to Claim 1.

3. When the reservation information is an immediate charging request, the message conversion unit immediately converts the first message into the second message. The charger control device according to Claim 2.

4. When the reservation information is a reserved charging start time, the message conversion unit converts the first message into the second message when the current time reaches the scheduled charging start time. The charger control device according to Claim 2.

5. The charger is a plurality of chargers corresponding to a second communication standard of the physical layer, The charger control unit includes a charger determination unit that determines the charger to be controlled based on the reservation information and the availability of the plurality of chargers, and transmits the second message to the determined charger. The charger control device according to Claim 2, comprising:

6. The first communication standard of the physical layer is LAN, LTE, or Wi-Fi, The second communication standard of the physical layer is a serial communication standard. The charger control device according to Claim 5.

7. The message conversion unit converts the first message compliant with the first communication standard of the physical layer and the first communication standard of the application layer into the second message compliant with the second communication standard of the physical layer and the second communication standard of the application layer. The charger control device according to Claim 6.

8. The first communication standard of the application layer is the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP), The second communication standard of the application layer is a communication protocol other than the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP). The charger control device according to Claim 7.

9. The charger control device according to any one of Claims 5 to 8, and a plurality of chargers for electric vehicles corresponding to the second communication standard of the physical layer; a communication path corresponding to the second communication standard of the physical layer that connects the charger control device and the plurality of chargers; A charger control system comprising the above.

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