Electric vehicle charging management

Abstract

Various example embodiments relate to a solution for managing charging of an electric vehicle, where an apparatus may be configured to receive a charging transaction request associated with a user charging the electric vehicle, determine that the charging transaction request is associated with a charging station and that the user belongs to a prioritized charging user group, the prioritized charging user group being associated with a charging station group including a plurality of charging stations including the charging station, and prioritize charging transactions associated with charging stations of the charging station group.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Various illustrative embodiments relate generally to the field of electric vehicle charging, and more particularly, to solutions for managing charging stations used to charge electric vehicles. [Background technology]

[0002] A charging station (CS) is used to charge electric vehicles (EVs). The charging stations may be managed by a management entity. Multiple charging stations may be deployed at a single geographic location to serve the electric vehicles. When multiple charging stations are deployed at a single location, there may be a certain maximum current limit that must not be exceeded across the multiple charging stations. When multiple electric vehicles are being charged simultaneously, some load management solution, e.g. Dynamic Load Management (DLM), may need to be applied to share the maximum current limit among the electric vehicles. The load management solution in this case adjusts the charging current of each individual charging station up or down so as not to exceed the maximum current limit.

[0003] In some embodiments, some charging stations in a charging station group that includes multiple charging stations may be considered "priority charging stations" or "VIP charging stations" and may receive higher and / or guaranteed charging power compared to the remaining charging stations.

[0004] Based on the above, there is a need for a more versatile solution to manage the charging transactions of charging stations of a charging station group. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0006] The exemplary embodiment may provide a solution allowing to prioritize certain users when charging electric vehicles at a charging station. This advantage may be realized by the features of the independent claims. Further embodiment forms are presented in the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0007] According to a first aspect, an apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to at least receive a charging transaction request associated with a user charging an electric vehicle, the charging transaction request being associated with a charging station and determining that the user belongs to a prioritized charging user group, the prioritized charging user group being associated with a charging station group including a plurality of charging stations including the charging station, and to prioritize charging transactions associated with the charging stations of the charging station group.

[0008] In one embodiment of the first aspect, the at least one memory and the computer program code, together with the at least one processor, are configured to cause the apparatus to control at least one charging station of the charging station group to provide full charging power to the charging station.

[0009] In one embodiment of the first aspect, the at least one memory and the computer program code, together with the at least one processor, are configured to cause the apparatus to at least control a sharing of a total charging power of the charging stations of the charging station group between the charging station and at least one other charging station of the charging station group having a concurrent charging transaction associated with at least one other user of the priority charging group.

[0010] In one embodiment of the first aspect, the at least one memory and the computer program code, together with the at least one processor, are configured to control the device to at least provide maximum charging power to the user and to at least one other user of a prioritized charging group with a corresponding charging station of the charging station group, and to share a remaining charging power of the total charging power of the charging stations of the charging station group with at least one non-priority user.

[0011] In one embodiment of the first aspect, the at least one memory and computer program code, together with the at least one processor, are configured to cause the device to at least determine that the user belongs to a prioritized charging group having a priority level, and to prioritize charging transactions associated with charging stations of the charging station group based on the priority level of the prioritized charging group.

[0012] In one embodiment of the first aspect, the charging stations of the charging station group are located at the same geographic location.

[0013] In one embodiment of the first aspect, the charging stations of the charging station group are located in at least two distinct geographic locations.

[0014] In one embodiment of the first aspect, the at least one memory and computer program code, together with the at least one processor, are configured to cause the apparatus to at least determine that an enabling condition exists associated with a user belonging to a prioritized charging user group, and to prioritize charging transactions associated with charging stations of the charging station group based on the enabling condition associated with the user.

[0015] In one embodiment of the first aspect, the at least one memory and computer program code, together with the at least one processor, are configured to cause the apparatus to at least identify each user based on a unique user identifier.

[0016] According to a second aspect, a method includes the steps of receiving, by the device, a charging transaction request associated with a user charging an electric vehicle, the charging transaction request being associated with a charging station; determining, by the device, that the user belongs to a prioritized charging user group, the prioritized charging user group being associated with a charging station group including a plurality of charging stations, including the charging station; and prioritizing, by the device, charging transactions associated with charging stations of the charging station group.

[0017] In one embodiment of the second aspect, the method further includes controlling, by the apparatus, a charging station of the charging station group to provide full charging power to the charging station.

[0018] In one embodiment form of the second aspect, the method further includes controlling, by the device, a sharing of a total charging power of the charging stations of the charging station group between the charging station and at least one other charging station of the charging station group having a concurrent charging transaction associated with at least one other user of the priority charging group.

[0019] In one embodiment of the second aspect, the method further includes a step of controlling, by the device, to provide maximum charging power to the user and at least one other user of a prioritized charging group with a corresponding charging station of the charging station group, and a step of controlling, by the device, to share remaining charging power of the total charging power of the charging stations of the charging station group with at least one non-priority user.

[0020] In one embodiment of the second aspect, the method further includes a step of determining, by the device, that the user belongs to a priority charging group having a priority level, and a step of prioritizing, by the device, charging transactions associated with charging stations in the charging station group based on the priority level of the priority charging group.

[0021] In one embodiment of the second aspect, the charging stations of the charging station group are located at the same geographic location.

[0022] In one embodiment of the second aspect, the charging stations of the charging station group are located in at least two distinct geographic locations.

[0023] In one embodiment of the second aspect, the method further includes determining, by the device, that an enabling condition exists associated with a user belonging to a prioritized charging user group, and prioritizing, by the device, charging transactions associated with charging stations of the charging station group based on the enabling condition associated with the user.

[0024] In one embodiment of the second aspect, the method further comprises identifying each user based on a unique user identifier.

[0025] According to a third aspect, a computer program has instructions to cause an apparatus to at least receive a charging transaction request associated with a user charging an electric vehicle, where the charging transaction request is associated with a charging station; determine that the user belongs to a prioritized charging user group, where the prioritized charging user group is associated with or belongs to a charging station group including a plurality of charging stations including the charging station; and prioritize charging transactions related to the charging stations of the charging station group.

[0026] According to a fourth aspect, a computer readable medium includes a computer program having instructions to cause an apparatus to at least receive a charging transaction request associated with a user charging an electric vehicle, where the charging transaction request is associated with a charging station; determine that the user belongs to a prioritized charging user group, where the prioritized charging user group is associated with or belongs to a charging station group including a plurality of charging stations including the charging station; and prioritize charging transactions associated with the charging stations of the charging station group.

[0027] According to a fifth aspect, the apparatus includes means for receiving a charging transaction request associated with a user charging an electric vehicle, where the charging transaction request is associated with a charging station; means for determining that the user belongs to a prioritized charging user group, where the prioritized charging user group is associated with a charging station group including a plurality of charging stations including the charging station; and means for prioritizing charging transactions associated with charging stations of the charging station group.

[0028] According to a sixth aspect, an apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to at least receive a charging transaction request associated with a user charging an electric vehicle, determine that the charging transaction request is associated with a charging station and that the user belongs to a prioritized charging user group, determine that the prioritized charging user group is associated with a charging station group including a plurality of charging stations, determine that the charging station group includes the charging station, and prioritize charging transactions associated with the charging stations of the charging station group.

[0029] According to a seventh aspect, a method includes the steps of receiving, by the device, a charging transaction request associated with a user charging an electric vehicle, the charging transaction request being associated with a charging station; determining, by the device, that the user belongs to a prioritized charging user group; determining, by the device, that the prioritized charging user group is associated with a charging station group including a plurality of charging stations; determining, by the device, that the charging station group includes the charging station; and prioritizing, by the device, charging transactions associated with charging stations in the charging station group.

[0030] According to an eighth aspect, a computer program has instructions to cause an apparatus to at least receive a charging transaction request associated with a user charging an electric vehicle, the charging transaction request being associated with a charging station; determining that the user belongs to a prioritized charging user group; determining that the prioritized charging user group is associated with a charging station group including a plurality of charging stations; determining that the charging station group includes the charging station; and prioritizing charging transactions associated with charging stations in the charging station group.

[0031] According to a ninth aspect, a computer-readable medium includes a computer program having instructions to cause an apparatus to at least receive a charging transaction request associated with a user charging an electric vehicle, the charging transaction request being associated with a charging station; determining that the user belongs to a prioritized charging user group; determining that the prioritized charging user group is associated with a charging station group including a plurality of charging stations; determining that the charging station group includes the charging station; and prioritizing charging transactions associated with charging stations of the charging station group.

[0032] According to a tenth aspect, the apparatus includes means for receiving a charging transaction request associated with a user charging an electric vehicle, the charging transaction request being associated with a charging station; means for determining that the user belongs to a prioritized charging user group; means for determining that the prioritized charging user group is associated with a charging station group including a plurality of charging stations; means for determining that the charging station group includes the charging station; and means for prioritizing charging transactions associated with charging stations of the charging station group.

[0033] Many of the attendant features will be more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0034] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the exemplary embodiments and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, aid in the understanding of the exemplary embodiments. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a method for prioritizing charging transactions, according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 2A] A diagram showing an example of a charging station of a charging station group according to one exemplary embodiment. [Figure 2B] A diagram showing another example of a charging station of a charging station group according to an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 3] 4 is a flow diagram for managing a charging session according to an example embodiment. [Figure 4] 11 is a flow diagram for managing a charging session according to another example embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of an apparatus 500 configured to implement one or more exemplary embodiments. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 illustrates a cloud-based system according to an example embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0036] In the accompanying drawings, like reference numerals are used to denote like parts.

[0037] Reference will now be made in detail to the illustrative embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The detailed description set forth below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings is intended to describe the examples and is not intended to represent the only manner in which the examples may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions of the examples and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the examples, although the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished in different examples.

[0038] 1 illustrates an example of a method for prioritizing charging transactions according to one exemplary embodiment, which may be performed, for example, by a cloud-based entity or device communicatively connected to a plurality of charging stations.

[0039] At 100, a charging transaction request associated with a user charging an electric vehicle can be received, the charging transaction request being associated with a charging station. As used herein, the term "user" can refer to a user who is registered with a service that allows charging of an electric vehicle at multiple charging stations. After registration, the user can be identified at the service based on a unique user identifier. In this case, when the user initiates a charging transaction using a tag or a mobile phone application, the user identifier or another identifier associated with the user identifier can be transmitted to a cloud-based entity.

[0040] At 102, it is determined that the user belongs to a priority charging user group, the priority charging user group being associated with a charging station group that includes a plurality of charging stations, including the charging station of interest. At least one user may have been previously associated with a priority charging user group. A user may belong to a plurality of different priority charging user groups. There may be one or more priority charging user groups. For example, a first priority charging user group may be associated with a first charging station group, a second priority charging user group may be associated with another second charging station group, and so on. Additionally or alternatively, a charging station group may have multiple priority charging groups associated with it. The charging stations of a charging station group may be located in a single geographic location or may be distributed across multiple geographic locations. If the user does not belong to a priority charging user group, the user may be treated as a normal, i.e., non-priority, user.

[0041] At 102, in one example embodiment, it may be determined that a user belongs to a priority charging user group. It may also be determined that the priority charging user group is associated with a charging station group that includes a plurality of charging stations. It may also be determined that the charging station group includes the charging station.

[0042] In 104, charging transactions associated with charging stations of the charging station group are prioritized. Priority may mean, for example, that a user associated with the priority charging user group may be provided with full charging power at a charging station of the charging station group before any other concurrent users who do not belong to a priority charging user group associated with the charging station group. When multiple users belonging to the same priority charging user group associated with the charging station group are simultaneously charging at charging stations of the charging station group and each user cannot be provided with the full charging power of a single charging station, the power provided to each user may be shared among the priority users.

[0043] FIG 2A illustrates an example of charging stations 204A, 204B in a charging station group, according to an exemplary embodiment. In FIG 2A, there are two priority users 200A and three non-priority users 202 simultaneously charging in a charging group that includes multiple charging stations 204A, 204B. Each charging station alone may be capable of providing a charging current of 32A (i.e., 22kW) to an electric vehicle. However, the charging station group formed by charging stations 204A, 204B has an overall import limit of 96A.

[0044] In this example, both priority users 200A use 32A, for a total of 64A. Priority users 200A can be prioritized so that each priority user receives the maximum charging power provided by their respective charging stations. Since the overall deployment limit is 96A, each of the non-priority users 202 is left with 11A each. In other words, the priority users always get the maximum power from the charging station. The non-priority users 202 can share equally in what is left by the priority users.

[0045] 2B illustrates another example of a charging station group, according to an exemplary embodiment. In FIG. 2B, there are three priority users 200B and three non-priority users 202 simultaneously charging in a charging group that includes multiple charging stations 206A, 206B. Each charging station alone is capable of providing 32A (i.e., 22kW) of charging current to an electric vehicle. However, the charging stations 206A, 206B are still subject to an overall introduction limit of 96A.

[0046] In this example, each of the three priority users 200B uses 32A, for a total of 96A. Priority users 200B may be prioritized so that each of the priority users receives the maximum charging power provided by their respective charging stations. However, because the three priority users 200B have already used up the entire overall installation limit of 96A, there is no charging power available for provision via charging station 206B. In other words, the priority users may always get maximum power from the charging station, and non-priority users may be temporarily suspended until more capacity is freed up from the priority users.

[0047] FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram for managing a charging session according to one example embodiment.

[0048] In 300, the cloud-based management entity can receive a charging request from a charging station or from an application running on a user's mobile device, e.g., a smartphone. If the request originates from a charging station, this means that the user may have used, e.g., a tag, to identify himself / herself to the charging station. The request can include a unique user identifier associated with the user. In another exemplary embodiment, the request may include another unique identifier, e.g., a unique identifier of a tag belonging to the user, previously associated with the user identifier.

[0049] At 302, it is determined whether the request can be accommodated. If the request cannot be accommodated, the transaction process ends at 304. If the request can be accommodated, the process proceeds to step 306.

[0050] At 306, it is determined whether the user is a priority user, i.e., a VIP user. This may include determining whether the user belongs to a priority charging user group, where the priority charging user group is associated with a charging station group that includes a plurality of charging stations, including the charging station of interest. At least one user may have been previously associated with the priority charging user group.

[0051] If it is determined that the user is not a priority user, i.e., a VIP user, the process proceeds to 312 where load management may be performed in a normal manner without priority. At 314, a new power configuration for non-VIP transactions may be calculated. For example, it may be determined how much charging power should be provided to each non-priority user that has a charging session at a charging station in the charging station group. At 316, the new power configuration may be sent to the charging station where the charging request originated.

[0052] At 318, the charging station may determine whether it can accept the request. If the request can be accepted, the charging station may return to a normal operating state using the new power configuration at 320. If the request cannot be accepted, at 322, a retry operation may be initiated.

[0053] If it is determined at 306 that the user is a VIP user, then at 308 the charging session of the VIP user is excluded from the load management calculation. This may mean that the VIP user reserves charging power before the non-VIP users. At 310, the available capacity for non-VIP transactions in the charging station group is reduced. In other words, when a VIP user is prioritized, for example by giving the VIP user a full charge power from a charging station, the available capacity for non-VIP users is reduced by the amount of the full charge power. For example, when a VIP user starts charging, the introduction limit of the charging station group may be reduced by the amount allocated to the VIP user. If the introduction limit of the charging station group is 96A and the VIP starts charging at a station with a maximum current rating of 32A, the available introduction limit of the charging station group can be calculated as 96A-32A=64A. Therefore, what is left for non-VIP users is 64A.

[0054] Then, also at 314, a new power configuration for non-VIP transactions can be calculated, taking into account the charging power reserved for the VIP users. In one exemplary embodiment, there may be three VIP users charging at the same time at the charging stations of the charging station group, and the introduction limit of the charging station group may be, for example, 96A. This means that in this case, the three VIP users may be given all the available charging power, i.e., the introduction limit of the charging station group 3×32A=96A. In this case, there is no charging power left for non-VIP users. Then, if a fourth VIP user starts charging at a charging station of the charging station group, the introduction limit of the charging station group is still 96A, but now the 96A is shared by the four VIP users through load management. The distribution among the four VIP users may be an equal distribution (i.e., 24A) or may be some other distribution allocation. In another exemplary embodiment, there may be two VIP users charging at the charging stations of the charging station group, and the introduction limit of the charging station group may be, for example, also 96A. Both VIP users are given 32 A for a total of 64 A, leaving the remaining 32 A for non-VIP users. At 324, the maximum power configuration for the VIP transaction is sent to the charging station and the process returns to 318.

[0055] In FIG. 3, steps 302, 304, 318, and 320 may be performed in the charging station, while the remaining steps may be performed in a cloud-based management entity.

[0056] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram for managing a charging session according to another example embodiment.

[0057] At 400, the cloud-based management entity may receive a request to stop charging. This may be triggered by a user's action at the charging station, or the request may originate from an application running on the user's portable device.

[0058] At 402, the charging station may determine whether it can accept the request. If the request cannot be accepted, charging continues at 404. This may be the case, for example, if it is determined that the user does not have an ongoing charging session with the charging station. In another example embodiment, the request may not be accepted if, for example, there are too many requests being processed simultaneously, if the station has failed, etc.

[0059] If the request can be accepted, it is determined whether the charging session was initiated by a priority user, i.e., a VIP user, at 406. If the charging session was initiated by a VIP user, the introduction limit of the charging station group can be restored. This can mean, for example, that the VIP user no longer reserves charging power, so that in this case non-VIP users can use the released charging power. In other words, when the VIP user starts charging, the introduction limit of the charging station group can be reduced by the amount that is allocated to the VIP user. If the introduction limit of the charging station group is 96A and the VIP starts charging at a station with a maximum current rating of 32A, the available introduction limit of the charging station group can be calculated as 96A-32A=64A. Therefore, what is left for non-VIP users is 64A. When the VIP transaction ends, the introduction limit can be restored, i.e., increased back to 96A.

[0060] If the charging session was not initiated by a VIP user, i.e., if the charging session was initiated by a non-VIP user, then normal load management procedures may be performed at 410. The introduction limit may be, for example, evenly distributed among the charging stations with cars charging. If the introduction limit for a charging station group is 96A and there are 4 non-VIP users charging, then even distribution means 96A / 4=24A per charging station.

[0061] In FIG. 4, steps 402 and 404 may be performed by a charging station, while the remaining steps may be performed by a cloud-based management entity.

[0062] 5 illustrates an example of an apparatus 500 configured to implement one or more exemplary embodiments. The apparatus 500 may include at least one processor 502. The at least one processor 502 may include one or more of a variety of processing devices or processor circuits, such as, for example, a coprocessor, a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), processing circuits with or without an associated DSP, or a variety of other processing devices, including integrated circuits, such as, for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a hardware accelerator, a dedicated computer chip, or the like.

[0063] The device 500 may further comprise at least one memory 504. The at least one memory 504 may be configured to store, for example, computer program code, such as operating system software and application software. The at least one memory 504 may include one or more volatile memory devices, one or more non-volatile memory devices, and / or a combination thereof. The at least one memory 504 may be embodied, for example, as a magnetic storage device (such as a hard disk drive, a floppy disk, a magnetic tape, etc.), a magneto-optical storage device, or a semiconductor memory (such as a mask ROM, a PROM (programmable ROM), an EPROM (erasable PROM), a flash ROM, a RAM (random access memory), etc.).

[0064] The device 500 may further comprise a communication interface 508 configured to enable information to be transmitted and / or received between the device 500 and another device, such as a charging station. In one example, the device 500 may use the communication interface 508 to transmit or receive signaling information and data according to at least one data or mobile communication protocol. The communication interface 508 may be configured to provide at least one wireless connection, such as a 3GPP mobile broadband connection (e.g., 3G, 4G, 5G, 6G, etc.) or a wired connection. The communication interface 508 may comprise or be configured to be coupled to at least one antenna for transmitting and / or receiving radio frequency signals.

[0065] If the device 500 is configured to perform a function, one or more of the components of the device 500, such as the at least one processor 502 and / or the at least one memory 504, may be configured to perform that function. Further, if the at least one processor 502 is configured to perform a function, the function may be performed using program code 506 included in the at least one memory 504, for example.

[0066] The functions described herein may be performed, at least in part, by one or more computer program product components, such as software components. According to one embodiment, the apparatus may include a processor or processor circuitry, such as a microcontroller, that is configured by program code when executed to perform embodiments of the described operations and functions. Alternatively or additionally, the functions described herein may be performed, at least in part, by one or more hardware logic components. For example, exemplary types of hardware logic components that may be used include, but are not limited to, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), application specific standard products (ASSPs), system-on-a-chip systems (SOCs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), and graphics processing units (GPUs).

[0067] The apparatus 500 may comprise means for performing at least one of the methods described herein, which in one exemplary embodiment may comprise at least one processor 502 and at least one memory 504 including program code 506 configured, when executed by the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus 500 to perform the method.

[0068] Apparatus 500 may include, for example, a computing device or server, such as a cloud-based computer or a cloud-based server. As used herein, the term "cloud-based" may refer to any device that can connect to one or more charging stations via a wired or wireless data connection. Although apparatus 500 is shown as a single device, it should be understood that the functionality of apparatus 500 may be distributed across multiple devices, wherever applicable, for example, to implement the exemplary embodiment as a cloud computing service.

[0069] The apparatus may perform or be configured to perform any aspect of the method described herein. Furthermore, a computer program may have instructions that, when executed, cause the apparatus to perform any aspect of the method described herein. The computer program may be stored on a computer readable medium. The apparatus may further comprise means for performing any aspect of the method described herein. The means, according to one exemplary embodiment, comprises at least one processor, at least one memory including program code, and the at least one processor, the program code, when executed by the at least one processor, is configured to perform any aspect of the method.

[0070] FIG. 6 illustrates a cloud-based system according to an example embodiment.

[0071] The device 500, discussed in more detail in relation to FIG. 5, may be located at any suitable physical location, i.e., the device 500 may provide the cloud-based service 600. The device 500 may be connected to the charging stations of one or more charging station groups 602, 604, 606 via one or more data links or connections. The device 500 may be configured to manage charging sessions provided at the charging stations of the charging station groups 602, 604, 606. The device 500 may be configured to determine whether the user belongs to a priority charging user group upon receiving a charging request associated with the user, as already discussed previously. The priority charging user group may have been previously associated with a charging station group including a plurality of charging stations, including the charging station in question. If the user belongs to the priority charging user group, charging transactions associated with the charging station may be prioritized. The charging stations of a single charging station group 602, 604, 606 may be located in the same geographic location or at least two different geographic locations. In other words, the charging stations may be logically grouped into one or more charging station groups regardless of the geographic locations of the charging stations. Further, in one example embodiment, a first set of charging stations in a single geographic location may belong to a first charging station group and a second, distinct set of charging stations in the same geographic location may belong to a second, distinct charging station group.

[0072] The apparatus 500, in one example embodiment, can be configured to determine that valid conditions associated with users belonging to a prioritized charging user group exist and prioritize charging transactions associated with charging stations of the charging station group based on the valid conditions associated with the users. The valid conditions can be, for example, time- and / or usage-based. The valid conditions can provide temporary or permanent priority to at least one user, allowing, for example, the use of discount coupons and other temporary benefits, as well as subscriptions of various durations.

[0073] In one example embodiment, the device 500 can be configured to determine that the user belongs to a priority charging group having a priority level and prioritize charging transactions associated with the charging stations of the charging station group based on the priority level of the priority charging group. For example, the cloud-based solution can enable an operator to define multiple service levels with a freely configurable hierarchy of priorities. As an example of such a hierarchy, a hierarchy in a shopping center may be as follows: Priority Level 1: Local authorities (police, fire, ambulance) Priority Level 2: Facility Security and Maintenance Personnel Priority Level 3: Premium subscription customers Priority Level 4: Everyone else not listed above

[0074] In one exemplary embodiment, the load management logic applied to the priority levels can be freely selected: possible logics can include, for example, first in, first out, equal distribution of power, and "round robin" (intermittent pauses).

[0075] One or more of the examples and embodiments discussed above may enable the use of one-time fixed times as well as continuous service levels in customer-facing load management. This may enable, for example, the use of discount vouchers and other temporary benefits, as well as subscriptions of various durations. Furthermore, one or more of the examples and embodiments discussed above may enable a solution in which a user's priority status is defined on a cloud-based system for a particular user, rather than being defined at the hardware level for a particular charging station. This may enable, for example, a versatile and / or changeable grouping of charging stations into one or more charging station groups. Furthermore, one or more of the examples and embodiments discussed above may enable a solution in which a user may belong to different priority groups with different priority levels. Furthermore, one or more of the examples and embodiments discussed above may enable a solution in which a user may have different priority statuses in different charging station groups. For example, a user may have priority status in the user's office building, but not in the public charging network. Additionally, one or more of the examples and embodiments discussed above may enable a solution in which load management adjustments can be controlled remotely via a cloud-based solution.

[0076] Any ranges or device values ​​set forth herein may be expanded or modified without losing the effect sought, and any embodiment may be combined with another embodiment unless expressly prohibited.

[0077] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or acts, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example implementations of the claims, and other equivalent features and acts are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

[0078] It will be understood that the benefits and advantages described above may relate to one embodiment or to several embodiments. The embodiments are not limited to those that solve some or all of the described problems or have some or all of the described benefits and advantages. It will be further understood that references to "an" or "an" item may refer to one or more of such items.

[0079] The steps or actions of the methods described herein may be performed in any suitable order, or simultaneously where appropriate. Further, individual blocks may be deleted from any of the methods without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein. Aspects of any of the embodiments described above may be combined with aspects of any of the other embodiments described to form further embodiments without losing the desired effect.

[0080] The term "comprising" is used herein to mean that, while the specified methods, blocks, or elements are included, such blocks or elements do not constitute an exclusive list and that the methods or apparatus may include additional blocks or elements.

[0081] The term "circuitry" as used in this application may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (e.g., analog and / or digital circuitry only implementations), (b) combinations of hardware circuitry and software (where applicable): combinations of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry and software / firmware, (ii) any portion of a hardware processor (including a digital signal processor), software, and memory that use software that work together to cause a device such as a cell phone or server to perform various functions, and (c) hardware circuits and / or processors, such as a microprocessor or portions of a microprocessor, that require software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but that may be absent when not necessary for operation. This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of the term in this application, including all claims.

[0082] The term circuitry as used in this application may, by way of further illustration, cover merely a hardware circuit or processor (or processors), or a portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) associated software and / or firmware implementations. The term circuitry may also cover, for example, a baseband or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device, or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other computing or network device, if applicable to certain claimed elements.

[0083] It will be understood that the above description is provided by way of example only, and that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art. The above specification, examples, and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of the exemplary embodiments. Although various embodiments have been described above with a degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more specific embodiments, those skilled in the art may make numerous modifications to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of this specification.

Claims

1. At least one processor (502); At least one memory (504) containing computer program code (506); The at least one memory (504) and the computer program code (506), together with the at least one processor (502), provide the apparatus (500) with at least: receiving a charging transaction request associated with a user charging an electric vehicle, the charging transaction request being associated with a charging station; determining that the user belongs to a priority charging user group, the priority charging user group being associated with a charging station group including a plurality of charging stations, including the charging station; and Prioritize the charging transactions associated with the charging stations of the charging station group. The apparatus (500) is configured to:

2. The at least one memory (504) and the computer program code (506), together with the at least one processor (502), provide the device (500) with at least: and controlling the charging stations of the charging station group to provide full charging power for the charging stations. The apparatus (500) of claim 1 or 2, configured to:

3. The at least one memory (504) and the computer program code (506), together with the at least one processor (502), provide the device (500) with at least: and controlling a total charging power of the charging stations of the charging station group to be shared between the charging station and at least one other charging station of the charging station group having a simultaneous charging transaction associated with at least one other user of the priority charging group. The apparatus (500) of claim 1 configured to:

4. The at least one memory (504) and the computer program code (506), together with the at least one processor (502), provide the device (500) with at least: Controlling to provide maximum charging power to the user and at least one other user of the priority charging group with a corresponding charging station of the charging station group; and and controlling the charging stations of the charging station group to share the remaining charging power of the total charging power of the charging stations with at least one non-priority user. The apparatus (500) of claim 1 configured to:

5. The at least one memory (504) and the computer program code (506), together with the at least one processor (502), provide the device (500) with at least: determining that the user belongs to a priority charging group having a priority level; and Prioritize the charging transactions associated with the charging stations of the charging station group based on the priority level of the prioritized charging group. The apparatus (500) of any one of claims 1 to 4, configured to:

6. The apparatus (500) of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the charging stations of a charging station group are located in the same geographic location.

7. The apparatus (500) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the charging stations of a group of charging stations are located in at least two different geographical locations.

8. The at least one memory (504) and the computer program code (506), together with the at least one processor (502), provide the device (500) with at least: determining that an enabling condition exists associated with the user belonging to the priority charging user group; and Prioritizing the charging transactions associated with the charging stations of the charging station group based on the enabling conditions associated with the user. The apparatus (500) of any one of claims 1 to 7, configured to:

9. The at least one memory (504) and the computer program code (506), together with the at least one processor (502), provide the device (500) with at least: Identifying each user based on a unique user identifier The apparatus (500) of any one of claims 1 to 8, configured to:

10. receiving, by an apparatus (500), a charging transaction request associated with a user who is charging an electric vehicle, the charging transaction request being associated with a charging station; determining (102) by the device (500) that the user belongs to a priority charging user group, the priority charging user group being associated with a charging station group including a plurality of charging stations, including the charging station; prioritizing (104), by the device (500), the charging transactions associated with the charging stations of the charging station group; A method comprising:

11. Controlling, by said device (500), said charging stations of said charging station group to provide their full charging power. The method of claim 10 further comprising:

12. Controlling, by the device (500), a sharing of a total charging power of the charging stations of the charging station group between the charging station and at least one other charging station of the charging station group having a simultaneous charging transaction associated with at least one other user of the priority charging group. The method of claim 10 or 11, further comprising:

13. controlling, by the device (500), to provide maximum charging power to the user and to at least one other user of the priority charging group with a corresponding charging station of the charging station group; controlling, by the device (500), a remaining charging power of the total charging power of the charging stations of the charging station group to be shared with at least one non-priority user; The method of claim 10 or 11, further comprising:

14. determining, by the device (500), that the user belongs to a prioritized charging group having a priority level; prioritizing, by the device (500), the charging transactions associated with the charging stations of the charging station group based on the priority level of the prioritized charging group; The method of any one of claims 10 to 13, further comprising:

15. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the charging stations of a charging station group are located in the same geographical location.

16. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the charging stations of a group of charging stations are located in at least two different geographical locations.

17. determining, by the device (500), that an enabled condition exists associated with the user belonging to the priority charging user group; prioritizing, by the device (500), the charging transactions associated with the charging stations of the charging station group based on the enabling conditions associated with the user; 17. The method of any one of claims 10 to 16, further comprising:

18. identifying, by said device (500), each user based on a unique user identifier; 18. The method of any one of claims 10 to 17, further comprising:

19. The device has at least receiving a charging transaction request associated with a user charging an electric vehicle, the charging transaction request being associated with a charging station; determining that the user belongs to a priority charging user group, the priority charging user group being associated with or belonging to a charging station group including a plurality of charging stations, the charging station being included; prioritizing the charging transactions associated with the charging stations of the charging station group; A computer program having instructions for executing the following:

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