Charging control unit, charging service system, and electric vehicle connection determination method

Abstract

In an environment where chargers without OCPP protocol communication capabilities are used concurrently, the objective is to perform vehicle connection verification for multiple types of chargers equivalent to that for chargers with OCPP protocol communication capabilities. [Solution] The system comprises a charging site with a public nature of semi-public or higher, a remotely installed server, multiple chargers, and a control panel. The control panel includes a protocol conversion unit that converts between OCPP-compliant protocols and non-OCPP-compliant protocols, a protocol communication generation unit for communicating with the server using an OCPP-compliant protocol, and a current sensor that acquires the instantaneous value of the current flowing through the power supply line of a Class 3 charger. The control panel communicates with the server using an OCPP-compliant protocol, using the instantaneous value of the current flowing through the power supply line at the reserved time included in the reservation information of the Class 3 charger reserved by the charger reservation application of the control panel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a charging control unit, a charging service system, and a method for determining the connection of an electric vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] In a multi-story parking lot provided with charging stands in a plurality of vehicle compartments, as a power distribution control system capable of suppressing leakage during flooding, a vehicle power supply unit installed in each of a plurality of parking sections in the multi-story parking lot including the basement floor, a power supply unit capable of supplying power to each of the vehicle power supply units, a water level detection unit installed in the basement floor of the multi-story parking lot for detecting the depth of flooding, and a power distribution control unit for controlling the power distribution from the power supply unit to the vehicle power supply unit based on the depth of flooding detected by the water level detection unit are known (see Patent Document 1 below).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, the development of chargers in recent years has been remarkable, and a plurality of types of chargers coexist at the actual charging site. Recent chargers can connect to an electric vehicle using a predetermined communication protocol to perform information communication and vehicle authentication.

[0005] However, simple chargers do not have such a protocol communication function and are basically only connected to an electric vehicle with a power supply cable. In this case, it is not possible to determine the connection of the vehicle in accordance with OCPP.

[0006] Furthermore, while OCPP has become the de facto standard overseas in recent years, in Japan, as a result of various companies developing their own communication protocols, there are a considerable number of chargers that use non-OCPP compliant protocols. These chargers cannot directly determine vehicle connection according to OCPP standards.

[0007] Therefore, while chargers are expected to be gradually replaced with OCPP-compatible models, product lifecycles are relatively long, and the legacy coexistence environment will persist for some time. In such a legacy coexistence environment, if all chargers use OCPP-compliant communication and are treated equally as chargers, the range of charger choices will broaden, improving user convenience. For example, when consumers use quasi-public charging services where they can charge their electric vehicles for a fee, having more charger options will allow them to use chargers that do not originally support OCPP communication. In addition, using existing chargers can reduce usage costs.

[0008] However, those involved in the industry, particularly charger manufacturers, have no motivation to improve this legacy coexistence environment. From their perspective, it is common sense that they want consumers to discard their old chargers and buy new ones, and they have no intention of making effective use of legacy chargers.

[0009] Therefore, at least one aspect of the problem addressed by this disclosure is to perform vehicle connection verification equivalent to that of a charger with OCPP protocol communication functionality using multiple types of chargers used in a charging service system, in an environment where chargers without OCPP protocol communication functionality are used concurrently. Furthermore, problems that are obvious to a person skilled in the art, as can be inferred from the embodiments and descriptions characteristic of this disclosure as described in the specification, drawings, etc., may also become problems that the divisional inventions should solve if a divisional application based on this disclosure is filed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The charging control unit of this disclosure is a charging service system comprising a server and a control panel, comprising: a server installed remotely from a charging site having a public nature of semi-public or greater; a plurality of chargers installed at the charging site; a control panel that can communicate with the server and control the plurality of chargers; and a computing terminal that communicates with the server and can run a charger reservation application that allows charging reservations by an authenticated account, which charges an electric vehicle using any of the chargers at a predetermined reserved time, wherein the plurality of chargers include Class 1 chargers capable of OCPP-compliant protocol communication, Class 2 chargers having non-OCPP-compliant protocol communication functionality but not OCPP-compliant protocol communication functionality, and Class 3 chargers not having protocol communication functionality, and the control panel includes a protocol conversion unit that converts between OCPP-compliant protocols and non-OCPP-compliant protocols, and a processor for communicating with the server using OCPP-compliant protocols. The system comprises a Tokoru communication generation unit and a current sensor that acquires instantaneous values ​​of current flowing through the power supply line of a Class 3 charger. It generates messages to the server including requests and responses regarding the Class 3 charger and performs OCPP-compliant protocol communication. The server receives notification from the Class 1 charger via OCPP-compliant protocol communication that a vehicle connection has been made between the reserved Class 1 charger and the electric vehicle and that preparation for charging is complete. The server also receives notification via the protocol conversion unit of the control panel, through converted non-OCPP-compliant protocol communication, that a vehicle connection has been made between the reserved Class 2 charger and the electric vehicle and that preparation for charging is complete. Furthermore, the control panel's protocol communication generation unit receives notification that a vehicle connection has been made between the reserved Class 3 charger and the electric vehicle and that preparation for charging is complete, generated using the instantaneous value of the current flowing through the power supply line at the reserved time included in the reservation information of the Class 3 charger reserved by the charger reservation application of the control panel.

[0011] Furthermore, the present disclosure's method for confirming the vehicle body connection of an electric vehicle is a method for determining electric vehicle connection in a charging service system, comprising: a charging site having a public nature of semi-public or higher, a server installed remotely, multiple chargers installed at the charging site, a control panel that can communicate with the server and controls the multiple chargers, and a computing terminal that communicates with the server and can execute a charger reservation application that allows charging reservations by an authenticated account, which charges the electric vehicle using one of the chargers at a predetermined reserved time, wherein the multiple chargers include Class 1 chargers capable of OCPP-compliant protocol communication, Class 2 chargers that do not have OCPP-compliant protocol communication functionality but have non-OCPP-compliant protocol communication functionality, and Class 3 chargers that do not have protocol communication functionality, and the control panel includes a protocol conversion unit that converts between OCPP-compliant protocols and non-OCPP-compliant protocols, a protocol communication generation unit for communicating with the server using OCPP-compliant protocols, and Class 3 The system includes a current sensor that acquires the instantaneous value of the current flowing through the power supply line of the charger, and generates a message to the server containing requests and responses regarding a Class 3 charger, and performs OCPP-compliant protocol communication. The server performs the following steps: receive notification from a Class 1 charger via OCPP-compliant protocol communication that a vehicle connection has been made between the reserved Class 1 charger and the electric vehicle and that preparation for charging is complete; receive notification via the protocol conversion unit of the control panel via the converted non-OCPP-compliant protocol communication that a vehicle connection has been made between the reserved Class 2 charger and the electric vehicle and that preparation for charging is complete; receive notification via the protocol communication generation unit of the control panel that a vehicle connection has been made between the reserved Class 3 charger and the electric vehicle and that preparation for charging is complete, which is generated using the instantaneous value of the current flowing through the power supply line at the reserved time included in the reservation information of the Class 3 charger reserved by the charger reservation application of the control panel. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to this disclosure, in an environment where chargers without OCPP protocol communication functionality are used concurrently, the objective is to perform vehicle connection verification equivalent to that of a charger with OCPP protocol communication functionality using multiple types of chargers used in a charging service system. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This refers to charging service systems operated at charging sites that have a level of public accessibility equivalent to or greater than semi-public. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the relationship between the charger (CP), which is the object of control in the charging service system controlled by the charging control unit of this disclosure, and the user and administrator terminals and server (CS). [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the power distribution configuration and control configuration of a charging service system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a sequence chart showing the communication establishment-related sequences for Class 1 and Class 2 chargers of this disclosure. [Figure 5] This is a sequence chart showing the charging initiation sequence for Class 1 and Class 2 chargers of this disclosure. [Figure 6] This is a sequence chart showing the charging completion related sequences for Class 1 and Class 2 chargers of this disclosure. [Figure 7] This is a sequence chart showing the communication establishment-related sequence for a Class III charger in this disclosure. [Figure 8] This is a sequence chart showing the charging initiation sequence for a Class III charger in this disclosure. [Figure 9] This is a sequence chart showing the charging completion sequence for a Class III charger in this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a general configuration of a charging service system including, as one embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of chargers installed at a charging site having a semi-public or higher level of publicness, a server, a control panel for controlling the plurality of chargers, and a computing terminal capable of executing a charger reservation application that allows a certified account to reserve charging of an electric vehicle using any of the chargers at a predetermined reservation time. Among the connection lines in FIG. 1, thick lines indicate power lines for transmitting power, and lines of normal thickness indicate communication lines for transmitting and receiving information.

[0015] FIG. 2 shows a relationship diagram of a charger (CP) to be controlled, terminals of users and administrators, and a server (CS) in a charging service system 1 controlled by a charging control unit 3 of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 1 shows a charging service system operated in a parking lot of an apartment as an example of a charging site having a semi-public or higher level of publicness.

[0017] In the present disclosure, "semi-public" refers to a space or place that has a certain degree of publicness or openness although it is not completely open. Specifically, it includes parking lots in apartment buildings such as condominiums, accommodation facilities such as hotels, commercial facilities such as shopping malls, medical facilities such as hospitals, government offices, public facilities such as parks, parking lots of various other facilities, offices, and parking lots of factories. These places have an intermediate nature that is neither completely public nor completely private. Also, "public" generally refers to a public space that anyone can freely access and use. Specifically, it includes public roads, parks, and parking lots of public facilities. Therefore, a charging site having a semi-public or higher level of publicness is a concept that includes places where charging can be performed using chargers installed in these semi-public places and public places.

[0018] In such a charging site with a public nature above semi-public, if a charging service is being provided, it is possible for external visitors or internal related parties to charge an electric vehicle using the charger, which is considered to contribute to the popularization of electric vehicles and, ultimately, the reduction of greenhouse gases. However, electricity is a limited resource, and also, the charging service is basically a profit-making business. Therefore, it may be possible to make the electric vehicle chargeable only for the time reserved for charging as a monetary consideration, by means of a certified account and a registered payment method. In addition, when provided as a public service, it is not necessarily required to request a consideration.

[0019] By the way, as described above, various types of chargers coexist at the actual charging site. Generally, there are chargers of four charging methods called Mode1 to 4 in the market. In the present disclosure, these four types of chargers are reclassified into the first to third types of chargers for convenience, focusing on the protocol communication function.

[0020] For example, Mode1 is a charger that performs normal charging with alternating current and can be charged with the on-vehicle cable of an electric vehicle. In this type of charger, charging control communication between the charger and the vehicle is not performed. Also, regarding Mode2, although a control box is added to the on-vehicle cable, it is common that charging control communication is not performed. In the present disclosure, chargers belonging to these Modes 1 and 2 and having no protocol communication function are called the third type of chargers. The third type of chargers is characterized by being inexpensive, having a low output but being easy to install, and being unable to communicate by the charger alone.

[0021] Next, there are chargers generally referred to as Mode 3 and 4. Mode 3, like Category 3 chargers, is for normal charging, but it can charge electric vehicles using the charger's cable. It also has a control circuit and leakage protection function, and can communicate using CPLT signals, allowing for the exchange of signals such as whether or not to start charging. Mode 4 is a fast charger, and can perform rapid charging using DC. One example is the CHAdeMO system. Some of these Mode 3 and 4 chargers are capable of non-OCPP compliant protocol communication, similar to OCPP.

[0022] For example, there is a communication protocol called ECHONET Lite (registered trademark), which is an example of a non-OCPP compliant protocol communication and was developed by a Japanese power company. Because it was mainly developed for the Japanese market, it takes a different approach from OCPP, which aims for international standardization, and while it is easier to respond to region-specific requirements and regulations, its international compatibility is limited. In this disclosure, chargers that have non-OCPP compliant protocol communication functions and do not have OCPP compliant protocol communication functions with server devices called backends or CSs, which may belong to Mode 3 to 4, are referred to as Class 2 chargers. Class 2 chargers are expensive, have high output and fast charging speeds, and some can communicate on their own and can detect the connection status with the vehicle and full charge, but they are characterized by the lack of OCPP compliant protocol communication functions.

[0023] In this disclosure, chargers having OCPP-compliant protocol communication capabilities are referred to as Class 1 chargers. Examples of Class 1 chargers include those from foreign manufacturers.

[0024] The communication functions mentioned above can basically be communication functions with server devices, also known as backend or CS. Communication functions with electric vehicles may also be included.

[0025] As described above, Modes 1 to 4 were used as examples to briefly explain the Class 1 to Class 3 chargers in this disclosure, but for example, Mode 3 does not necessarily fall under Class 2. As mentioned above, Modes 1 to 4 are merely designations for charging methods. In contrast, Classes 1 to 3 in this disclosure are classifications based on what kind of protocol communication functions are used.

[0026] In a charging service system, it is preferable that all chargers of categories 1 through 3 are available. However, as mentioned above, while the international protocol OCPP is used for charging reservations, vehicle connection confirmation, charging start instructions, and charging completion confirmation, there are chargers that do not support it. It is necessary that these chargers also be able to use OCPP for charging reservations, vehicle connection confirmation, charging start instructions, and charging completion confirmation. This will allow for service expansion by retrofitting to OCPP-incompatible chargers. This will significantly broaden the range of compatible chargers and contribute to the rapid expansion of the charging infrastructure. The specific configuration for this will be described below.

[0027] Looking again at Figures 1 and 2, the charging service system 1 according to this embodiment includes a charging control unit 3 consisting of a server 41 and a control panel 10. The server 41 is connected to the administrator's computing terminal 31, the user's computing terminal 32, and the control panel 10 via a network N such as the Internet or a VPN (Virtual Private Network) via wired or wireless communication. In this embodiment, as an example, there is one server, three chargers, one administrator's computing terminal 31, and one user's computing terminal 32, but the number of servers, chargers, administrator's computing terminals, and user's computing terminals is not limited to these.

[0028] Chargers 20a, 20b, and 20c are so-called charging stations for supplying power to the batteries of electric vehicles, such as electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles. In the embodiment shown in this figure, charger 20a is a Class 3 charger, and is also a Mode 2 charger, for example. Charger 20b is a Class 2 charger, and is also a Mode 3 charger, for example. Charger 20c is a Class 1 charger, and is also a Mode 4 charger, for example.

[0029] As illustrated in Figure 1, each charger 20 in this embodiment is capable of supplying power to one electric vehicle at a time. Since a parking lot typically has one vehicle per space, the chargers can be conveniently installed in each of the parking spaces 5a to 5c as charging interfaces for electric vehicles. Each charger 20 is also assigned a unique ID (hereinafter referred to as the charger ID), and the control panel 10 or server 41 can identify, manage, or control each charger 20. In other words, as long as there is a one-to-one correspondence between the charger ID and the electric vehicle, there are no restrictions on the parking area.

[0030] The control panel 10, as will be described later, has a power distribution configuration, as will be described later, for distributing power received from the power supply unit G to each charger 20, and may be a cabinet-type control panel installed to control the power distribution to each charger 20. The control panel 10 includes a power distribution control unit 12 and is equipped with a power distribution function and a communication function that allows communication between them. Depending on the specifications of each charger 20, communication is possible via wired or wireless connection. For example, it is possible to communicate via wired or wireless connection with a server 41 located remotely, i.e., outside the charging site 2, via a network N.

[0031] Furthermore, the control panel 10 includes a protocol conversion unit and a protocol communication generation unit, which will be described later. This enables Class 2 and Class 3 chargers to communicate in accordance with OCPP, either in practice or in a simulated manner. If a Class 2 or Class 3 charger is connected, this can be pre-configured in the control panel 10.

[0032] As shown in Figure 1, the power supply unit G of the control panel 10 is a distribution board provided for distributing power to various electrical equipment and facilities such as chargers 20. The power distribution wiring to the chargers 20 is electrically connected to the upstream side of the control panel 10, so that power can be supplied to each of the chargers 20 via the control panel 10. The upstream side of the power supply unit G is further connected to the distribution lines from the power supply company, so that it can receive the power supply necessary for the operation of the entire charging site 2 by the charging service system 1.

[0033] Server 41 is located outside the charging site 2 to comprehensively manage, control, and monitor the charging service system 1. Server 41 corresponds to the CS (Central System) as an entity in OCPP communication. Server 41 consists of one or more servers (computing devices) that execute programmed processes using a processor, and may have various arithmetic units and memory units. Server 41 is managed, for example, by a management company that manages and operates the chargers 20 at charging site 2. Note that Server 41 does not necessarily have to be a computing device constructed as a server; it may be a PC (personal computer) or an information processing terminal such as a smartphone that can connect to the network N.

[0034] The administrator's computing terminal 31 is an information processing terminal such as a PC or smartphone used by the management company. The terminal 31 is connected to the server 41 via wired or wireless connection via the network N and has the function of remotely viewing, controlling, and managing some of the functions of the server 41. Specifically, the terminal 31 may have the function of accessing the server 41 using installed dedicated application software (app) or the operating environment (API (Application Programming Interface), platform, etc.) provided by the server 41, and performing power distribution control to the charger 20 on the control panel 10, or displaying the usage status and error logs of the charger 20.

[0035] The user's computing terminal 32 is an information processing terminal such as a PC or smartphone used by users of the charger 20. Users of the charger 20 include not only users who have actually connected the charger 20 to an electric vehicle and started supplying power, but also users who have created a reservation on the server 41 for future use of the charger 20. The user's terminal 32 communicates with the server 41 via a dedicated app or API and can send and receive information such as the power supply start request including the charger ID when the charger 20 is first used, user authentication, reservation of the charger 20, payment of charging fees for the charger 20, payment methods, etc., and receive messages from the server 41 and the administrator's terminal 31.

[0036] As shown in Figure 2, the user's computing terminal 32 is used by an authenticated account corresponding to the user using the terminal. The user communicates with the server 41 using terminal 32 to make a charging reservation to charge the electric vehicle using one of the chargers at a predetermined reservation time. Such instructions can be executed using the charger reservation application installed on terminal 32.

[0037] The charging reservation and the reservation time information associated with the charging reservation are sent to the server 41, for example, via an API. The server 41, acting as a CS, communicates with each charger based on the charging reservation using a first communication protocol. The first communication protocol is, for example, OCPP.

[0038] For example, for a Class 1 charger 20c, the server 41 can simply perform OCPP communication. This communication will cause the charger 20c to charge the electric vehicle when the scheduled time arrives. This process will be described later.

[0039] For example, for a Class 2 charger 20b, the control panel 10 performs OCPP communication with the server 41 on behalf of the charger. In doing so, it converts the OCPP communication message received from the server 41 into a second communication protocol, which is a non-OCPP compliant communication protocol, and then transmits the message. Through this communication, charging of the electric vehicle from the charger 20c occurs when the scheduled time arrives.

[0040] For example, for a Class 3 charger 20c, the control panel 10 performs OCPP communication with the server 41 on behalf of the charger. In this process, necessary information such as sensors attached to the charger 20a and the reserved time transmitted from the user's terminal 32 is used to conduct communication that simulates OCPP. Through this communication, charging of the electric vehicle from the charger 20c begins when the reserved time arrives.

[0041] In this way, the server 41 directly communicates with the Class 1 charger 20c, the control panel 10 converts the OCPP communication with the server 41 to non-OCPP communication for the Class 2 charger 20b, and the control panel 10 communicates with the server 41 for the Class 3 charger 20a. This effectively enables OCPP communication for any of the Class 1 to Class 3 chargers.

[0042] Next, with reference to Figure 3, the details of the power distribution configuration and power distribution control of the charging service system 1 will be described in detail below. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the power distribution configuration and control configuration of a charging service system according to one embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 3, thick lines indicate power lines for transmitting power, lines of normal thickness indicate communication lines for sending and receiving information between devices, and dashed lines indicate communication lines for sending and receiving information for control within the devices.

[0043] First, the details of the power distribution configuration of the charging service system 1 will be explained below. Note that the power supply and its control in the control panel 10 will be referred to as "power distribution," and the power supply and its control in the charger 20 will be referred to as "power supply."

[0044] In addition to the aforementioned power distribution control unit 12, the control panel 10 includes, as part of its power distribution configuration, a main circuit breaker 13, earth leakage circuit breakers 14a, 14b, and 14c (hereinafter referred to collectively as earth leakage circuit breaker 14 when individual distinction is not necessary), a circuit protection circuit breaker 17, relays 15 such as electromagnetic relays, and a current sensor 19.

[0045] The main circuit breaker 13 is electrically connected to the power supply unit G on the upstream side and to the busbar 16 on the downstream side by cables or the like. The busbar 16 is connected to branch lines equal to the number of chargers 20 (3 in Figure 2), and the downstream configuration of each branch line may differ according to the classification of each charger. Branch lines corresponding to Class 1 chargers 20c and Class 2 chargers 20b may be provided with earth leakage circuit breakers 14b and 14c, respectively. Branch lines corresponding to Class 3 chargers 20a may be provided with circuit protection circuit breakers 17, such as a circuit protector or ELB. In addition, each branch line is connected to wiring 18a, 18b, and 18c (hereinafter referred to collectively as wiring 18 when there is no need to distinguish them individually) leading to each charger 20. In the wiring 18a of Class 3 charger 20a, a current sensor 19 for measuring the current of the power supply line and a relay 15 may be provided between the circuit protection circuit breaker 17 and the earth leakage circuit breaker 14a.

[0046] With the above configuration, the power from the power supply unit G is distributed to the charger 20 via the main circuit breaker 13, branch lines, and each main circuit breaker of the control panel 10. In addition, although not shown in the figure, the control panel 10 may also have a current sensor installed in the wiring 18b of the Class 2 charger 20b. The current sensor 19 can be of various types, such as a non-contact clamp-type ammeter using a magnetic sensor or a shunt current sensor with a shunt resistor connected in series. The current sensor 19 only needs to be able to acquire the instantaneous value (A) of the current supplied by the charger 20 to the electric vehicle. It may also be able to acquire the integrated current value (A·h) obtained by accumulating the instantaneous current value over time, or the integrated power value (W·h) over time.

[0047] The main circuit breaker 13 and the earth leakage circuit breaker 14 are provided for the purpose of protecting the entire downstream circuit. These main circuit breaker 13 and earth leakage circuit breaker 14 may be of the normally closed (NC) type and are automatically controlled to open in the event of an earth leakage abnormality.

[0048] The charger 20c may include a charger switch (not shown), a charger control unit 21c (simply labeled as control unit 21c in Figure 3), a charger communication unit 22c (simply labeled as communication unit 22c in Figure 3), an AC / DC converter, a power supply cable, and a power supply plug 26c provided at the end of the power supply cable and connectable to an electric vehicle. The charger switch is electrically connected to the wiring 18c from the control panel 10 on its upstream side, and to the upstream side of the AC / DC converter on its downstream side. The downstream side of the AC / DC converter is electrically connected to the power supply cable. The charger 20c can communicate independently with an external device such as a server 41 via wireless or wired telecommunications lines using the charger communication unit 22c. This enables OCPP protocol communication.

[0049] The charger 20b can have the same hardware configuration as 20c, except for the communication protocol and AC / DC conversion function, so its description is omitted. The charger 20b shown in Figure 3 is a so-called standard charger, which does not have the function of converting AC power input to the charger into DC power for output. The charger 20b can communicate with the control panel 10 wirelessly or via a wired telecommunications line using the charger communication unit 22b. For example, the control panel 10 has a communication function equipped with an LTE module, and is connected to the charger 20b via a wired connection using a LAN cable, etc.

[0050] Charger 20a is a type of charger that does not have AC / DC conversion functionality and does not have protocol communication functionality.

[0051] The power distribution control unit 12 may have a function to control power distribution according to the functions of each charger 20, as described later, based on information and measurements received from the server 41 and the charger 20. The power distribution control unit 12 may control the communication functions inside the control panel 10, as well as the power distribution functions of the main circuit breaker 13, earth leakage circuit breaker 14, relay 15, circuit protection circuit breaker 17, current sensor 19, etc. The power distribution control unit 12 may consist of, for example, a computer circuit board including a processor, memory, communication port, etc., and control electronic components such as relays and switches.

[0052] The power distribution control unit 12 may control the on (continuity) and off (shut-off) of power distribution from the control panel 10 to each charger 20 by controlling the open / closed states of the main circuit breaker 13, earth leakage circuit breaker 14, relay 15, circuit protection circuit breaker 17, etc. For example, if the power distribution control unit 12 receives power distribution permission information from the server 41, the power distribution control unit 12 will start power distribution according to the above control, and if power distribution is not permitted, power distribution to the charger 20 will be turned off (shut-off).

[0053] Furthermore, the power distribution control unit 12 can also control the power supply to each wiring to stop if the power distribution in the control panel 10 or the power supply in the charger 20 is not functioning correctly. The power distribution control unit 12 also has a function to acquire the operation and status of each circuit breaker, etc., and stores this information in a memory unit (not shown). This information on operating status, etc., may also be acquired by the server 41 via a communication function.

[0054] The charger control units of Class 1 and Class 2 may acquire information on the operating status of each part of the charger and the electric vehicle to which the power supply plug is connected, control the operation of the AC / DC converter, and have functions for measuring various electrical quantities such as instantaneous current values, integrated current values, and integrated power. Specifically, they may acquire information such as the connection status of the power supply plug to the electric vehicle, the charging status of the electric vehicle's battery (including full charge information), the open / closed status of the charger switch including leakage detection information, and the operating status of the AC / DC converter. The charger control unit 22 may consist of, for example, a computer circuit board including a processor, memory, and communication ports, and control electronic components such as relays and switches.

[0055] Next, the details of the power distribution control function and processing flow of the charging service system 1 will be explained using Figure 3 and the sequence chart shown below.

[0056] Figure 4 is a sequence chart showing the typical OCPP communication exchange when establishing an OCPP connection, and corresponds to the communication between the Class 1 charger 20c and the server 41 in this disclosure. This figure shows the communication initialization and subsequent periodic communication between the charge point (CP) and the central system (CS). As an initialization sequence, first a WebSocket connection is established. Next, the CP sends a boot notification to the CS. Here, since OCPP messages consist of a one-to-one request and response, the CS responds. This completes the exchange of one message. Therefore, the description of the response will be omitted in the following explanation. Next, the CS sends a status notification (available) to the CP. Next, the CP sends periodic operation notifications to the CS as a health check. The CP also sends measured values ​​to the CS as appropriate. Once this series of exchanges has taken place, the OCPP connection is successful.

[0057] After the OCPP connection is successfully established, the CP and CS may communicate periodically. For example, this could include sending periodic operation notifications or measurement data.

[0058] Figure 5, like Figure 4, is a sequence chart of a normal OCPP communication showing the charging initiation sequence, and corresponds to the communication between the Class 1 charger 20c and the server 41 in this disclosure. First, as part of the charging initiation process, the user connects the electric vehicle to the charger. Next, the CP may send a status notification (ready) to the CS. This notifies that the charger has entered a charging preparation state. Then, the user operates the terminal 32 to support the start of charging. In response, the CS sends a charging start notification to the CP.

[0059] As shown in Figure 3, the server 41 primarily communicates with the power distribution control unit 12 to turn the power distribution to the charger 20 on (continuity) and off (cutoff). The server 41 also has the function of sending and receiving information regarding the use of the charger 20 between the administrator terminal 31 and the user terminal 32 via the network N. Therefore, when a user supplies power to an electric vehicle as described above, the server 41 receives a power supply start request from the user terminal 32 indicating that the user wants to start supplying power to the charger 20c. The power supply start request includes the charger ID of the charger 20c. The server 41 then performs user authentication based on user information stored in the server 41, and generates power distribution permission information that authorizes power distribution to the charger 20c based on the charger ID in the power supply start request, and sends it to the power distribution control unit 12. The server 41 also generates billing information that links the charger ID of the charger 20c with the user. Server 41 can also obtain information on the power supply status of the charger 20c to electric vehicles via network communication, and update and manage billing information.

[0060] Returning to Figure 5, after the CS signals the start of charging to the CP, the CP begins charging and notifies the CS of the start of charging. It also notifies the CS that it is charging and sends measured values ​​as needed. This puts the device into the charging state.

[0061] Figure 6, similar to Figures 4 and 5, is a sequence chart of normal OCPP communication showing the sequence of changes to the charging schedule and the completion of charging, and corresponds to the communication between the Class 1 charger 20c and the server 41 in this disclosure. First, when changing the output such as charging power, the CS sends a charging schedule setting to the CP during charging. The charging schedule setting may be a change (extension or shortening) of the charging schedule.

[0062] Furthermore, if the user initiates a charging stop operation, a charging stop instruction is sent from the CS to the CP. The CP stops charging and sends a charging completion notification. It also sends a status notification (from charging complete to preparing). When the charger 20c detects that the user has disconnected from the vehicle, the CP sends a status notification (available) to the CS.

[0063] Through the OCPP communication described above, Class 1 chargers can perform processes from establishing a connection to starting and ending charging. Similarly, Class 2 chargers can also simulate OCPP communication between CS and CP by converting from OCPP-compliant protocol communication to non-OCPP-compliant protocol communication using the protocol conversion unit 121 shown in Figure 3.

[0064] The protocol conversion unit 121 is a unit that functions as an "interpreter" between OCPP and non-OCPP protocols through dedicated hardware or software processing. For example, specific means such as a protocol conversion gateway or API adapter may be employed. The non-OCPP protocols that can be converted to OCPP are basically those that have the same purpose, which is charging electric vehicles, thereby ensuring similarity for conversion. ECHONET Lite (registered trademark) is an example, though not an exhaustive one.

[0065] However, Class 3 chargers do not have the same protocol communication functions as Class 1 and Class 2 chargers mentioned above. Therefore, they do not have the function to notify that a connection has been made to the electric vehicle body, and thus cannot perform the series of OCPP communications described above.

[0066] Therefore, for Class 3 chargers, the control panel 10 has an entity that acts as a CP (Control Panel) and communicates with the CS (Control System). As shown in Figure 3, the control panel 10 has a protocol communication generation unit 122 in the power distribution control unit 12. The protocol communication generation unit 122, through dedicated hardware or software processing, acts as a CP, responding to requests received from the CS, or sending requests to the CS and receiving responses.

[0067] Figure 7 is a sequence chart showing the OCPP communication exchange when establishing an OCPP connection, and corresponds to the communication between the Class 3 charger 20c and the server 41 via the control panel 10 in this disclosure. In this figure, the processing of the control panel 10 is described by dividing it into entities that play the roles of ChargePoint:CP and MeterProcess:MP. CP is the main process of the software within the control panel 10, and MP is the process that handles power-related processing in the software within the control panel 10. CP and CS are defined in OCPP, but MP is an entity created for this disclosure. The entity of MP may be a method in which the control panel 10 communicates with the MP as a virtual partner internally, or it may be a method in which it actually communicates with measuring instruments such as current monitors and power monitors.

[0068] In Figure 7, the content of the initialization communication is the same as in Figure 4, so the explanation is omitted. In periodic communication, for example, the CP requests the MP to provide the integrated current value every hour, and the MP responds with the measured value. The measured current can be obtained from the current sensor 19 shown in Figure 3, and the MP can obtain this measured value.

[0069] Figure 8 is a sequence chart showing the charging start sequence, which corresponds to the communication between the Class III charger 20a and the server 41 via the control panel 10 in this disclosure. In this figure, first, before or after the CP status becomes available, a charging reservation is created or updated, and the charging schedule is set. This setting of the charging schedule is due to the user making a charging reservation, and the server 41 communicates with the CP as the CS. Then, when the reserved time arrives, the control panel 10 operates the relay 15 of the branch line via the power distribution control unit 12 to start supplying current to the power supply line. In this figure, "relay ON" is written as an example, indicating that the latching relay used as a relay is in the ON state. If there are multiple channels, power supply may be started for each channel.

[0070] When the relay is turned ON, current flows in the branch lines of the power supply line. Each value of this current can be obtained by the current sensor 19. The CP of the control panel 10 requests the MP to provide a measurement of the instantaneous value of the current. In response, the MP obtains the instantaneous value of the current from the current sensor 19 and transmits it as a measurement. Here, if the instantaneous value is above a certain current value (A), the vehicle connected to the charger 20a is considered to be an electric vehicle, and the CP of the control panel 10 may send a status notification (preparing) to the CS. Specifically, an electric vehicle may be considered to be connected to the charger 20a when the instantaneous value of the current is 6A or higher. Furthermore, it may also be considered to be when the instantaneous value of the current is 6A or higher for a certain period of time (s) or longer. This allows a charger that does not have a protocol communication function or a vehicle connection notification function to communicate with the central management system via OCPP that a vehicle connection has been made.

[0071] Figure 9 is a sequence chart showing the sequence related to the end of charging, and corresponds to the communication between the Class III charger 20a and the server 41 via the control panel 10 in this disclosure. In this figure, when charging ends, similar to when charging starts, a charging reservation is created or updated before or after the CP state is in the charging state, and the charging schedule setting is deleted. This deletion of the charging schedule setting is caused by the user's operation to end or cancel charging, and the server 41 communicates with the CP as the CS. Here, the charging schedule is deleted for the purpose of charging, but the charging schedule setting may also be a change (extension or shortening) of the charging schedule. When the charging schedule setting is deleted, the control panel 10 stops the supply of current to the power line by operating the branch line relay 15 via the power distribution control unit 12. In this figure, it is written as relay OFF as an example, indicating that the latching relay used as a switch is in the OFF state. The CP of the control panel 10 requests the MP to obtain the measured value and sends the end of charging to the CS. It also sends a status notification (charging complete).

[0072] Normally, this completes the charging process. However, if the charge schedule setting deletion is not received even after the scheduled time has passed, it is possible that some kind of error has occurred, and for safety reasons, the following steps may be taken. As above, the relay is turned OFF, and the CP of the control panel 10 sends a charging completion status notification (charging complete).

[0073] Then, the CP of the control panel 10 requests the MP to measure an instantaneous value, and if the instantaneous value is below a predetermined value (A), it sends a status notification (available) to the CS, indicating that the electric vehicle's body connection has been released. This allows for OCPP communication with the central management system even regarding the release of the electric vehicle's body connection.

[0074] In addition, the server 41 may have a function to monitor abnormalities in the current values ​​of each branch line based on the current information obtained via the control panel 10, and to send notifications of power supply stoppage to the terminals 32 of users using the charger 20 and the terminal 31 of the administrator. It may also send notifications when current stops flowing due to a full charge state or when an abnormal shutdown occurs.

[0075] Furthermore, the server 41 may have a function to monitor the consistency between the on / off instructions to the power distribution control unit 12 and the actual operating status based on the current information of each branch line, detect system errors in the power distribution control unit 12 or communication lines, and send a notification to the administrator's terminal 31. In addition, the server 41 may have a function to calculate the amount of power supplied to the electric vehicles and generate billing information based on the current information of each branch line.

[0076] As explained above, according to this disclosure, in an environment where chargers without OCPP protocol communication functionality are used concurrently, vehicle connection verification equivalent to that performed with chargers having OCPP protocol communication functionality can be performed using multiple types of chargers used in the charging service system.

[0077] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents.

[0078] Some embodiments and other practices of this disclosure may, at their discretion, include one or more of the following features:

[0079] In some embodiments, the charging service system may include a charging site having a public nature of semi-public or greater, a server installed remotely, multiple chargers installed at the charging site, a control panel that can communicate with the server and control the multiple chargers, and a computing terminal that communicates with the server and can run a charger reservation application that allows charging reservations by an authenticated account, which charges an electric vehicle using one of the chargers at a predetermined reserved time.

[0080] In some embodiments, the protocol communication generation unit uses the integrated value of the current measured by the current sensor to send a message for OCPP-compliant protocol communication to the server.

[0081] In some embodiments, Class 2 chargers are equipped with a function for measuring the integrated value of current, The protocol conversion unit converts a message using a non-OCPP compliant protocol that includes the integrated value of current to a message using an OCPP compliant protocol that also includes the integrated value of current, and sends it to the server.

[0082] In some embodiments, the protocol communication generation unit uses the integrated value of the current measured by the current sensor to send a message for OCPP-compliant protocol communication to the server, notifying it of operation at regular time intervals.

[0083] In some embodiments, the protocol conversion unit converts a message sent to the server via a non-OCPP compliant protocol that includes the integrated value of current, which notifies the server of operation at regular time intervals, into a message via an OCPP compliant protocol that also includes the integrated value of current, and then sends it.

[0084] In some embodiments, the protocol communication generation unit uses the instantaneous value of the current flowing through the power line at the reserved time included in the reservation information of the Class 3 charger reserved by the charger reservation application to send a message for OCPP-compliant protocol communication to the server notifying it that the vehicle connection between the reserved Class 3 charger and the electric vehicle has been disconnected.

[0085] In some embodiments, the protocol conversion unit converts a message in a non-OCPP-compliant protocol, which notifies the server that the vehicle connection between the Class 2 charger and the electric vehicle has been disconnected, into a message in an OCPP-compliant protocol and sends it.

[0086] In some embodiments, a charging service system may include a charging site having a public nature of semi-public or greater, a server installed remotely, a charger installed at the charging site, a control panel that can communicate with the server and controls the charger, and a computing terminal that communicates with the server and charges an electric vehicle using one of the chargers at a predetermined reserved time, wherein the charger includes a charger that does not have a protocol communication function, and the control panel includes a protocol communication generation unit for communicating with the server using an OCPP-compliant protocol, generating messages to the server including requests and responses regarding the charger, and performing OCPP-compliant protocol communication, and the reserved charger charges the electric vehicle at the reserved time of the charger. In other words, the server and the control panel may be configured to enable OCPP-compliant protocol communication for at least Class 3 chargers in this disclosure.

[0087] While several implementations have been described and presented herein, various other means and / or structures may be used to perform the functions and / or obtain one or more of the results and / or benefits described herein, and each of such variations and / or modifications is considered to be within the scope of the implementations described herein. More generally, it is meant that all parameters, dimensions, materials and configurations described herein are illustrative, and the actual parameters, dimensions, materials and / or configurations will depend on the specific one or more applications in which this / these teachings are used. Those skilled in the art will be able to recognize and confirm many equivalents to the specific implementations described herein simply by using customary experimentation. Thus, it should be understood that the aforementioned implementations are presented merely as examples, and within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents, implementations may be practiced in ways other than those specifically described and claimed. The implementations of this disclosure cover the individual features, systems, articles, materials, kits and / or methods described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods is included within the scope of this disclosure, provided that such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods are not mutually inconsistent. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0088] 1: Charging Service System 2: Charging site 5a, 5b, 5c: Vehicle stopping zones 10: Control Panel 12: Power Distribution Control Unit 13: Main circuit breaker 14a, 14b, 14c: Earth leakage circuit breaker 15: Relay 16: bus bar 17: Circuit breaker for protection 18a, 18b, 18c: Wiring 19: Current sensor 20a, 20b, 20c: Charger 21a, 21b, 21c: Charger control unit 22a, 22b, 22c: Charger communication section 26a, 26b, 26c: Vehicle-side power supply cable unit 31: Administrator's computing terminal 32: User's computing terminal 41: Server G: Power supply section N: Network

Claims

1. A charging site with a level of public accessibility beyond semi-public, and a remotely located server, The charging site will be installed, Multiple chargers, A control panel that can communicate with the server and controls the multiple chargers, A charging control unit for a charging service system, comprising the server and the control panel, including a computing terminal capable of running a charger reservation application that allows charging reservations by an authenticated account, which communicates with the server and charges an electric vehicle using one of the chargers at a predetermined reserved time, The aforementioned multiple chargers A Class 1 charger capable of OCPP-compliant protocol communication, A Class 2 charger that does not have OCPP-compliant protocol communication functionality, but has non-OCPP-compliant protocol communication functionality, Includes a Class 3 charger that does not have protocol communication functionality, The aforementioned control panel is A protocol conversion unit that converts between the aforementioned OCPP-compliant protocol and a non-OCPP-compliant protocol, A protocol communication generation unit for performing OCPP-compliant protocol communication with the aforementioned server, The device comprises a current sensor that acquires the instantaneous value of the current flowing through the power supply line of the aforementioned Class 3 charger, The system generates a message to the server containing requests and responses regarding the third type of charger, and performs OCPP-compliant protocol communication. The aforementioned server, Through the aforementioned OCPP-compliant protocol communication, the system receives notification from the Class 1 charger that a vehicle connection has been established between the reserved Class 1 charger and the electric vehicle, and that preparations for charging are complete. The protocol conversion unit of the control panel receives notification via the converted non-OCPP compliant protocol communication that a vehicle connection has been made between the reserved Class 2 charger and the electric vehicle and that preparation for charging is complete, and also, A charging control unit that receives a notification from the protocol communication generation unit of the control panel that a vehicle connection has been made between the reserved Class 3 charger and the electric vehicle and that preparation for charging is complete, which is generated using the instantaneous value of the current flowing through the power supply line at the reserved time included in the reservation information of the Class 3 charger reserved by the charger reservation application of the control panel.

2. The charging control unit according to claim 1, wherein the protocol communication generation unit uses the integrated value of the current measured by the current sensor to send a message for OCPP-compliant protocol communication to the server.

3. The aforementioned Class 2 charger is equipped with a function for measuring the integrated value of current, The protocol conversion unit converts the message in the non-OCPP-compliant protocol, which includes the integrated value of the current, into a message in the OCPP-compliant protocol, which also includes the integrated value of the current, and sends it to the server. Also, The charging control unit according to claim 1, wherein the protocol communication generation unit uses the integrated value of the current measured by the current sensor to send a message for OCPP-compliant protocol communication to the server.

4. The charging control unit according to claim 2, wherein the protocol communication generation unit uses the integrated value of the current measured by the current sensor to send a message to the server for OCPP-compliant protocol communication that notifies it of operation at regular time intervals.

5. The protocol conversion unit converts a message in the non-OCPP compliant protocol that includes the integrated value of the current, which notifies the server of operation at regular time intervals, into a message in the OCPP compliant protocol that includes the integrated value of the current, and transmits it. Also, The charging control unit according to claim 3, wherein the protocol communication generation unit uses the integrated value of the current measured by the current sensor to send a message to the server for OCPP-compliant protocol communication that notifies it of operation at regular time intervals.

6. The charging control unit according to claim 1, wherein the protocol communication generation unit uses the instantaneous value of the current flowing through the power supply line at the reserved time included in the reservation information of the Class 3 charger reserved by the charger reservation application to send a message for OCPP-compliant protocol communication to the server notifying it that the vehicle connection between the reserved Class 3 charger and the electric vehicle has been disconnected.

7. The protocol conversion unit converts the message in the non-OCPP-compliant protocol, which notifies the server that the vehicle connection between the second-class charger and the electric vehicle has been disconnected, into a message in the OCPP-compliant protocol and sends it. Also, The charging control unit according to claim 6, wherein the protocol communication generation unit uses the instantaneous value of the current flowing through the power supply line at the reserved time included in the reservation information of the Class 3 charger reserved by the charger reservation application to send a message for OCPP-compliant protocol communication to the server notifying it that the vehicle connection between the reserved Class 3 charger and the electric vehicle has been disconnected.

8. A charging site with a level of public accessibility beyond semi-public, and a remotely located server, The charging site will be installed, Multiple chargers, A control panel that can communicate with the server and controls the multiple chargers, A charging service system comprising a computing terminal capable of running a charger reservation application that allows charging reservations by an authenticated account, which communicates with the server and charges an electric vehicle using one of the chargers at a predetermined reserved time, The aforementioned multiple chargers A Class 1 charger capable of OCPP-compliant protocol communication, A Class 2 charger that does not have OCPP-compliant protocol communication functionality, but has non-OCPP-compliant protocol communication functionality, Includes a Class 3 charger that does not have protocol communication functionality, The aforementioned control panel is A protocol conversion unit that converts between the aforementioned OCPP-compliant protocol and a non-OCPP-compliant protocol, A protocol communication generation unit for performing OCPP-compliant protocol communication with the aforementioned server, The device comprises a current sensor that acquires the instantaneous value of the current flowing through the power supply line of the aforementioned Class 3 charger, The system generates a message to the server containing requests and responses regarding the third type of charger, and performs OCPP-compliant protocol communication. The aforementioned server, Through the aforementioned OCPP-compliant protocol communication, the system receives notification from the Class 1 charger that a vehicle connection has been established between the reserved Class 1 charger and the electric vehicle, and that preparations for charging are complete. The protocol conversion unit of the control panel receives notification via the converted non-OCPP compliant protocol communication that a vehicle connection has been made between the reserved Class 2 charger and the electric vehicle and that preparation for charging is complete, and also, A charging service system that receives a notification from the protocol communication generation unit of the control panel that a vehicle connection has been made between the reserved Class 3 charger and the electric vehicle and that preparation for charging is complete, which is generated using the instantaneous value of the current flowing through the power supply line at the reserved time included in the reservation information of the Class 3 charger reserved by the charger reservation application of the control panel.

9. A charging site with a level of public accessibility beyond semi-public, and a remotely located server, The charging site will be installed, Multiple chargers, A control panel that can communicate with the server and controls the multiple chargers, A method for determining electric vehicle connection in a charging service system, comprising: a computing terminal capable of running a charger reservation application that allows charging reservations by an authenticated account, which communicates with the server and charges an electric vehicle using one of the chargers at a predetermined reserved time; The aforementioned multiple chargers A Class 1 charger capable of OCPP-compliant protocol communication, A Class 2 charger that does not have OCPP-compliant protocol communication functionality, but has non-OCPP-compliant protocol communication functionality, Includes a Class 3 charger that does not have protocol communication functionality, The aforementioned control panel is A protocol conversion unit that converts between the aforementioned OCPP-compliant protocol and a non-OCPP-compliant protocol, A protocol communication generation unit for performing OCPP-compliant protocol communication with the aforementioned server, The device comprises a current sensor that acquires the instantaneous value of the current flowing through the power supply line of the aforementioned Class 3 charger, The system generates a message to the server containing requests and responses regarding the third type of charger, and performs OCPP-compliant protocol communication. The aforementioned server, The OCPP-compliant protocol communication is used to perform the step of receiving notification from the Class 1 charger that a vehicle connection has been established between the reserved Class 1 charger and the electric vehicle and that preparation for charging is complete. The control panel performs the step of receiving notification via the converted non-OCPP compliant protocol communication that a vehicle connection has been made between the reserved Class 2 charger and the electric vehicle and that preparation for charging is complete, and also, An electric vehicle connection determination method, comprising the step of receiving a notification that a vehicle connection has been made between the reserved charger of type 3 and the electric vehicle and that preparation for charging has been completed, which is generated by the protocol communication generation unit of the control panel using the instantaneous value of the current flowing through the power supply line at the reserved time included in the reservation information of the charger of type 3 reserved by the charger reservation application of the control panel.

10. A charging site with a level of public accessibility beyond semi-public, and a remotely located server, The charging site will be installed, Charger and A control panel that can communicate with the aforementioned server and controls the charger, A charging service system comprising a computing terminal that communicates with the server and charges an electric vehicle using one of the chargers at a predetermined reserved time, The aforementioned charger, Includes chargers that do not have protocol communication capabilities, The aforementioned control panel is The system includes a protocol communication generation unit for performing OCPP-compliant protocol communication with the aforementioned server, The system generates a message to the server containing requests and responses regarding the charger, and performs OCPP-compliant protocol communication. A charging service system in which, at the reserved time for the charger, the reserved charger charges the electric vehicle.

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