Smart energy meter and charging system with integrated charging stand function

Abstract

We provide a smart energy meter and charging system that integrates charging station functionality for highly efficient, intelligent, and safe charging of electric vehicles. [Solution] The smart electricity meter comprises an electricity meter body, the electricity meter body 100 including an MCU, a measurement chip, a power input terminal 17, a power output terminal, and a CP / PP module 101. The CP / PP module 101 is connected to the MCU. The CP / PP module 101 includes a CP terminal 11 and a PP terminal 12, the CP terminal 11 is configured to output a PWM signal that realizes a charge control function, and the PP terminal 12 is configured to detect the state and current capacity of the charging station. The power output terminal includes a power output terminal 13, the power output terminal 13 together with the CP terminal 11 and the PP terminal 12 to form a group of charging terminals that have a charging function. As described above, by integrating power measurement function and charge control function, a smart electricity meter with integrated charging station function can be realized at low cost, making it possible to provide better charging management and services to electric vehicle users. The electricity meter according to the present invention is an auxiliary measuring device used for electric vehicle charging and energy management purposes, and is used as a sub-electricity meter, and is not intended for use as a legally mandated measuring instrument used by power companies.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technology in the field of electricity meters, and particularly to a smart electricity meter integrated with a charging stand function and a charging system.

Background Art

[0002] In the process of the global energy structure transforming towards cleaner energy, the popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) is increasing more and more. In the conventional charging system for electric vehicles, since the electricity meter and the charging stand are configured as separate devices, there are problems such as high system cost, complex installation, and difficult maintenance and inspection.

[0003] Also, although in the minority, there is a configuration in which an electricity meter is installed inside the charging stand. For example, in the "Rail - type electricity meter with collection function" of Patent Document 1, it includes an electricity meter body installed inside the charging stand main body and a rail. The electricity meter body includes an MCU system integration chip, and the MCU system integration chip is respectively connected to an indicator light, CAN communication, an IoT module, and a communication module. With this configuration, it is possible to collect data of a general electricity meter and communicate with the charging stand main body.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, whether the charging station is installed separately from the electricity meter, or whether the electricity meter is installed inside the charging station as described above, both are expensive and have a single function, and therefore cannot fully meet users' demands for highly efficient, intelligent, and low-cost charging equipment. Furthermore, existing devices are insufficient in terms of communication methods or protocols, measurement accuracy, integration with solar power generation systems, and the ability to interact with the power grid.

[0006] Therefore, there is a strong need for new technologies that can solve the various problems mentioned above.

[0007] In view of the above, this invention was made to address the shortcomings of the prior art, and its main objective is to provide a smart energy meter and charging system with integrated charging station functionality. The smart energy meter and charging system with integrated charging station functionality of this invention integrates power measurement and charging control functions, realizing a smart energy meter with integrated charging station functionality at low cost, thereby contributing to better charging management and services for electric vehicle users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above objective, this invention employs the following technical means. The smart electricity meter with integrated charging stand functionality comprises an electricity meter unit, which includes an MCU, a measurement chip, a power input terminal, and a power output terminal. The measurement chip is connected between the power input terminal and the MCU, and the power output terminal is connected to the MCU.

[0009] The energy meter unit further includes a CP / PP module. The CP / PP module is connected to the MCU and includes CP and PP terminals. The CP terminal is configured to output a PWM signal to implement a charge control function, and the PP terminal is configured to detect the status and current capacity of the charging station. The power output terminal includes a power output terminal, which, together with the CP and PP terminals, constitutes a group of charging terminals with charging functionality. This allows for reduced system costs and easier adoption and practical implementation while meeting charging and energy management needs.

[0010] This invention has significant advantages and beneficial effects compared to the prior art. Specifically, as is evident from the above technical means, the design mainly includes a CP / PP module in addition to the main body of the power meter. The CP / PP module is connected to the MCU and includes CP terminals and PP terminals. The CP terminal is configured to output a PWM signal to realize a charge control function, and the PP terminal is configured to detect the status of the charging station and the allowable current capacity. The power output terminal includes a power output terminal, which, together with the CP terminal and PP terminal, constitutes a group of charging terminals having a charging function. With the above configuration, this invention enables the creation of a smart power meter with integrated power measurement, charge control, and charging station functions at low cost. This makes it possible to provide electric vehicle users with even better charging management and services.

[0011] To further clarify the structural features and effects of this invention, the invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings and specific embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a smart electricity meter with an integrated charging stand function according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is another perspective view of a smart electricity meter integrating a charging stand function according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is an exploded perspective view (with the terminal cover removed) of a smart electricity meter integrating a charging stand function according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a smart electricity meter with an integrated charging stand function according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration when a smart electricity meter with an integrated charging stand function, according to one embodiment of the present invention, is applied to a charging system. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a CP / PP module included in a smart electricity meter integrating a charging stand function according to one embodiment of the present invention, and it shows the connection relationship with the MCU. [Figure 7] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of CAN bus communication based on CP / PP terminals between a smart electricity meter with an integrated charging stand function according to one embodiment of the present invention and an electric vehicle. [Figure 8] This flowchart shows a switching charging method for an automatic switching mechanism when a smart electricity meter with an integrated charging station function, according to one embodiment of the present invention, charges an electric vehicle. [Figure 9] This diagram shows the exchange of information when a smart electricity meter with an integrated charging station function, according to one embodiment of the present invention, communicates with multiple systems of an electric vehicle. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, the specific configuration of an embodiment of the smart electricity meter and charging system integrating the charging stand function of the present invention is illustrated. A smart energy meter, which integrates the functions of a charging station into an energy meter, is applicable to direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC) charging applications and comprises an energy meter body 100. The energy meter body 100 includes an MCU, a measurement chip, a power input terminal 17, and a power output terminal. The measurement chip is connected between the power input terminal and the MCU, and the power output terminal is connected to the MCU. Furthermore, the energy meter body 100 further includes a communication unit (compatible with wired or wireless communication), a CP / PP module 101, and a high-frequency sampling module, integrating power measurement, charging control, high-frequency waveform sampling, and communication functions, supporting DC or AC power measurement and controlling the start and stop of charging.

[0014] The communication unit is connected to the MCU and configured to establish a communication connection with the electric vehicle charging management server and receive remote control commands. The communication unit is also configured to communicate with the power company's electricity meter and read power grid data. The electricity meter body 100 is provided with a communication unit port 14, which is connected to the MCU and then to the communication unit. The communication unit includes one or more of the following: a Wi-SUN communication module, a Wi-Fi communication module, an LTE communication module, or a LAN communication module. For example, it connects to the electric vehicle charging management server via one or more of the Wi-Fi, LTE, or LAN communication modules to receive and execute remote control commands. Furthermore, by using an arbitrarily selected Wi-SUN or Wi-Fi communication module to communicate with the power company's electricity meter and read power grid data, the charging process can be optimized.

[0015] The CP / PP module 101 is connected to the MCU, and the CP / PP module 101 includes a CP terminal 11 and a PP terminal 12. The CP terminal 11 outputs a PWM signal to realize a charging control function and is configured to control the charging current and voltage. The PP terminal 12 is configured to detect the state and current capacity of the charging stand to ensure the safety of the charging process. The power output end includes a power output terminal 13, and the power output terminal 13, together with the CP terminal 11 and the PP terminal 12, constitutes a charging terminal group with a charging function.

[0016] The high-frequency sampling module (specifically referring to the high-frequency ADC sampling module) is connected between the power input end 17 and the MCU and is configured to sample the charging voltage and current at a high frequency (for example, > 1kHz). Usually, the load characteristics are analyzed through an AI (for example: NILM) algorithm to realize the monitoring of the charging load and the function of detecting abnormal charging states. For example, the high-frequency sampling waveform can be analyzed to identify abnormal states and issue warnings or temporarily stop charging.

[0017] The electricity meter body 100 further includes an RS485 module 18. The RS485 module 18 is connected to the MCU and is configured to support communication connections with other external devices (such as a solar inverter, a weather observation device, or a PLC control unit) to realize system integration and expansion.

[0018] The electricity meter body 100 further includes a relay module. The relay module is connected between the MCU and the power output end and is configured to control the opening and closing of the circuit according to the received command.

[0019] The electricity meter body 100 further includes an LCD display screen 15 and a real-time clock. The LCD display screen 15 and the real-time clock are respectively connected to the MCU. During use, a charging mode based on the electricity amount or time can be provided, and the cumulative electricity amount, charging time, communication status, and other related information can be displayed through the LCD display screen 15.

[0020] The CP / PP module further includes a CAN transceiver chip. The CAN transceiver chip is configured for use in CAN bus-based communication with the vehicle. The CAN transceiver chip is connected to the MCU. The power meter unit 100 is equipped with an automatic switching mechanism. When it detects that the connected vehicle supports advanced communication (i.e., CAN communication), the CP terminal 11 and PP terminal 12 become channels for CAN signal transmission, establishing a CAN bus communication connection with the vehicle that supports advanced communication, realizing advanced charging functions, vehicle health checks, and battery status monitoring, and transmitting the diagnostic results to the electric vehicle charging management server. Otherwise, it maintains the conventional CP / PP control mode. The automatic switching mechanism employs methods such as a handshake protocol, voltage detection, or signal detection, and in actual design, it can be configured using one or more of these methods. Specifically, it is as follows:

[0021] In Method 1, a detection module is added to the CP / PP terminal and configured to detect whether the vehicle supports advanced communication. The detection module is connected to the MCU, and if the detection module detects that the vehicle supports advanced communication, the CP / PP terminal becomes a channel for CAN signal transmission and establishes a CAN bus communication connection (i.e., the charging system and electric vehicle charging use CAN communication directly). If the detection module detects that the vehicle does not support advanced communication, the conventional CP / PP control mode is maintained. The detection module includes a voltage detection circuit. The voltage detection circuit is configured to measure the voltage change at the CP / PP terminal and determine whether the vehicle supports advanced communication. Alternatively, the detection module includes a signal analysis unit. The signal analysis unit is configured to analyze the signal characteristics (e.g., frequency, waveform) of the CP / PP terminal. One end of the detection module is connected to the CP / PP terminal, and the other end is connected to the switching control circuit 102. The MCU has a conventional CP / PP signal connection terminal and a CAN communication connection terminal that connects to the CAN communication module. The switching control circuit switches the CP / PP terminal to connect to either the conventional CP / PP signal connection terminal or the CAN communication connection terminal based on the detection result of the detection module.

[0022] In Method 2, the automatic switching mechanism defines a specific CAN message frame to confirm the communication capabilities of both parties. For example, it performs CAN bus communication according to the ISO15764 and KWP2000 protocols, sends a specific diagnostic message frame at the handshake phase to confirm the communication capabilities of both parties, and dynamically adjusts the functional mode of the CP / PP terminals based on the detection results. In both Method 1 and Method 2, the automatic switching mechanism adjusts the hardware configuration or software protocol stack to switch functions based on the detection results (specifically, the results from the detection module or the confirmation results from the handshake).

[0023] It is necessary to explain here that the known CAN bus is a serial communication protocol widely used in fields such as automotive control, and is used for communication between automotive electronic systems. It is characterized by high reliability, strong interference resistance, and excellent real-time capabilities. In a CAN communication system, the CAN communication module is an important component. The CAN communication module includes a CAN controller and CAN transceiver chips. The CAN controller is usually integrated into a processor, microcontroller, or embedded system. Independent CAN controllers also exist and can independently transmit and receive CAN bus data. Therefore, in this invention, if the MCU integrates a CAN controller, the CAN transceiver chips are connected to the CAN controller. If the MCU does not integrate a CAN controller, a CAN communication module is added to the CP / PP terminal, and the CAN communication module includes interconnected CAN controllers and CAN transceiver chips, with the CAN controller connected to the MCU.

[0024] Next, we will explain the method for automatic switching charging. This method includes the following steps. In Step 1, connect the charging plug of the smart electricity meter to the vehicle. In step 2, the smart energy meter immediately detects the vehicle's communication capability. It can determine whether the vehicle supports CAN communication by utilizing voltage changes at the CP / PP terminals, specific signal characteristics (e.g., frequency, waveform), or a handshake signal. This means detecting whether the vehicle's communication capability supports advanced communication (CAN communication) and adaptively selecting the communication mode based on the detection result.

[0025] If the vehicle supports it, the CP / PP terminal is used as a channel for CAN signal transmission to establish a CAN bus communication connection with the vehicle. Once CAN bus communication is established, it connects to the vehicle's internal network system (i.e., the CAN network). After the smart energy meter is connected to the vehicle and starts CAN communication, the smart energy meter checks the vehicle's battery parameters (e.g., capacity, charging current, etc.) and notifies the vehicle of its own parameters (e.g., charger capacity, etc.). Then, it starts charging the vehicle (electric vehicle). In this process, the conventional CP / PP function is replaced by CAN communication, and battery status parameters are acquired in real time, and smart charging control is performed to ensure the safety and efficiency of the charging process. During charging, the smart energy meter and the vehicle monitor the charging status via CAN communication and control parameters such as the charging current to perform battery status monitoring (e.g., reading parameters such as battery SOC and SOH), fault diagnosis (e.g., obtaining vehicle fault codes and detailed information via the diagnostic protocol (UDS / KWP2000)), and advanced charging control (e.g., working in conjunction with the vehicle ECU to achieve constant current / constant voltage charging as a smart charging mode), and disconnect the connection after charging is complete.

[0026] If the vehicle is not compatible, the CP / PP terminal will maintain the conventional CP / PP control mode, begin charging the vehicle (electric vehicle), and disconnect after charging is complete.

[0027] In a charging process using CAN communication mode (or CAN communication based on CP / PP mode), the smart energy meter is in bidirectional communication with the vehicle ECU and other systems via the CAN bus interface, enabling the following functions: (1) Battery health assessment. By monitoring battery condition parameters over the long term, the health of the battery is assessed and its lifespan is predicted. (2) Anomaly detection. The system can monitor abnormalities during the charging process (e.g., overvoltage, undervoltage, overcurrent) in real time, read vehicle fault codes, and transmit alarm information via the CAN bus. By combining this with feedback information from the vehicle ECU, the charging mode can be adjusted to ensure a safe and efficient charging process. (3) Energy management. It communicates with the vehicle's energy management system via CAN bus communication and works in conjunction with the vehicle's energy management system to perform dynamic power adjustment. Based on battery information acquired via CAN communication, it optimizes the charging strategy and improves energy utilization efficiency. (4) Information acquired from the CAN bus can be uploaded to a cloud server via a wired or wireless communication module, enabling monitoring and management in a local or remote cloud (including, at a minimum, battery status monitoring, fault diagnosis and charging strategy optimization, V2H control, etc.). (5) The smart electricity meter integrates a charging station function into the electricity meter, sends a diagnostic trigger signal to the connected device via CAN communication before starting power supply, and is equipped with a diagnostic trigger control means that controls whether to allow or deny power supply based on the device's response. (6) The smart electricity meter is equipped with a response recording means that records the response with a timestamp and stores it together with the history of multiple power supply events, or outputs it to an external source.

[0028] The charging system provided by the smart energy meter and charging system integrating the charging station function of this invention includes the aforementioned smart energy meter, as well as a charging plug suitable for electric vehicles. The smart energy meter is compatible with multiple charging plugs, such as CCS1&2, CCS Type1&2, etc. The charging plug is compatible with commercially available CCS1&2, CCS Type1 and Type2, and a standard charging plug with CP and PP contacts can be directly selected. One end of the charging plug is the plug end, and the other end is the cable end. The cable end includes a charging detection control line and a charging power line, the charging detection control line is connected to the smart energy meter through the PP terminal 12 and the CP terminal 11. The charging power line is connected to the smart energy meter through the power output terminal. The energy meter body 100 and other necessary protective devices (e.g., circuit breakers, fuses, etc.) are installed in a waterproof power box. For example, a circuit breaker and / or other power protection device is connected to the power input terminal and installed in the waterproof power box together with the energy meter body 100 to ensure safety. Therefore, the present invention is easy to implement and disseminate, and it is easy to upgrade and improve existing smart energy meters. By simply connecting the smart energy meter to a standard charging plug, it is possible to provide a charging solution with high efficiency, intelligence, safety, and advanced data analysis capabilities to the vehicle charging system, and it is possible to effectively extend the functions of conventional energy meters.

[0029] Furthermore, the charging management method provided by the smart power meter and charging system integrating the charging station function of this invention is based on the aforementioned charging system and uses the smart power meter to realize power measurement, charging control, and communication functions, and exchanges data with the electric vehicle's charging management server. This method includes the following means. (a) The smart electricity meter establishes a communication connection with the electric vehicle charging management server through a communication unit, receives remote control commands, and enables remote control and status monitoring. The electric vehicle charging management server may be a server that supports OCPP or other communication protocols. (b) The smart electricity meter outputs a PWM signal through the CP terminal 11 to control the charging current and voltage. (d) The smart electricity meter diagnoses the status of the charging station and current capacity, etc. (specifically, by detection via CAN communication) through the PP terminal 12, and ensures the safety of the charging process. (e) The smart energy meter can sample charging voltage and current at high frequency (>1kHz) through a high-frequency sampling module (high-speed ADC built into the smart energy meter), acquiring charging voltage and current data in real time and obtaining high-precision voltage and current waveform data. By analyzing the high-frequency sampled waveform, abnormal conditions can be identified, and warnings can be issued or charging can be temporarily suspended. The sampled data can be uploaded to an AI cloud server via a communication unit or stored locally and analyzed by AI. For example, it can be used for advanced applications such as non-intrusive load monitoring (NILM), battery health checks, and monitoring in the charging process. The data analysis algorithm can identify charging abnormalities (overcurrent, undervoltage, power fluctuations, etc.), and if a potential danger is detected, charging can be temporarily suspended to ensure charging safety. (f) The smart electricity meter provides a billing mode based on electricity consumption and time, and displays cumulative electricity consumption, charging time, communication status, and other relevant information through the LCD display screen 15. The system calculates charges based on cumulative electricity consumption or charging time, and users can pay using the electricity consumption or time-based billing mode, accommodating different users' charging needs. In addition, communication between the smart electricity meter and the solar inverter is achieved by connecting to the solar inverter and weather observation equipment via an RS485 module. This allows for proper adjustment of electric vehicle charging using solar power and the power grid (main power input). For example, energy saving effects can be achieved by prioritizing the use of solar power. (g) Additional functions. Supports CAN communication based on CP / PP bus communication function, enabling advanced vehicle charging functions, vehicle health checks and battery status monitoring, and transmits diagnostic results to the electric vehicle charging management server. (h) A power supply device that transmits a diagnostic trigger signal to a connected device via CAN communication before starting power supply, and includes diagnostic trigger control means to control whether to allow or deny power supply based on the device's response. (i) A response recording means that records the response with a timestamp and saves it along with multiple power supply histories or outputs it externally.

[0030] In general, the smart energy meter of this invention integrates power measurement, charging control, high-frequency waveform sampling, and communication functions, resulting in a highly integrated, intelligent smart energy meter with integrated charging station functionality at a low cost. This provides electric vehicle users with a solution for highly efficient, intelligent, and safe charging, and is advantageous for realizing highly efficient electric vehicle charging management and services. Specifically, this invention has the following advantages: (1) This invention significantly reduces the overall cost of the charging station device and the electricity meter compared to conventional technologies by integrating the charging station function into the electricity meter. (2) The smart electricity meter provides CP and PP terminals, enables electric vehicle charging functionality and PWM control signal output, and is compatible with multiple charging plugs such as CCS1&2 and CCS Type1&2. (3) The smart electricity meter supports multiple communication modules and enables seamless connectivity with charging management servers, power grids, solar power generation systems, and other external devices. (4) The high-frequency waveform sampling function provides high-precision voltage and current data and supports AI analysis functions. For example, advanced applications such as non-intrusive load monitoring (NILM), battery health checks, and charging process monitoring are possible, improving charging safety and user experience. (5) CAN communication based on CP / PP bus communication function provides vehicle health diagnostic capabilities and improves charging safety and a superior user experience. (6) By combining a waterproof external box with power safety protection measures, the smart electricity meter is ensured to operate stably even in complex environments.

[0031] Furthermore, the power consumption measurement data and charging data obtained by this invention can be used as basic data for semantic conversion and control decisions in an energy management system. For example, indicators related to driving range or greenhouse gas emissions (CO2) can be generated based on the amount of electricity charged by an electric vehicle, an energy self-sufficiency rate indicator along the time axis can be generated based on household electricity usage data, or a reference indicator for evaluating the remaining charging capacity for the next charge can be generated based on electricity sales data. This makes it possible to form a processing path of "data → meaning → control". [Explanation of Symbols]

[0032] 100 Electric energy meter body 101 CP / PP Module 102 Switching control circuit 11 CP terminal 12 PP terminal 13 Power output terminals 14 Communication Unit Ports 15 LCD display screen 16 Operation Buttons 17 Power input terminal 18 RS485 modules

Claims

1. A smart electricity meter that integrates a charging stand function, including the electricity meter unit, The aforementioned power meter body includes an MCU, a measurement chip, a power input terminal, and a power output terminal. The measurement chip is connected between the power input terminal and the MCU, and the power output terminal is connected to the MCU. The aforementioned electricity meter body further includes a CP / PP module, The CP / PP module is connected to the MCU, and the CP / PP module includes a CP terminal and a PP terminal, the CP terminal is configured to output a PWM signal that realizes a charging control function, the PP terminal is configured to detect the state and current capacity of the charging stand, and the power output terminal includes a power output terminal, the power output terminal together with the CP terminal and the PP terminal constitutes a group of charging terminals with a charging function, characterized in that the smart electricity meter integrates a charging stand function.

2. The smart power meter with integrated charging stand function according to claim 1, wherein the power meter body further includes a high-frequency sampling module, the high-frequency sampling module is connected between the power input terminal and the MCU and is configured to sample the charging voltage and current at a high frequency.

3. The smart power meter integrating charging station functionality according to claim 1, characterized in that the power meter body further includes a communication unit, the communication unit is connected to the MCU and configured to establish a communication connection with an electric vehicle charging management server.

4. The smart energy meter with integrated charging stand function according to claim 1, further comprising an RS485 module, wherein the RS485 module is connected to the MCU and configured to support communication with an external device.

5. The smart power meter with integrated charging stand function according to claim 1, wherein the power meter body further includes a relay module, the relay module is connected between the MCU and the power output terminal and is configured to control the connection and disconnection of the circuit based on received commands.

6. The smart power meter with integrated charging stand function according to claim 1, further comprising a display screen and a real-time clock, wherein the display screen and the real-time clock are each connected to the MCU.

7. The smart electricity meter integrating a charging stand function according to claim 3, characterized in that the communication unit includes one or more of the following: a Wi-SUN communication module, a Wi-Fi communication module, an LTE communication module, and a LAN communication module.

8. The CP / PP module further includes a CAN transceiver chip, the CAN transceiver chip is configured to communicate with a vehicle via a CAN bus and is connected to the MCU, and the power meter body is equipped with an automatic switching mechanism, which, when it detects that the connected vehicle supports advanced communication, establishes a CAN bus communication connection with the advanced communication-enabled vehicle using the CP terminal and the PP terminal as channels for CAN signal transmission, and maintains the conventional CP / PP control mode when the vehicle does not support advanced communication, thus forming a smart power meter with integrated charging station functionality as described in claim 1.

9. A charging system comprising a smart electricity meter integrating the charging station function described in any one of claims 1 to 8, and a charging plug compatible with electric vehicles, A charging system characterized in that one end of the charging plug is a plug end and the other end is a cable end, the cable end includes a charging detection control line and a charging power line, the charging detection control line is connected to the smart electricity meter via the PP terminal and the CP terminal, and the charging power line is connected to the smart electricity meter via the power output terminal.

10. The charging system according to claim 9, characterized in that a power protection device is connected to the power input terminal and is installed together with the power meter body in a waterproof power box.

Images