Charging control unit, charging service system, and method for determining connection of electric vehicle

Abstract

In an environment where chargers without OCPP protocol communication functions are used together, vehicle connection checks must be performed for multiple types of chargers in the same way as for chargers with OCPP protocol communication functions. [Solution] The system comprises a charging site that is semi-public or more public, a remotely installed server, multiple chargers, and a control panel. The control panel comprises a protocol conversion unit that converts between OCPP-compliant protocols and non-OCPP-compliant protocols, a protocol communication generation unit for performing OCPP-compliant protocol communication with the server, and a current sensor that acquires the instantaneous value of the current flowing in the power supply line of a Class 3 charger. OCPP-compliant protocol communication is performed with the server using the instantaneous value of the current flowing in the power supply line at the reservation time included in the reservation information for the Class 3 charger reserved by the charger reservation application in the control panel.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a charging control unit, a charging service system, and an electric vehicle connection determination method. [Background technology]

[0002] A known power distribution control system that can suppress the occurrence of electric leakage during flooding in a multi-story parking garage where charging stands are installed in multiple vehicle compartments is one that includes a vehicle power supply unit installed in each of the multiple parking spaces in the multi-story parking garage, including the basement floor; a power supply unit that can supply power to each of the vehicle power supply units; a water level detection unit installed in the basement floor of the multi-story parking garage to detect the depth of flooding; and a power distribution control unit that controls the distribution of power from the power supply unit to the vehicle power supply unit based on the depth of flooding detected by the water level detection unit (see Patent Document 1 below). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-032192 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, the development of chargers has been remarkable in recent years, and multiple types of chargers coexist at actual charging sites. Recent chargers use a specific communication protocol to connect to the electric vehicle and the vehicle body, and can communicate information and perform vehicle authentication.

[0005] However, simple chargers do not have such protocol communication functions and are basically only connected to electric vehicles via a power supply cable, so in this case it is not possible to determine whether a vehicle is connected in accordance with OCPP.

[0006] Furthermore, while OCPP has become the de facto standard overseas in recent years, in Japan, various companies have independently developed communication protocols, resulting in a significant number of chargers that use non-OCPP-compliant protocols. For these, too, it is not possible to directly determine vehicle connection in accordance with OCPP.

[0007] Therefore, chargers are expected to be gradually replaced with OCPP-compliant models, but product lifecycles are relatively long, so the legacy coexistence environment will continue 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 expand and user convenience will improve. For example, when consumers use semi-public charging services that allow them to charge electric vehicles for a fee, the increased choice of chargers will allow them to use chargers that do not originally support OCPP communication. Furthermore, using existing chargers will reduce usage costs.

[0008] However, charger manufacturers, in particular, have no motivation to improve this legacy coexistence environment. From their perspective, it is clear from common technical knowledge that they want consumers to discard the chargers they have already purchased and purchase new chargers, and they have no intention of making effective use of legacy chargers.

[0009] Therefore, at least one aspect of the problem to be solved by the present disclosure is to perform vehicle connection confirmation 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 also used. Note that problems that are obvious to a person skilled in the art and can be read from the embodiments and explanations characteristic of the present disclosure described in the specification, drawings, etc. of the present disclosure may also become problems to be solved by a divided invention if a divisional application based on the present disclosure is filed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The charging control unit of the present disclosure is a charging control unit including a server and a control panel for a charging service system including a charging site having semi-public or higher publicity and a server installed remotely, a plurality of chargers installed at the charging site, a control panel capable of communicating with the server and controlling the plurality of chargers, and a computing terminal capable of executing a charger reservation application that communicates with the server and charges an electric vehicle using any of the chargers at a predetermined reservation time, and that allows charging reservations to be made by an authenticated account, wherein the plurality of chargers include a first type of charger capable of OCPP-compliant protocol communication, a second type of charger that does not have an OCPP-compliant protocol communication function and has a non-OCPP-compliant protocol communication function, and a third type of charger that does not have a protocol communication function, and the control panel has a protocol conversion unit that converts between the OCPP-compliant protocol and the non-OCPP-compliant protocol and a protocol conversion unit for performing OCPP-compliant protocol communication with the server. The device comprises a protocol communication generation unit and a current sensor that acquires the instantaneous value of the current flowing in the power supply line of the Class 3 charger, and generates a message including a request and response regarding the Class 3 charger to a server and performs OCPP-compliant protocol communication. The server receives a notification from the Class 1 charger via OCPP-compliant protocol communication that the reserved Class 1 charger has been connected to the electric vehicle and preparations for charging have been completed, and also receives a notification via converted non-OCPP-compliant protocol communication by the protocol conversion unit of the control panel that the reserved Class 2 charger has been connected to the electric vehicle and preparations for charging have been completed, and also receives a notification by the protocol communication generation unit of the control panel that the reserved Class 3 charger has been connected to the electric vehicle and preparations for charging have been completed, which notification is generated by the protocol communication generation unit of the control panel using the instantaneous value of the current flowing in the power supply line at the reservation time included in the reservation information for the Class 3 charger reserved by the charger reservation application of the control panel.

[0011] The vehicle body connection confirmation method of the present disclosure is a method for determining connection of an electric vehicle in a charging service system including a charging site that is semi-public or more public and a server installed remotely, a plurality of chargers installed at the charging site, a control panel that can communicate with the server and controls the plurality of chargers, and a computing terminal that can execute a charger reservation application that communicates with the server and allows charging of an electric vehicle using any of the chargers at a predetermined reservation time, and that can make charging reservations using an authenticated account, wherein the plurality of chargers include a first class charger that is capable of OCPP-compliant protocol communication, a second class charger that does not have an OCPP-compliant protocol communication function and has a non-OCPP-compliant protocol communication function, and a third class charger that does not have a protocol communication function, and the control panel includes a protocol conversion unit that converts between the OCPP-compliant protocol and the non-OCPP-compliant protocol, a protocol communication generation unit for performing OCPP-compliant protocol communication with the server, and a third class charger that does not have a protocol communication function. and a current sensor that acquires the instantaneous value of the current flowing in the charger's power supply line, and generates a message including a request and response regarding the Class 3 charger to a server and performs OCPP-compliant protocol communication, wherein the server executes the steps of receiving, via OCPP-compliant protocol communication, a notification from the Class 1 charger that the reserved Class 1 charger has been connected to the electric vehicle and preparations for charging have been completed, and receiving, via converted non-OCPP-compliant protocol communication by a protocol conversion unit in the control panel, a notification that the reserved Class 2 charger has been connected to the electric vehicle and preparations for charging have been completed, and receiving, via a protocol communication generation unit in the control panel, a notification that the reserved Class 3 charger has been connected to the electric vehicle and preparations for charging have been completed, the notification being generated using the instantaneous value of the current flowing in the power supply line at the reservation time included in the reservation information for the Class 3 charger reserved by the charger reservation application in the control panel. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present disclosure, in an environment where chargers without OCPP protocol communication functions are also used, vehicle connection confirmation equivalent to that of a charger with OCPP protocol communication functions can be performed using multiple types of chargers used in a charging service system. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] This shows a charging service system operated at a charging site that is semi-public or more public. [Figure 2] 1 shows a relationship diagram between a charger (CP) that is an object to be controlled, user and administrator terminals, and a server (CS) in a charging service system controlled by a charging control unit of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram showing a power distribution configuration and a control configuration of a charging service system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a sequence chart showing a sequence related to establishing communication for the first and second type chargers of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a sequence chart showing a sequence related to the start of charging for the first and second class chargers of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a sequence chart showing a sequence related to the end of charging for the first and second class chargers of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a sequence chart showing a sequence related to establishing communication for a third-class charger of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a sequence chart showing a sequence related to the start of charging for a third-class charger of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a sequence chart showing a sequence related to the end of charging for a third-class charger of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of a charging service system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes multiple chargers installed at a charging site that is semi-public or more public, a server, a control panel that controls the multiple chargers, and a computing terminal capable of executing a charger reservation application that enables a user to make a reservation, via an authenticated account, for charging an electric vehicle using any of the chargers at a specified reservation time. Among the connecting lines in FIG. 1, thick lines indicate power lines for transmitting power, and normal-thick lines indicate communication lines for transmitting and receiving information.

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

[0016] Figure 1 shows a charging service system operated in an apartment building parking lot as an example of a charging site that is semi-public or more public.

[0017] In this disclosure, "semi-public" refers to spaces or places that are not completely open to the public but have a certain degree of publicness or openness. Specifically, this refers to parking lots for apartment complexes and other housing complexes, commercial facilities such as hotels and shopping malls, medical facilities such as hospitals, public facilities such as government offices, government buildings, and parks, parking lots for various other facilities, offices, and factory parking lots. These places have an intermediate nature, neither completely public nor completely private. Furthermore, "public" generally refers to public spaces that anyone can freely access and use. Specifically, this refers to public roads, parks, parking lots at public facilities, and the like. Therefore, a charging site that is more public than semi-public is a concept that encompasses these semi-public places and places where charging is possible using chargers installed in public places.

[0018] If a charging service were offered at such a charging site that is at least semi-public and public, external visitors or internal personnel could use the chargers to charge electric vehicles, which would contribute to the widespread adoption of electric vehicles and ultimately to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. However, because electricity is a limited resource and charging services are essentially commercial businesses, it would also be acceptable to allow electric vehicles to be charged only for the reserved charging time in exchange for monetary payment using an authenticated account and registered payment method. However, if the service is provided as a public service, it is not necessarily required to charge.

[0019] As mentioned above, various types of chargers coexist at actual charging sites. Generally, there are four types of chargers on the market that use charging methods called Modes 1 to 4. In this disclosure, these four types of chargers are reclassified into Type 1 to Type 3 chargers for convenience, focusing on the protocol communication function.

[0020] For example, Mode 1 is a charger that performs normal charging using AC and can be charged using the onboard cable of an electric vehicle. With this type of charger, no charging control communication is performed between the charger and the vehicle. Similarly, Mode 2 has a control box attached to the onboard cable, but it is also common in that no charging control communication is performed. In this disclosure, chargers that may belong to Mode 1 or 2 and do not have protocol communication functions are called Type 3 chargers. Type 3 chargers are characterized by being inexpensive, low-power but easy to install, and incapable of communication on their own.

[0021] Next, there are chargers generally referred to as Modes 3 and 4. Mode 3, like Type 3 chargers, is a standard charger, but it is possible to charge an electric vehicle using the charger's cable. It also has a control circuit and leakage protection function, and is capable of communication using CPLT signals, allowing for the exchange of signals indicating whether charging can begin. Mode 4 is a rapid charger, and is capable of rapid charging using direct current. For example, there is a method called CHAdeMO. Some of these Mode 3 and 4 chargers are capable of protocol communication similar to OCPP but not compliant with 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 protocol developed by a Japanese electric power company. Because it was developed primarily for the Japanese market, it takes a different approach from OCPP, which aims to achieve international standardization. While it is easier to adapt to regional requirements and regulations, 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 Modes 3 to 4, are referred to as Type 2 chargers. Type 2 chargers are expensive, have high output and fast charging speeds, and some can communicate independently. They can also detect the connection status with a vehicle and a full charge, but are characterized by lacking OCPP-compliant protocol communication functions.

[0023] In this disclosure, a charger that has an OCPP-compliant protocol communication function is referred to as a Type 1 charger. Type 1 chargers include, for example, those made by overseas manufacturers.

[0024] The above-mentioned communication function may basically be a function for communicating with a server device called a backend or CS, and may also include a function for communicating with an electric vehicle.

[0025] As described above, Modes 1 to 4 have been used as examples to simply explain the Class 1 to Class 3 chargers in this disclosure, but Mode 3, for example, does not necessarily fall under Class 2. As mentioned above, Modes 1 to 4 are merely names for charging methods. In contrast, Classes 1 to 3 in this disclosure are classifications based on the type of protocol communication function used.

[0026] It is preferable that a charging service system be able to use all of these chargers, from Class 1 to Class 3. However, as mentioned above, the international protocol OCPP is used for charging reservations, vehicle connection confirmation, charging start instructions, and charging completion confirmation, but there are also chargers that do not support it. It is necessary to be able to use OCPP for these chargers as well to make charging reservations, vehicle connection confirmation, charging start instructions, and charging completion confirmation. This will enable the expansion of services by retrofitting chargers that do not support OCPP. This will significantly expand the options for compatible chargers and contribute to the rapid expansion of charging infrastructure. A specific configuration for this will be described below.

[0027] 1 and 2 again, the charging service system 1 according to this embodiment includes a charging control unit 3 made up of a server 41 and a control panel 10. The server 41 is communicably connected to an administrator's computing terminal 31, a user's computing terminal 32, and the control panel 10 via a network N such as the Internet or a VPN (Virtual Private Network), either wired or wirelessly. Note that, in this embodiment, the system is configured with one server, three chargers, one administrator's computing terminal 31, and one user's computing terminal 32 as an example, but the numbers of servers, chargers, administrator's computing terminals, and user's computing terminals are not limited to this.

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

[0029] As shown in FIG. 1, each charger 20 in this embodiment is capable of supplying power to one electric vehicle at a time. Since parking lots typically have one vehicle parked per section, a charger may be conveniently installed in each of the parking sections 5a to 5c as a charging interface for the electric vehicle. Each charger 20 is assigned a unique ID (hereinafter referred to as a charger ID), allowing the control panel 10 or server 41 to identify, manage, or control each charger 20. In other words, as long as there is a one-to-one correspondence between charger IDs and electric vehicles, there are no restrictions on parking areas.

[0030] The control panel 10, which will be described later, has a power distribution configuration (described later) for distributing power received from a 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 for enabling mutual communication. The communication function allows wired or wireless communication depending on the specifications of each charger 20. For example, it is possible to communicate with a server 41 installed remotely, i.e., outside the charging site 2, via a network N, via wired or wireless communication.

[0031] The control panel 10 also includes a protocol conversion unit and a protocol communication generation unit, which will be described later. This allows Type 2 and Type 3 chargers to perform OCPP-compliant communication virtually or virtually. When a Type 2 or Type 3 charger is connected, this can be preset in the control panel 10.

[0032] 1 , the power supply unit G of the control panel 10 is, for example, a distribution panel provided to distribute power to various electrical devices and facilities such as chargers 20, and the power distribution lines to the chargers 20 are electrically connected to the upstream side of the control panel 10, thereby making it possible to supply power to each of the chargers 20 via the control panel 10. The upstream side of the power supply unit G is further connected to a distribution line or the like from an electric power supply company, and can receive the supply of power necessary for the operation of the entire charging site 2 by the charging service system 1.

[0033] The server 41 is provided outside the charging site 2 to comprehensively manage, control, and monitor the charging service system 1. As an entity that plays a role in OCPP communication, the server 41 corresponds to a CS (Central System). The server 41 is composed of one or more servers (computing devices) that execute programmed processes using a processor, and may have various calculation units and storage units. The server 41 is managed, for example, by a management company that manages and operates the chargers 20 at the charging site 2. Note that the server 41 does not necessarily have to be a computing device constructed as a server device, and may be an information processing terminal such as a PC (personal computer) or a smartphone that can be connected 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 the network N via a wired or wireless connection so as to be able to communicate with the server 41, 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 an operating environment (API (Application Programming Interface), platform, etc.) provided by the server 41, controlling the power distribution to the charger 20 in the control panel 10, and displaying the usage status and error log of the charger 20.

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

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

[0037] Information about the charging reservation and the reservation time associated with the charging reservation is transmitted to the server 41 via, for example, an API. The server 41, 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, the server 41 can simply perform OCPP communication with the type 1 charger 20c. This communication allows the charger 20c to charge the electric vehicle at the reserved time. This process will be described later.

[0039] For example, for a type 2 charger 20b, the control panel 10 performs OCPP communication with the server 41 on behalf of the charger. At this time, the OCPP communication message received from the server 41 is converted into a second communication protocol, which is non-OCPP compliant, and then the communication is performed. Through this communication, charging of the electric vehicle from the charger 20c begins at the reserved time.

[0040] For example, for a type 3 charger 20c, the control panel 10 performs OCPP communication with the server 41 on behalf of the charger. At that time, necessary information is exchanged through communication simulating OCPP using sensors attached to the charger 20a and the reservation time transmitted from the user's terminal 32. Through this communication, charging of the electric vehicle from the charger 20c begins at the reserved time.

[0041] In this way, the server 41 directly performs OCPP communication with the first type charger 20c, the control panel 10 converts the OCPP communication with the server 41 into non-OCPP communication for the second type charger 20b, and the control panel 10 performs OCPP communication with the server 41 for the third type charger 20a. This makes it possible to perform OCPP communication with any of the first to third type chargers.

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

[0043] First, the following describes in detail the power distribution configuration of the charging service system 1. 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 power distribution control unit 12 described above, the control panel 10 includes, as a power distribution configuration, a main circuit breaker 13, earth leakage circuit breakers 14a, 14b, and 14c, for example, ELBs (Earth Leakage Circuit Breakers: ELCB, ELB, ECB) (hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between them individually, they will be collectively referred to as earth leakage circuit breakers 14), a circuit protection circuit breaker 17, a relay 15, which is a relay such as an electromagnetic relay, and a current sensor 19.

[0045] The main circuit breaker 13 is electrically connected to the power supply G on its upstream side and to the bus 16 on its downstream side via a cable or the like. Branch lines corresponding to the number of chargers 20 (three in FIG. 2 ) are connected to the bus 16, and the downstream configuration of each branch line may vary depending on the classification of the charger. The branch lines corresponding to the first-class charger 20c and the second-class charger 20b may be provided with earth leakage breakers 14b and 14c, respectively. The branch line corresponding to the third-class charger 20a may be provided with a circuit protection breaker 17, such as a circuit protector or ELB. Each branch line is connected to wiring 18a, 18b, and 18c (hereinafter, collectively referred to as wiring 18 unless individual distinction is necessary) leading to each charger 20. A current sensor 19 and a relay 15 for measuring the current in the power supply line may be provided between the circuit protection breaker 17 and the earth leakage breaker 14a in the wiring 18a of the third-class charger 20a.

[0046] With the above configuration, power from the power supply unit G is distributed via the main circuit breaker 13 of the control panel 10, the branch line, and each main circuit breaker, and supplied to the charger 20. Although not shown, the control panel 10 may also be provided with a current sensor on the wiring 18b of the second-class charger 20b. The current sensor 19 may 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 or the like connected in series. The current sensor 19 may be any type that can acquire the instantaneous value (A) of the current supplied to the electric vehicle by the charger 20. The current sensor 19 may also be capable of acquiring an integrated current value (A·h) obtained by integrating the instantaneous current value over time, or an integrated time value of power (W·h).

[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 a normally closed (NC) type, and are automatically controlled to open when an earth leakage abnormality occurs.

[0048] The charger 20c may include a charger switch (not shown), a charger control unit 21c (simply referred to as control unit 21c in FIG. 3), a charger communication unit 22c (simply referred to as communication unit 22c in FIG. 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 a wiring 18c from the control panel 10 on the upstream side and electrically connected to the upstream side of the AC-DC converter on the downstream side. The downstream side of the AC-DC converter is electrically connected to the power supply cable. The charger 20c can independently communicate with external devices such as a server 41 via a wireless or wired electrical communication line using the charger communication unit 22c. This enables OCPP protocol communication.

[0049] Charger 20b may have the same hardware configuration as 20c except for the communication protocol and AC / DC conversion function, and therefore will not be described here. Charger 20b shown in Fig. 3 is a so-called normal charger that does not have the function of converting AC power input to the charger into DC power for output. Charger 20b can communicate with control panel 10 via a wireless or wired telecommunications line using charger communication unit 22b. For example, control panel 10 may be equipped with an LTE module or the like and have a communication function, and be wired to charger 20b using a LAN cable or the like.

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

[0051] The power distribution control unit 12 may have a function to control power distribution in accordance with the function of each charger 20 (described later) based on information and measurement values ​​received from the server 41 and the chargers 20. The power distribution control unit 12 may control the communication function within the control panel 10 and the power distribution function 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 be composed of a computer circuit board including, for example, 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 (conduction) and off (cutoff) of the power distribution from the control panel 10 to each charger 20 by controlling the open / close states of the main circuit breaker 13, the earth leakage circuit breaker 14, the relay 15, the circuit protection circuit breaker 17, etc. For example, when the power distribution control unit 12 receives power distribution permission information from the server 41, the power distribution control unit 12 starts power distribution according to the above control, and when power distribution is not permitted, the power distribution to the charger 20 is turned off (cutoff).

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

[0054] The first and second type charger control units may have functions to acquire the operating status of each unit of the charger and information on the electric vehicle to which the power plug is connected, control the operation of the AC-DC converter, and measure various amounts of power such as instantaneous current, integrated current, and integrated power. Specifically, they may acquire the connection status of the power plug to the electric vehicle, the charging status (including full charge information) of the electric vehicle's storage battery, the open / closed state of the charger switch including leakage detection information, and the operating status of the AC-DC converter. The charger control unit 22 may be composed of, for example, a computer circuit board including a processor, memory, communication ports, etc., and electronic control components such as relays and switches.

[0055] Next, the power distribution control function and processing flow of the charging service system 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 3 and the sequence charts in the following figures.

[0056] FIG. 4 is a sequence chart showing normal OCPP communication exchanges when establishing an OCPP connection, and corresponds to communication between a type 1 charger 20c and a server 41 in this disclosure. This diagram shows communication initialization and subsequent periodic communication between a charge point (referred to as a CP) and a central system (referred to as a CS). As part of the initialization sequence, a WebSocket connection is first 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 response will not be described 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 to confirm its existence. The CP also sends measurement values ​​to the CS as appropriate. If this series of exchanges is completed, the OCPP connection is successful.

[0057] After the OCPP connection is successful, the CP and CS may communicate periodically, for example, to send periodic operational notifications or measurement values.

[0058] Like FIG. 4, FIG. 5 is a sequence chart of normal OCPP communication showing a charging start sequence, which corresponds to communication between the first-class charger 20c and the server 41 in this disclosure. First, as a charging start process, the user connects the electric vehicle to the charger. Next, the CP may send a status notification (preparing) to the CS. This notifies that the charger has entered a charging preparation state. Then, the user operates the terminal 32 to request the start of charging. In response to this, the CS sends a charging start notification to the CP.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 3 , the server 41 mainly has a function of communicating with the power distribution control unit 12 to turn on (conduction) and off (interruption) the power distribution to the charger 20. The server 41 also has a function of transmitting and receiving information related to the use of the charger 20 to and from the administrator's terminal 31 and the user's terminal 32 via the network N. Therefore, when a user supplies power to an electric vehicle as in the above communication, the server 41 receives a power supply start request from the user's terminal 32 requesting that the charger 20c start supplying power. 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 advance in the server 41, and generates power supply permission information that permits power supply to the charger 20c based on the charger ID in the power supply start request, and transmits the power supply permission information 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. The server 41 can also acquire information on the state of power supply from the charger 20c to the electric vehicle via network communication as needed, and update and manage billing information.

[0060] Returning to Figure 5, after the CS notifies the CP that charging has started, the CP starts charging and notifies the CS of the start of charging. It also notifies the CS that the charging state is in progress and transmits measurement values ​​as appropriate. This causes the CP to enter the charging state.

[0061] 4 and 5, Fig. 6 is a sequence chart of normal OCPP communication showing a change in the charging schedule and a sequence for terminating charging, and corresponds to the communication between the first-class charger 20c and the server 41 in the present disclosure. First, when changing the output such as charging power, a charging schedule setting is transmitted from the CS to the CP during charging. The charging schedule setting may be a change (extension or shortening) of the charging schedule.

[0062] Furthermore, when the user performs an operation to stop charging, 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 completion to preparing). Then, when the charger 20c detects that the user has released the vehicle body connection, the CP sends a status notification (available) to the CS.

[0063] The above OCPP communication enables a Type 1 charger to perform processes from establishing a connection to starting and ending charging. Also, for a Type 2 charger, the same OCPP communication between a CS and a CP as described above can be simulated by converting 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 using dedicated hardware or software processing. For example, specific means such as a protocol conversion gateway or an API adapter may be employed. Non-OCPP protocols that can be converted to OCPP are basically those that have the same purpose, i.e., charging electric vehicles, thereby ensuring similarity for conversion. ECHONET Lite (registered trademark) is an example, but is not limited to it.

[0065] However, Type 3 chargers do not have the protocol communication functions of Type 1 and Type 2 chargers, and therefore do not have the function to notify that an electric vehicle has been connected to the body, and are therefore unable to carry out the above-mentioned series of OCPP communications.

[0066] Therefore, for Type 3 chargers, the control panel 10 has an entity that acts as a CP instead and communicates with the CS. As shown in Fig. 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 uses dedicated hardware or software processing to respond to requests received from the CS as a CP, or to send requests to the CS and receive responses.

[0067] FIG. 7 is a sequence chart showing OCPP communication when establishing an OCPP connection, and corresponds to communication between a Type 3 charger 20c and the server 41 via the control panel 10 in this disclosure. In this diagram, the processing of the control panel 10 is divided into entities that perform roles, such as ChargePoint (CP) and MeterProcess (MP). CP is the main process of the software in the control panel 10, and MP is a process that handles power-related processing for the software in the control panel 10. While CP and CS are defined in OCPP, MP is an entity used for this disclosure. The MP entity may be a system in which the control panel 10 communicates pseudo-interfaced with the MP internally, or a system in which the control panel 10 communicates with an actual measuring instrument such as a current monitor or power monitor.

[0068] In Fig. 7, the contents of the initialization communication are the same as in Fig. 4, so a description thereof will be omitted. In the periodic communication, the CP requests the MP for the integrated value of the current, for example, every hour, and the MP responds with the measured value. The measured current value can be obtained from the current sensor 19 shown in Fig. 3, and the MP can obtain the measured value.

[0069] FIG. 8 is a sequence chart showing a charging start sequence, which corresponds to communication between the type 3 charger 20a and the server 41 via the control panel 10 in the present disclosure. In this diagram, a charging reservation is first created or updated before or after the CP status becomes available, and a charging schedule is set. This charging schedule is set when a user makes a charging reservation, and the server 41 communicates with the CP as a CS. Then, when the reserved time arrives, the control panel 10 operates the branch line relay 15 via the power distribution control unit 12 to start supplying current to the power feeder. In this diagram, "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, a current flows through the branch line of the power supply line. The current sensor 19 can acquire each value of this current. The CP of the control panel 10 requests the MP for a measurement value of the instantaneous current. In response, the MP acquires the instantaneous current value from the current sensor 19 and transmits it as a measurement value. If the instantaneous current value is equal to or greater than a certain current value (A), the vehicle connected to the charger 20a is determined to be an electric vehicle, and the CP of the control panel 10 may transmit a status notification (preparing) to the CS. Specifically, the electric vehicle may be determined to be connected to the charger 20a when the instantaneous current value is 6 A or greater. Furthermore, the instantaneous current value may be determined to be 6 A or greater for a certain period of time (s) or more. 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 to notify that the vehicle has been connected to the charger.

[0071] FIG. 9 is a sequence chart illustrating a charging termination sequence, which corresponds to communication between the type-3 charger 20a and the server 41 via the control panel 10 in the present disclosure. In this diagram, when charging is terminated, a charging reservation is first created or updated before or after the CP enters the charging state, as in the case of starting charging. The charging schedule is then deleted. The server 41 communicates with the CP as a CS when the user terminates or cancels charging. While the charging schedule is deleted for charging purposes here, the charging schedule may also be changed (extended or shortened). When the charging schedule is deleted, the control panel 10 operates the branch line relay 15 via the power distribution control unit 12 to stop the supply of current to the power feeder. In this diagram, "relay OFF" is shown as an example, indicating that the latching relay used as a switch is in the OFF state. The CP in the control panel 10 requests the MP to acquire measured values ​​and sends a charging completion notification to the CS. It also sends a status notification (charging complete).

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

[0073] The CP of the control panel 10 then requests the MP to measure the instantaneous value, and if the instantaneous value is equal to or less than a predetermined value (A), it determines that the electric vehicle has been disconnected from the vehicle body and sends a status notification (available) to the CS. This allows OCPP communication with the central management system regarding the disconnection of the electric vehicle from the vehicle body.

[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 of the branch lines acquired via the control panel 10, and to send a notification of power supply stoppage to the terminal 32 of the user using the charger 20 or the terminal 31 of the administrator. In addition, a notification may be sent when the current stops flowing due to a full charge state or when an abnormal stop occurs.

[0075] The server 41 may also have a function to monitor the consistency between the on / off instruction to the power distribution control unit 12 and the actual operating state based on the current information of each branch line, detect a system error in the power distribution control unit 12, communication lines, etc., and send a notification to that effect to the administrator's terminal 31. Furthermore, the server 41 may have a function to calculate the amount of power supplied to the electric vehicle, etc., based on the current information of each branch line, and generate billing information.

[0076] As described above, according to the present disclosure, in an environment where chargers without OCPP protocol communication functions are also used, vehicle connection confirmation equivalent to that of a charger with OCPP protocol communication functions can be performed using multiple types of chargers used in a charging service system.

[0077] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications are intended to be included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims, as well as in the scope and spirit of the inventions.

[0078] Some embodiments and other implementations of the disclosure can optionally include one or more of the following features.

[0079] In some embodiments, a charging service system may include a charging site that is semi-public or more public, a server installed remotely, a plurality of chargers installed at the charging site, a control panel that can communicate with the server and controls the plurality of chargers, and a computing terminal that can execute a charger reservation application that communicates with the server and allows charging reservations to be made using an authenticated account to charge an electric vehicle using one of the chargers at a specified reservation time.

[0080] In some embodiments, the protocol communication generator uses an 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, the second type charger includes a function for measuring an integrated value of current; The protocol conversion unit converts a message according to a non-OCPP-compliant protocol that includes an integrated current value into a message according to an OCPP-compliant protocol that includes an integrated current value, and transmits the message 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 intervals.

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

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

[0085] In some embodiments, the protocol conversion unit converts a message according to a non-OCPP-compliant protocol, notifying the server that the vehicle connection between the type 2 charger and the electric vehicle has been disconnected, into a message according to an OCPP-compliant protocol and sends the message.

[0086] In some embodiments, a charging service system may include a charging site that is semi-public or more public and a server installed remotely, chargers installed at the charging site, a control panel capable of communicating with the server and controlling the chargers, 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 chargers include chargers that do not have a protocol communication function, and the control panel has a protocol communication generation unit for performing OCPP-compliant protocol communication with the server, generates messages including requests and responses related to the charger to the server, and performs OCPP-compliant protocol communication, and the reserved charger charges the electric vehicle at the reserved charger time. In other words, the server and the control panel may be configured to enable OCPP-compliant protocol communication for at least a third-class charger according to the present disclosure.

[0087] Although several implementations have been described and illustrated herein, various other means and / or structures may be utilized to perform the functions and / or obtain one or more of the results and / or advantages described herein, and each such variation and / or modification is considered within the scope of the implementations described herein. More generally, it is intended that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are exemplary, and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or configurations will depend on the specific application or applications in which the teachings are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize and be able to ascertain, using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific implementations described herein. Accordingly, it should be understood that the foregoing implementations are presented by way of example only, and that, within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents, implementations may be practiced other than as specifically described and claimed. Implementations of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and / or method 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 the present disclosure, if 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 areas 10: Control panel 12: Power distribution control section 13: Main circuit breaker 14a, 14b, 14c: Earth leakage breaker 15: Relay 16: Bus bar 17: Circuit protection breaker 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 device 41: Server G: Power supply section N: Network

Claims

1. A charging site that is semi-public or more public, and a server installed remotely; Installed at the charging site, Multiple chargers and a control panel capable of communicating with the server and controlling the plurality of chargers; a computing terminal capable of executing a charger reservation application that communicates with the server and charges an electric vehicle using any one of the chargers at a predetermined reservation time, and that allows charging reservations to be made using an authenticated account; The plurality of chargers include: a first-class charger capable of OCPP-compliant protocol communication; a second-class charger having a non-OCPP-compliant protocol communication function and not having an OCPP-compliant protocol communication function; A third-class charger that does not have a protocol communication function, The control panel includes: a protocol conversion unit that converts between the OCPP-compliant protocol and a non-OCPP-compliant protocol; a protocol communication generation unit for performing OCPP-compliant protocol communication with the server; a current sensor that acquires an instantaneous value of a current flowing through the power supply line of the third-class charger; A message including a request and a response regarding the third type charger is generated for the server, and OCPP-compliant protocol communication is performed; The server receiving a notification from the first type charger via the OCPP-compliant protocol communication that the reserved first type charger and the electric vehicle have been connected and preparation for charging has been completed; and receiving a notification that the reserved type 2 charger and the electric vehicle have been connected via the converted non-OCPP compliant protocol communication by the protocol conversion unit of the control panel and that preparation for charging has been completed; and a charging control unit that receives a notification that the reserved class 3 charger and the electric vehicle have been connected and preparations for charging have been completed, the notification being generated by the protocol communication generation unit of the control panel using the instantaneous value of the current flowing in a power supply line at the reservation time included in the reservation information for 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 transmits a message for the OCPP-compliant protocol communication to the server using an integrated value of the current measured by the current sensor.

3. The second-class charger has a function for measuring an integrated value of current, the protocol conversion unit converts the message according to the non-OCPP-compliant protocol, which includes the integrated value of the current, into a message according to the OCPP-compliant protocol, which includes the integrated value of the current, and transmits the message to the server; Also, The charging control unit according to claim 1 , wherein the protocol communication generation unit transmits a message for the OCPP-compliant protocol communication to the server using an integrated value of the current measured by the current sensor.

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

5. the protocol conversion unit converts a message according to the non-OCPP-compliant protocol, which notifies the server of operation at regular time intervals and includes the integrated value of the current, into a message according to the OCPP-compliant protocol, which includes the integrated value of the current, and transmits the message; Also, 4. The charging control unit according to claim 3, wherein the protocol communication generation unit uses an integrated value of the current measured by the current sensor to send a message for the OCPP-compliant protocol communication to the server, notifying the server of operation at regular time intervals.

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

7. the protocol conversion unit converts the message according to the non-OCPP-compliant protocol, which notifies the server that the vehicle connection between the type 2 charger and the electric vehicle has been released, into a message according to the OCPP-compliant protocol and transmits the message; Also, 7. The charging control unit according to claim 6, wherein the protocol communication generation unit transmits a message for the OCPP-compliant protocol communication notifying the server that a vehicle connection between the reserved type 3 charger and the electric vehicle has been released, using the instantaneous value of a current flowing through a power supply line at a reservation time included in reservation information for the type 3 charger reserved by the charger reservation application.

8. A charging site that is semi-public or more public, and a server installed remotely; Installed at the charging site, Multiple chargers and a control panel capable of communicating with the server and controlling the plurality of chargers; a computing terminal capable of executing a charger reservation application that communicates with the server and that allows charging reservations to be made using an authenticated account to charge an electric vehicle using any of the chargers at a predetermined reservation time, The plurality of chargers include: a first-class charger capable of OCPP-compliant protocol communication; a second-class charger having a non-OCPP-compliant protocol communication function and not having an OCPP-compliant protocol communication function; A third-class charger that does not have a protocol communication function, The control panel includes: a protocol conversion unit that converts between the OCPP-compliant protocol and a non-OCPP-compliant protocol; a protocol communication generation unit for performing OCPP-compliant protocol communication with the server; a current sensor that acquires an instantaneous value of a current flowing through the power supply line of the third-class charger; A message including a request and a response regarding the third type charger is generated for the server, and OCPP-compliant protocol communication is performed; The server receiving a notification from the first type charger via the OCPP-compliant protocol communication that the reserved first type charger and the electric vehicle have been connected and preparation for charging has been completed; and receiving a notification that the reserved type 2 charger and the electric vehicle have been connected via the converted non-OCPP compliant protocol communication by the protocol conversion unit of the control panel and that preparation for charging has been completed; and and receiving a notification that the reserved type 3 charger and the electric vehicle have been connected and preparations for charging have been completed, the notification being generated by the protocol communication generation unit of the control panel using the instantaneous value of the current flowing in a power supply line at the reservation time included in the reservation information for the type 3 charger reserved by the charger reservation application of the control panel.

9. A charging site that is semi-public or more public, and a server installed remotely; Installed at the charging site, Multiple chargers and a control panel capable of communicating with the server and controlling the plurality of chargers; a computing terminal capable of executing a charger reservation application that communicates with the server, and that allows charging reservations to be made using an authenticated account, and that charges an electric vehicle using any of the chargers at a predetermined reservation time, the computing terminal comprising: The plurality of chargers include: a first-class charger capable of OCPP-compliant protocol communication; a second-class charger having a non-OCPP-compliant protocol communication function and not having an OCPP-compliant protocol communication function; A third-class charger that does not have a protocol communication function, The control panel includes: a protocol conversion unit that converts between the OCPP-compliant protocol and a non-OCPP-compliant protocol; a protocol communication generation unit for performing OCPP-compliant protocol communication with the server; a current sensor that acquires an instantaneous value of a current flowing through the power supply line of the third-class charger; A message including a request and a response regarding the third type charger is generated for the server, and OCPP-compliant protocol communication is performed; The server receiving, from the first type charger via the OCPP-compliant protocol communication, a notification that the reserved first type charger and the electric vehicle have been connected and preparation for charging has been completed; and receiving a notification that the reserved type 2 charger and the electric vehicle have been connected via the converted non-OCPP compliant protocol communication by the protocol conversion unit of the control panel and that preparation for charging has been completed; and an electric vehicle connection determination method that executes a step of receiving a notification by 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 preparations for charging have been completed, the notification being generated by using the instantaneous value of the current flowing in a power supply line at a reservation time included in reservation information for the class 3 charger reserved by the charger reservation application of the control panel.

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