Electric vehicle charging management

Abstract

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

Description

Technical Field

[0005] ,

[0001] Various exemplary embodiments generally relate to the field of charging of electric vehicles. Specifically, some exemplary embodiments relate to solutions for managing charging stations used for charging electric vehicles.

Background Art

[0002] A charging station (CS) is used to charge an electric vehicle (EV). The charging station may be managed by a management entity. To provide services to electric vehicles, multiple charging stations may be arranged at a single geographical location. When multiple charging stations are arranged at a single location, there may be a specific maximum current limit that must not be exceeded by the entire plurality of charging stations. When multiple electric vehicles are being charged simultaneously, some load management solution, such as Dynamic Load Management (DLM), may need to be applied to divide the maximum current limit among the electric vehicles. The load management solution, in this case, adjusts the charging current of individual charging stations up and down so as not to exceed the maximum current limit.

[0003] Some of the charging stations in a charging station group including multiple charging stations can be regarded as "priority charging stations" or "VIP charging stations", and there are also embodiments in which higher charging power and / or guaranteed charging power can be obtained compared to the remaining charging stations.

[0004] Based on the above, a more versatile solution for managing the charging transactions of the charging stations in a charging station group is required. <​​​​​​​ This summary is presented to introduce a selection of concepts in a more simplified form, which will be further explained in the detailed description below. This summary is not intended to identify the main or essential features of the subject matter described in the claims, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the subject matter described in the claims.

[0006] An exemplary embodiment can provide a solution that can prioritize a given user when charging an electric vehicle at a charging station. This advantage can be realized by the features of the independent claim. Further embodiments are presented in the dependent claims, description, and drawings.

[0007] According to the first embodiment, the device may include at least one processor and at least one memory containing computer program code. The at least one memory and computer program code, together with the at least one processor, cause the device to receive at least a charging transaction request associated with a user charging an electric vehicle, the charging transaction request is associated with a charging station, the user is determined to belong to a priority charging user group, the priority charging user group is associated with a charging station group that includes a plurality of charging stations including the charging station in question, and the device is configured to prioritize charging transactions associated with charging stations in the charging station group.

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

[0009] In one embodiment of the first aspect, at least one memory and computer program code, together with at least one processor, are configured to cause the device to control the total charging power of at least one charging station in a charging station group to be shared between the charging station and at least one other charging station in the charging station group that has a simultaneous charging transaction associated with at least one other user in the priority charging group.

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

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

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

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

[0014] In one embodiment of the first aspect, at least one memory and computer program code, together with at least one processor, are configured to cause the device to determine that there are valid conditions associated with a user belonging to a preferred charging user group, and to prioritize charging transactions associated with charging stations in the charging station group based on the valid conditions associated with the user.

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

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

[0017] In one embodiment of the second aspect, the method further includes the step of controlling the device to provide the charging stations of a charging station group with full charge power for the charging stations.

[0018] In one embodiment of the second aspect, the method further includes the step of controlling the device to share the total charging power of the charging stations in a charging station group between the charging stations and at least one other charging station in the charging station group that has a simultaneous charging transaction associated with at least one other user in the priority charging group.

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

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

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

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

[0023] In one embodiment of the second aspect, the method further includes the steps of: determining by the device that there are valid conditions associated with a user belonging to a priority charging user group; and prioritizing charging transactions associated with charging stations in the charging station group based on the valid conditions associated with the user.

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

[0025] According to a third aspect, the computer program causes the apparatus to at least receive a charging transaction request associated with a user who charges an electric vehicle, where the charging transaction request is associated with a charging station, receive the charging transaction request, determine that the user belongs to a priority charging user group, where the priority charging user group is associated with a charging station group including a plurality of charging stations including the charging station, determine that the user belongs to the group, and prioritize a charging transaction associated with the charging station of the charging station group.

[0026] According to a fourth aspect, the computer-readable medium includes a computer program that causes the apparatus to at least receive a charging transaction request associated with a user who charges an electric vehicle, where the charging transaction request is associated with a charging station, receive the charging transaction request, determine that the user belongs to a priority charging user group, where the priority charging user group is associated with a charging station group including a plurality of charging stations including the charging station, determine that the user belongs to the group, and prioritize a charging transaction associated with the charging station of the charging station group.

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

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

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

[0030] According to the eighth aspect, the computer program has an instruction to cause the device to receive a charging transaction request associated with a user charging an electric vehicle, the charging transaction request being associated with a charging station, the device to receive a charging transaction request, determine that the user belongs to a priority charging user group, determine that the priority charging user group is associated with a charging station group that includes multiple charging stations, determine that the charging station group includes the charging station in question, and prioritize charging transactions associated with the charging stations in the charging station group.

[0031] According to the ninth aspect, the computer-readable medium includes a computer program having instructions to cause the device to receive a charging transaction request associated with a user charging an electric vehicle, the charging transaction request being associated with a charging station, to determine that the user belongs to a priority charging user group, to determine that the priority charging user group is associated with a charging station group that includes multiple charging stations, to determine that the charging station group includes the charging station in question, and to prioritize charging transactions associated with the charging stations in the charging station group.

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

[0033] Many of the associated features will be more easily understood by referring to the detailed explanations below in conjunction with the attached drawings.

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

[0035] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of a method for prioritizing charge transactions, based on an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 2A] This figure shows an example of a charging station in a charging station group, based on an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 2B] This figure shows another example of a charging station in a charging station group, based on an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart illustrating the management of a charging session, based on an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart illustrating the management of a charging session, using another exemplary embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a device 500 configured to carry out one or more exemplary embodiments. [Figure 6] This figure shows a cloud-based system according to one exemplary embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0036] In the attached drawings, similar reference numerals are used to represent similar parts.

[0037] Here, we will refer in detail to an exemplary embodiment shown in the attached drawings. The detailed description presented below, along with the attached drawings, is intended to illustrate this example and is not intended to represent the only form in which this example can be constructed or used. This description illustrates the function of the example and the sequence of steps to construct and operate it. However, the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be implemented in different examples.

[0038] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a method for prioritizing charging transactions, based on an exemplary embodiment. This method can be implemented, for example, by a cloud-based entity or device that is communicatively connected to multiple charging stations.

[0039] In system 100, charging transaction requests associated with users charging electric vehicles are received, and these charging transaction requests are associated with charging stations. As used herein, the term “user” may refer to a user registered for a service that allows electric vehicles to be charged at multiple charging stations. After registration, users may be identified based on a unique user identifier when using the service. In this case, when a user initiates a charging transaction using a tag or a mobile phone application, the user identifier or another identifier associated with the user identifier may be transmitted to a cloud-based entity.

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

[0041] In 102, in one exemplary embodiment, it can be determined that a user belongs to a priority charging user group. It can also be determined that a priority charging user group is associated with a charging station group that includes multiple charging stations. It can also be determined that the charging station in question is included in the charging station group.

[0042] Under 104, charging transactions associated with charging stations in a charging station group are given priority. Priority may mean, for example, that users associated with a priority charging user group can be provided with full charge power at a charging station in the charging station group before any other simultaneous users who do not belong to a priority charging user group associated with the charging station group. If multiple users belonging to the same priority charging user group associated with a charging station group are charging at a charging station in the charging station group simultaneously, and it is not possible to provide each user with full charge power from a single charging station, the power supplied to each user may be shared among the priority users.

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

[0044] In this example, both preferred users 200A use 32A, totaling 64A. Preferred user 200A can be prioritized so that each preferred user receives the maximum charging power available from their respective charging station. Since the overall deployment limit is 96A, each of the non-preferred users 202 is left with 11A. In other words, preferred users always get the maximum power from the charging station. Non-preferred users 202 can equally share what is left over from the preferred users.

[0045] Figure 2B shows another example of a charging station group in an exemplary embodiment. In Figure 2B, there is a single charging group including multiple charging stations 206A and 206B, with three priority users 200B and three non-priority users 202 charging simultaneously. Each charging station alone is capable of providing a charging current of 32A (i.e., 22kW) to an electric vehicle. However, even in this case, charging stations 206A and 206B are subject to an overall deployment limit of 96A.

[0046] In this example, each of the three priority users 200B uses 32A, totaling 96A. Priority users 200B can be prioritized so that each priority user receives the maximum charging power available from their respective charging station. However, since the three priority users 200B have already used up the entire overall deployment limit of 96A, there is no charging power available to be provided through charging station 206B. In other words, priority users can always get maximum power from the charging station, and non-priority users may be temporarily suspended until more capacity is released from the priority users.

[0047] Figure 3 shows a flowchart illustrating the management of a charging session in one exemplary embodiment.

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

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

[0050] In section 306, it is determined whether the user is a priority user, i.e., a VIP user. This may include determining whether the user belongs to a priority charging user group, which is associated with a charging station group that includes multiple charging stations, including the charging station in question. At least one user may have been previously associated with a priority charging user group.

[0051] If it is determined that the user is not a priority user, i.e., a VIP user, the process proceeds to 312, where load management can be performed in the normal, non-priority manner. In 314, a new power configuration for non-VIP transactions can be calculated. For example, it can be determined how much charging power should be supplied to each non-priority user who has a charging session at a charging station in a charging station group. In 316, the new power configuration can be sent to the charging station where the charging request originated.

[0052] In step 318, it can be determined whether the charging station can accept the request. In step 320, if the request can be accepted, the charging station can return to its normal operating state using the new power configuration. In step 322, if the request cannot be accepted, a retry operation can be initiated.

[0053] In 306, if a user is determined to be a VIP user, in 308, the VIP user's charging session is excluded from the load management calculation. This may mean that VIP users have priority over non-VIP users in securing charging power. In 310, the capacity available for non-VIP transactions in the charging station group is reduced. In other words, if a VIP user is given priority, for example by providing full charge power from a charging station, the capacity available to non-VIP users is reduced by the amount of full charge power. For example, when a VIP user starts charging, the deployment limit of the charging station group may be reduced by the amount allocated to the VIP user. If the deployment limit of a charging station group is 96A and a VIP starts charging at a station with a maximum current rating of 32A, the available deployment limit of the charging station group can be calculated as 96A - 32A = 64A. Therefore, 64A remains for non-VIP users.

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

[0055] In Figure 3, steps 302, 304, 318, and 320 can be performed at the charging station, while the remaining steps can be performed by the cloud-based management entity.

[0056] Figure 4 shows a flowchart illustrating the management of a charging session in another exemplary embodiment.

[0057] In version 400, a cloud-based management entity may receive a request to stop charging. This may be caused by user actions at a charging station, or the request may originate from an application running on the user's mobile device.

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

[0059] If the request can be accepted, in 406, it is determined whether the charging session was initiated by a preferred user, i.e., a VIP user. If the charging session was initiated by a VIP user, the deployment limit for the charging station group can be restored. This may mean, for example, that the VIP user no longer occupies charging power, and in this case, non-VIP users can use the freed-up charging power. In other words, when a VIP user starts charging, the deployment limit for the charging station group may be reduced by the amount allocated to the VIP user. If the deployment limit for the charging station group is 96A and a VIP starts charging at a station with a maximum current rating of 32A, the available deployment limit for the charging station group can be calculated as 96A - 32A = 64A. Thus, 64A remains for non-VIP users. Once the VIP transaction is complete, the deployment limit can be restored, i.e., increased back to 96A.

[0060] If a charging session is not initiated by a VIP user, i.e., if a charging session is initiated by a non-VIP user, then in 410, the normal load management procedure can be performed. The deployment limit may be evenly distributed among charging stations that have vehicles being charged, for example. If the deployment limit for a charging station group is 96A and there are 4 non-VIP users charging, then an even distribution means 96A / 4 = 24A per charging station.

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

[0062] Figure 5 shows an example of a device 500 configured to carry out one or more exemplary embodiments. The device 500 may include at least one processor 502. The at least one processor 502 may include one or more different processing devices or processor circuits, such as a coprocessor, microprocessor, controller, digital signal processor (DSP), processing circuits with or without an associated DSP, or various other processing devices, such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), microcontroller units (MCUs), hardware accelerators, and dedicated computer chips.

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

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

[0065] If the device 500 is configured to perform some function, one or more components of the device 500, such as at least one processor 502 and / or at least one memory 504, can be configured to perform this function. Furthermore, if at least one processor 502 is configured to perform some function, this function can be performed, for example, using program code 506 contained in at least one memory 504.

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

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

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

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

[0070] Figure 6 shows a cloud-based system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0071] The device 500, discussed in more detail in relation to Figure 5, can be located in any suitable physical location, i.e., the device 500 can provide cloud-based services 600. The device 500 can connect to one or more charging stations of charging station groups 602, 604, and 606 via one or more data links or connections. The device 500 can be configured to manage charging sessions provided at charging stations of charging station groups 602, 604, and 606. As previously discussed, when the device 500 receives a charging request associated with a user, it can be configured to determine whether the user belongs to a preferred charging user group. A preferred charging user group may have been previously associated with a charging station group that includes multiple charging stations, including the charging station in question. If a user belongs to a preferred charging user group, charging transactions associated with a charging station can be prioritized. The charging stations of a single charging station group 602, 604, and 606 may be located in the same geographical location, or they may be located in at least two different geographical locations. In other words, charging stations can be logically grouped into one or more charging station groups, regardless of their geographical location. Furthermore, in one exemplary embodiment, a first set of charging stations at a single geographical location may belong to a first charging station group, and a second set of charging stations at the same geographical location may belong to a second, separate charging station group.

[0072] In one exemplary embodiment, the device 500 can be configured to determine if there are valid conditions associated with users belonging to a priority charging user group, and to prioritize charging transactions related to charging stations in the charging station group based on the valid conditions associated with the users. The valid conditions may be, for example, based on time and / or usage. The valid conditions may grant temporary or permanent priority to at least one user. This may enable, for example, the use of discount coupons and other temporary benefits, as well as subscriptions for various periods.

[0073] In one exemplary embodiment, the device 500 can be configured to determine if a user belongs to a priority charging group with a priority level, and to prioritize charging transactions related to charging stations in the charging station group based on the priority level of the priority charging group. For example, a cloud-based solution may allow operators to define multiple service levels using a freely configurable hierarchy of priorities. One example of such a hierarchy in a shopping center may be as follows: • Priority Level 1: Local Government (Police, Fire Department, Ambulance) • Priority Level 2: Facility security and maintenance personnel • Priority Level 3: Subscription-based premium customers • Priority Level 4: Everyone else not listed above

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

[0075] One or more of the examples and implementations discussed above may enable the use of continuous service levels, not just one-time, fixed-number usage, in customer load management. This could enable, for example, the use of discount coupons and other temporary benefits, as well as subscriptions of various durations. Furthermore, one or more of the examples and implementations discussed above may enable a solution in which a user's priority status is defined on a cloud-based system for a specific user, rather than being defined at the hardware level for a particular charging station. This could enable, for example, the grouping of charging stations into one or more charging station groups in a highly versatile and / or modifiable manner. Furthermore, one or more of the examples and implementations discussed above may enable a solution in which a user can belong to various priority groups with various priority levels. Furthermore, one or more of the examples and implementations discussed above may enable a solution in which a user can have various priority statuses in various charging station groups. For example, a user may have priority status in their office building but not in the public charging network. Furthermore, one or more of the examples and implementations discussed above may enable a cloud-based solution that allows for remote control of load balancing.

[0076] Any range or device value shown herein can be extended or modified without loss of the desired effect. Furthermore, any embodiment can be combined with another embodiment unless expressly prohibited.

[0077] While the subject matter is described in a language specific to its structural features and / or functions, it should be understood that the subject matter as defined in the attached claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or functions described above. Rather, the specific features and functions described above are disclosed as examples that realize the claims, and other equivalent features and functions are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

[0078] It should be understood that the benefits and advantages described above may relate to one embodiment or to several embodiments. Embodiments are not limited to those that solve some or all of the described problems, or that possess some or all of the described benefits and advantages. It should also be understood that a reference to “one” item may refer to one or more such items.

[0079] The steps or operations of the methods described herein may be performed in any preferred order, or, where appropriate, simultaneously. Furthermore, individual blocks may be removed from any of the methods without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein. Any aspect of the embodiments described above may be combined with any aspect of any of the other embodiments described to form further embodiments without losing the desired effect.

[0080] The term “including” is used herein to mean that it includes the identified methods, blocks, or elements, but such blocks or elements do not constitute an exclusive list, and that the methods or apparatus may include additional blocks or elements.

[0081] As used in this application, the term “circuit” may mean one or more or all of the following: (a) an embodiment of a circuit consisting only of hardware (such as an embodiment consisting only of analog and / or digital circuits); (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software (where applicable): a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry and software / firmware; (ii) any part of a software-using hardware processor (including a digital signal processor), software, and memory, etc., that works together to cause a device such as a mobile phone or server to perform various functions; and (c) a hardware circuit and / or processor, such as a microprocessor or a part of a microprocessor, that requires software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but may not be present when not required for operation. This definition of circuitry applies to all use of the term in this application, including in all claims.

[0082] As used in this application, the term "circuit" also, in further examples, covers not only a hardware circuit or processor (or more processors) but also embodiments of a portion of a hardware circuit or processor and the software and / or firmware associated therewith. The term "circuit" also covers, for example, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device, or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other computing or network device, where applicable to a particular claimed element.

[0083] The above description is presented merely as an example, and it will be understood that various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art. The above specifications, examples, and data provide a complete description of the structure and usage of the exemplary embodiments. Various embodiments have been described above, including some specificities, or by reference to one or more individual embodiments, but those skilled in the art can make numerous modifications to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of this specification.

Claims

1. At least one processor (502), A memory (504) containing computer program code (506) and An apparatus (500) comprising, wherein the at least one memory (504) and the computer program code (506) together with the at least one processor (502), the apparatus (500) has at least, A charging transaction request is received associated with a user charging an electric vehicle, and the charging transaction request is associated with a charging station. The user is determined to belong to the priority charging user group. The system determines that the aforementioned priority charging user group is associated with a charging station group that includes multiple charging stations. The charging station group is determined to include the charging station, and Prioritize charging transactions related to the charging stations of the aforementioned charging station group. A device (500) configured in such a way.

2. The at least one memory (504) and the computer program code (506), together with the at least one processor (502), are provided to the device (500) at least The charging station in the charging station group is controlled to provide the charging station with full charge power. The apparatus (500) according to claim 1, configured as follows.

3. The at least one memory (504) and the computer program code (506), together with the at least one processor (502), are provided to the device (500) at least Control the total charging power of the charging stations in the charging station group so that it is shared between the charging station and at least one other charging station in the charging station group that has a simultaneous charging transaction associated with at least one other user in the priority charging user group. The apparatus (500) according to claim 1, configured as follows.

4. The at least one memory (504) and the computer program code (506), together with the at least one processor (502), are provided to the device (500) at least Control the system to provide the maximum charging power to the user and at least one other user in the priority charging user group, with the corresponding charging station in the charging station group, and Control the remaining charging power of the charging stations in the aforementioned charging station group so that it is distributed to at least one non-priority user. The apparatus (500) according to claim 1, configured as follows.

5. The at least one memory (504) and the computer program code (506), together with the at least one processor (502), are provided to the device (500) at least The user is determined to belong to a priority charging user group that has a priority level, and Based on the priority level of the priority charging user group, the charging transactions related to the charging stations in the charging station group are given priority. The apparatus (500) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, configured in such a way.

6. The apparatus (500) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the charging stations of the charging station group are located at the same geographical location.

7. The apparatus (500) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the charging stations of the charging station group are located at at least two different geographical locations.

8. The at least one memory (504) and the computer program code (506), together with the at least one processor (502), are provided to the device (500) at least It is determined that there are valid conditions associated with the user belonging to the aforementioned priority charging user group, and Based on the validity conditions associated with the user, the charging transaction related to the charging station in the charging station group is given priority. The apparatus (500) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, configured in such a way.

9. The at least one memory (504) and the computer program code (506), together with the at least one processor (502), are provided to the device (500) at least Identify each user based on a unique user identifier. The apparatus (500) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, configured in such a way.

10. Step (100) of receiving a charging transaction request associated with a user charging an electric vehicle by a device (500), wherein the charging transaction request is associated with a charging station, The device (500) determines (102) that the user belongs to a priority charging user group, The steps include determining that the aforementioned priority charging user group is associated with a charging station group, The steps include determining that the charging station group includes the charging station, The device (500) performs the steps of: (104) prioritizing charging transactions related to the charging stations in the charging station group; Methods that include...

11. The device (500) controls the charging station of the charging station group to provide the charging station with full charge power. The method according to claim 10, further comprising:

12. The device (500) controls the total charging power of the charging station in the charging station group to be shared between the charging station and at least one other charging station in the charging station group that has a simultaneous charging transaction associated with at least one other user in the priority charging user group. The method according to claim 10, further comprising:

13. The device (500) controls the provision of maximum charging power to the user and at least one other user in the priority charging user group, with the corresponding charging station in the charging station group. The device (500) controls the remaining charging power of the total charging power of the charging stations in the charging station group to be distributed to at least one non-priority user. The method according to claim 10, further comprising:

14. The device (500) determines that the user belongs to a priority charging user group that has a priority level, The device (500) performs the steps of prioritizing the charging transactions related to the charging stations in the charging station group based on the priority level of the priority charging user group, and The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, further comprising:

15. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the charging stations of the charging station group are located at the same geographical location.

16. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the charging stations of the charging station group are located at at least two different geographical locations.

17. The device (500) determines that there are valid conditions associated with the user belonging to the priority charging user group, The device (500) performs the steps of prioritizing the charging transactions related to the charging stations in the charging station group based on the validity conditions associated with the user, and The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, further comprising:

18. The device (500) identifies each user based on a unique user identifier. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, further comprising:

19. The device includes at least, Receiving a charging transaction request associated with a user charging an electric vehicle, wherein the charging transaction request is associated with a charging station. The determination that the aforementioned user belongs to the priority charging user group, Determining that the aforementioned priority charging user group is associated with a charging station group, Determining that the charging station group includes the charging station, Prioritizing charging transactions related to the charging stations of the aforementioned charging station group. A computer program that contains instructions to execute something.

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