Electric vehicle charging system and method using power line communication

Abstract

The present invention discloses an electric vehicle charging system and method using power line communication. The present invention enables electric vehicle charging freely in general facilities while reducing excessive costs incurred when replacing existing conventional outlets with outlets equipped with RFID tags or replacing ICCBs (20) with ICCBs (20) equipped with wireless communication functions. This is achieved by installing a payment information collection device connected to multiple power outlets in a large-scale collective residential facility or commercial facility, and by having an in-cable control box (ICCB (20)) that controls electric vehicle charging and the payment information collection device communicate through power lines, thereby providing user identification information, payment information, and charging power amount collected by the ICCB (20) to the payment information collection device to pay for charging fees.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric vehicle charging system and method, and more specifically, to an electric vehicle charging system and method using Power Line Communication. Background Technology

[0002] With the recent widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), charging issues are becoming a major concern. The most common methods of charging EVs include visiting a charging station and using a fast charger, or charging at home by connecting an In-Cable Control Box (ICCB) to a standard household power outlet.

[0003] In the charging method using a fast charger, when a connector connected to the charging station is connected to the electric vehicle, the EVCC included in the charging device inside the electric vehicle and the payment information collection device of the charging station communicate with each other to perform charging.

[0004] Meanwhile, for home charging, a plug is installed at one end of a cable containing an In-Cable Control Box (ICCB) and connected to a commercial power outlet, and a connector is installed at the other end of the cable and connected to an electric vehicle; then, the In-Cable Control Box (ICCB) communicates with the EVCC included in the charging device inside the electric vehicle to perform charging.

[0005] However, due to regional characteristics in Korea, there is a high concentration of residents in multi-unit buildings such as apartments, and underground parking lots are utilized. In such cases, if electric vehicles are charged using standard power outlets on the parking lot walls, improper payment of charging fees to users is not made, leading to theft; in this situation, the entire resident group must bear the charging costs.

[0006] An example of conventional technology for solving this problem involves, when charging is performed using an In-Cable Control Box (ICCB) in a multi-unit building such as a shopping mall or apartment, installing an RFID tag inside or near the power outlet for user identification and payment of charging fees, and enabling the ICCB to recognize the location of the power outlet and the user to perform payment of charging fees.

[0007] In addition, another recently introduced prior art incorporates a wireless communication function inside an in-cable control box (ICCB) to communicate with a payment information collection device via wireless communication to perform user identification and payment of charging fees.

[0008] However, the RFID method has the disadvantage that existing power outlets cannot be used and new power outlets containing RFID tags must be installed, which increases installation costs and complicates the usage procedure.

[0009] In addition, in the case of a method utilizing wireless communication, since the ICCB must include a wireless communication module, it is difficult to apply to already commercialized ICCBs, and the development and replacement of new ICCBs are required. Furthermore, a payment information collection device with wireless communication capabilities must be installed near power outlets, and in particular, in the case of buildings consisting of multiple floors, a payment information collection device must be installed on each floor, which has the disadvantage of increasing installation costs and ICCB product costs. The problem to be solved

[0010] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide an electric vehicle charging system and method capable of identifying a user and making payments for charging fees by performing charging control without wireless communication while using a standard power outlet. means of solving the problem

[0011] An in-cable control box according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problem comprises: an in-cable control box mounted on a charging cable for performing wired charging of an electric vehicle by connecting to any one of a plurality of commercial power outlets, and comprising: a power meter that measures the amount of charging power provided to the electric vehicle and outputs the amount of charging power; a power line communication module that performs power line communication with an EVCC (Electric Vehicle Communication Controller) mounted on the electric vehicle and a payment information collection device connected to a plurality of commercial power outlets; a switch that controls the on / off of the power path between the outlet and the electric vehicle; a processor that receives user identification information, payment information, charging information, and electric vehicle information from the EVCC through the power line communication module, controls the charging of the electric vehicle according to the charging information and the electric vehicle information, and requests payment of the charging fee by providing the user identification information, the payment information, and the amount of charging power or the charging fee to the payment information collection device when charging is completed; and a memory that stores the user identification information, the payment information, the charging information, the electric vehicle information, and the amount of charging power.

[0012] In addition, the processor performs an EVCC and SLAC connection process through the power line communication module to establish a power line communication channel between the EVCC and the in-cable control box, and in the SLAC connection process, when the EVCC transmits a measurement signal to the power line communication module to measure an attenuation value, the processor can measure the attenuation value of the measurement signal received through the power line communication module and transmit it to the EVCC.

[0013] Additionally, the processor performs a SLAC connection process with a payment information collection device through the power line communication module to establish a power line communication channel between the payment information collection device and an in-cable control box, wherein in the SLAC connection process, the processor transmits a measurement signal for measuring an attenuation value to the payment information collection device through the power line communication module, receives an attenuation value measured for the measurement signal from the payment information collection device, and if the received attenuation value is within a preset allowable range, a power line communication channel may be established.

[0014] In addition, the above payment information may include at least one of the user's credit card information, account information, and a Plug and Charge (PnC) contract certificate.

[0015] Additionally, when a power line communication channel is established with the EVCC through the power line communication module, the processor receives user identification information and payment information from the EVCC and stores them in the memory, and stops the communication channel with the EVCC; when a power line communication channel is established with the payment information collection device through the power line communication module, the processor transmits the user identification information and payment information stored in the memory to the payment information collection device, receives charging fee information from the payment information collection device and stores it in the memory, performs charging control to supply charging power to the electric vehicle from a commercial power outlet to start charging, and when a request to end charging is received from the EVCC, transmits the amount of charging power or the charging fee to the payment information collection device to request payment of the charging fee.

[0016] In addition, while performing charging of the electric vehicle, if the amount of charging power reaches a predefined unit charging amount, the processor may update the total amount of charging power stored in the memory and provide the total amount of charging power information to the payment information collection device.

[0017] Meanwhile, an electric vehicle charging system using power line communication according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problem is an electric vehicle charging system using power line communication comprising an in-cable control box (ICCB) and a payment information collection device, wherein the in-cable control box is mounted on a charging cable having a plug connected to a commercial power outlet at one end and a connector connected to an electric vehicle at the other end, and performs power line communication with an EVCC (Electric Vehicle Communication Controller) installed in the electric vehicle to receive and store user identification information and payment information from the EVCC, performs charging control for the electric vehicle to measure the amount of charging power, and performs power line communication with the payment information collection device to transmit the user identification information, payment information, and amount of charging power to the payment information collection device, and the payment information collection device internally stores the user identification information and payment information received from the in-cable control box, and when the amount of charging power or the charging fee is received from the in-cable control box, it can request payment for the charging fee while transmitting the user identification information, the payment information, and the charging fee to a charging fee payment server.

[0018] In addition, the in-cable control box performs a SLAC connection process with the EVCC to establish a power line communication channel with the EVCC, and in the SLAC connection process, when it receives a measurement signal for measuring an attenuation value from the EVCC, it can measure the attenuation value of the measurement signal and transmit it to the EVCC.

[0019] In addition, the in-cable control box performs a SLAC connection process with the payment information collection device to establish a power line communication channel with the payment information collection device, wherein in the SLAC connection process, it transmits a measurement signal for measuring an attenuation value to the payment information collection device and receives an attenuation value measured for the measurement signal from the payment information collection device, and if the received attenuation value is within a pre-set allowable range, the power line communication channel may be established.

[0020] Additionally, while performing charging of the electric vehicle, when the charging power amount reaches a predefined unit charging amount, the in-cable control box updates the total charging power amount stored in the internal memory and provides the total charging power amount information to the payment information collection device. When the payment information collection device receives the total charging power amount information from the in-cable control box, it stores it internally. If a charging error occurs, it calculates the charging fee corresponding to the stored total charging power amount information and requests payment for the charging fee while transmitting user identification information and payment information to the charging fee payment server.

[0021] Meanwhile, a method for charging an electric vehicle using power line communication according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problem comprises: (a) a step in which an in-cable control box performs a SLAC connection process with an EVCC (Electric Vehicle Communication Controller) of an electric vehicle to be charged to establish a power line communication channel with the EVCC, and receives and stores user identification information and payment information from the EVCC; (b) a step in which a payment information collection device connected to a plurality of commercial power outlets performs a SLAC connection process with the in-cable control box to establish a power line communication channel with the in-cable control box, receives and stores user identification information and payment information from the in-cable control box, and provides charging fee information to the in-cable control box; (c) a step in which the in-cable control box performs charging scheduling with the EVCC, performs a charging LOOP process, and when charging is terminated, transmits the amount of charging power or the charging fee to the payment information collection device to request payment of the charging fee; and (d) a step of requesting payment of a charge fee while transmitting the user identification information, the payment information, and the charge fee to the charge fee payment server.

[0022] In addition, in the SLAC connection process of step (a) above, when the in-cable control box receives a measurement signal from the EVCC to measure an attenuation value, it can establish a power line communication channel by measuring the attenuation value of the measurement signal and transmitting it to the EVCC.

[0023] In addition, in the SLAC connection process of step (b) above, when the payment information collection device receives a measurement signal for measuring attenuation values ​​from the in-cable control box, it can establish a power line communication channel by transmitting the attenuation value measured for the measurement signal to the cable control box.

[0024] Additionally, in step (c) above, while the charging LOOP process is performed and the electric vehicle is being charged, when the charging power amount reaches a predefined unit charging amount, the in-cable control box updates the total charging power amount stored in its internal memory and provides the total charging power amount information to the payment information collection device. When the payment information collection device receives the total charging power amount information from the in-cable control box, it stores it internally. In step (d), if a charging error occurs, the payment information collection device calculates the charging fee corresponding to the total charging power amount information stored internally and requests payment for the charging fee by transmitting the user identification information, the payment information, and the charging fee to the charging fee payment server.

[0025] In addition, the above payment information may include at least one of the user's credit card information, account information, and a Plug and Charge (PnC) contract certificate. Effects of the invention

[0026] The present invention enables electric vehicle charging in general facilities while reducing excessive costs incurred when replacing conventional installed outlets with outlets equipped with RFID tags or replacing ICCBs with ICCBs equipped with wireless communication functions. This is achieved by installing a payment information collection device connected to multiple power outlets in a large-scale collective residential facility or commercial facility, and by having an In-Cable Control Box (ICCB) that controls electric vehicle charging and the payment information collection device communicate through a power line, thereby providing user identification information, payment information, and charging power amount collected by the ICCB to the payment information collection device to pay for charging fees. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0027] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of an electric vehicle charging system using power line communication (PLC) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating the internal configuration of an in-cable control box according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an electric vehicle charging method using power line communication (PLC) according to a preferred first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an electric vehicle charging method using power line communication (PLC) according to a preferred second embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0028] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0029] Hereinafter, the aforementioned objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, as the present invention is subject to various modifications and may have various embodiments, specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail below.

[0030] Throughout the specification, identical reference numbers indicate identical components in principle. Additionally, components with identical functions within the scope of the same concept appearing in the drawings of each embodiment are described using the same reference numeral.

[0031] When a part of a specification is described as "including" a certain component, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but may include additional components. Furthermore, terms such as "...part" or "module" as used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and this may be implemented in hardware or software, or as a combination of hardware and software.

[0032] If it is determined that a detailed description of known functions or configurations related to the present invention may unnecessarily obscure the essence of the present invention, such detailed description is omitted. Additionally, numbers used in the description of this specification (e.g., 1st, 2nd, etc.) are merely identification symbols to distinguish one component from another.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of an electric vehicle charging system using power line communication (PLC) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 1, the electric vehicle charging system using power line communication according to the present invention comprises an In-Cable Control Box (hereinafter abbreviated as ICCB) (20), a payment information collection device (40), an EVCC (Electric Vehicle Communication Controller) (11), and a charging fee payment server (50).

[0035] The EVCC (11) is installed inside the charging device of the electric vehicle (hereinafter abbreviated as "electric vehicle") (10) and performs a charging control procedure by communicating with the ICCB (20) via power line communication.

[0036] The payment information collection device (40) is connected to multiple outlets (30) installed on multiple floors of a multi-unit building via power lines and communicates with an ICCB (20) connected to the outlets (30) via power line communication. When the ICCB (20) is connected, the payment information collection device (40) establishes a communication channel with the ICCB (20) via power lines and provides charging fee information to the ICCB (20).

[0037] Additionally, the payment information collection device (40) receives and stores the user identification information and payment information of the user performing the charge from the ICCB (20), and when the charge is completed, receives the amount of power charged or the charge fee from the ICCB (20), and then transmits the user identification information, payment information, and charge fee to the charge fee payment server (50) connected via a wired or wireless communication network to perform the charge fee payment. At this time, if the user has already subscribed to the PnC (Plug and Charge) service, the user's payment information may be a PnC contract certificate.

[0038] The charging fee payment server (50) can perform payment for the charging fee using the user's identification information and payment information, and notify the payment result to the user terminal (not shown).

[0039] An in-cable control box (ICCB) (20) is installed in the middle of a charging cable, and one end of the charging cable is provided with a plug (29) that is inserted into an outlet (30), and the other end of the charging cable is provided with a connector (29) that is connected to an electric vehicle (10).

[0040] Additionally, the ICCB (20) includes a switch internally to control the on / off electrical conduction path between the plug (29) and the connector (29), and performs charging control by communicating with the EVCC (11) and the payment information collection device (40), respectively. In particular, in the present invention, the ICCB (20) performs the role of relaying the exchange of information between the EVCC (11) and the payment information collection device (40).

[0041] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating the internal configuration of an in-cable control box according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Referring further to FIG. 2, the hardware detailed configuration of the in-cable control box (20) includes a processor (22), memory (21), power meter (23), switch (24), and PLC communication module (25).

[0043] The switch (24) is turned on / off according to a control signal input from the processor (22) to turn on / off the current path between the plug (28) and the connector (29), thereby controlling the flow of charging current flowing through the in-cable control box (20). The switch (24) can be implemented as a relay switch or as a semiconductor switch.

[0044] One end of the switch (24) is connected to a plug (29) that is inserted into an outlet (30), and the other end is connected to a connector (29) that is connected to an electric vehicle (10). When the switch (24) is turned on, the charging current flowing in through the plug (29) is supplied to the electric vehicle (10) through the connector (29), and when the switch (24) is turned off, the supply of the charging current is cut off.

[0045] When the switch (24) is turned on and charging current flows through the cable, the power meter (23) measures the amount of charging current, calculates the amount of charging power, outputs it to the processor (22), and the processor (22) stores the amount of charging power in memory (21).

[0046] The PLC communication module (25) performs power line communication with the EVCC (11) and the payment information collection device (40) respectively through a cable.

[0047] A memory (21) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention can store instructions executable by a processor (22) and programs executed by the processor (22), and can also store input / output data. Examples of memory (21) may include an SSD (Solid State Drive), flash memory, ROM (Read-Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the memory (21) can store various data (e.g., user identification information, payment information, contract certificate) received from the EVCC (11), store charging power amount, and store charging fee information (fee table) received from the payment information collection device (40). Additionally, the memory (21) can further store charging information and electric vehicle information received from the EVCC (11).

[0049] Here, the charging information may include at least one of the amount of charging power requested by the electric vehicle (10), the total amount of charging expected when the battery is fully charged, and the amount of charging power expected at the time of the charging end request. The electric vehicle information may include at least one of electric vehicle status information (the amount of battery energy held by the electric vehicle, charging mode, etc.), the maximum acceptable current or voltage, and the energy capacity that can be stored in the battery.

[0050] A processor (22) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention may be implemented as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a similar device (e.g., MPU (Micro Processing Unit), MCU (Micro Control Unit), etc.).

[0051] The processor (22) performs power line communication with the EVCC (11) and the payment information collection device (40) through the PLC communication module (25) to transmit and receive data necessary for charging control (charging information and electric vehicle information, etc.).

[0052] Additionally, before charging begins, the processor (22) receives user identification information and payment information from the EVCC (11), stores them in memory (21), and provides these information to a payment information collection device. The processor (22) starts charging by turning on the switch (24) according to the charging information and electric vehicle information, and performs charging control by performing on / off control of the switch (24) according to the changing charging information and electric vehicle information.

[0053] While charging is being performed according to the above-mentioned charging information and electric vehicle information, the processor (22) receives the amount of charging power from the power meter (23) and stores it in the memory (21). In addition, in another embodiment of the present invention described later, the processor (22) may stop the charging process in units of a certain amount of charging power in preparation for a communication error, and transmit the amount of charging power and / or the charging fee corresponding to the amount of charging power to the payment information collection device (40) so that the payment information collection device (40) may store them, and may also request an intermediate payment for the charging fee.

[0054] When charging is completed, the processor (22) performs a payment process for the charging fee. In the payment process, the processor (22) requests payment of the charging fee by transmitting the amount of charging power stored in the memory (21) to the payment information collection device (40) through the PLC communication module (25), and the payment information collection device (40) performs payment of the charging fee using the user identification information and payment information stored in advance and the amount of charging power received after charging is completed.

[0055] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an electric vehicle charging method using power line communication according to a preferred first embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Hereinafter, with further reference to FIG. 3, the function of an electric vehicle charging system using power line communication and an electric vehicle charging method according to a preferred first embodiment of the present invention will be described. However, it should be noted that the function of the ICCB (20) performed below is performed by a processor (22) controlling the components included in the ICCB (20).

[0057] First, when the connector (29) of the ICCB (20) is connected to the electric vehicle (10) and the plug (29) of the ICCB (20) is inserted into a commercial electric outlet (30), the ICCB (20) starts a charging session (S311).

[0058] In step S311, the EVCC (11) and ICCB (20) of the electric vehicle (10) recognize each other and establish a communication channel by performing a SLAC process. Briefly looking at the SLAC process (signal attenuation value measurement procedure), the EVCC (11) requests parameters to proceed with the signal attenuation value measurement procedure (SLAC) from the charging device, the in-cable control box (ICCB) (20). When the charging device (ICCB (20)) replies to the EVCC (11) with the parameters for the signal attenuation value measurement procedure (SLAC), the EVCC (11) checks the parameters and notifies the charging device (ICCB (20)) that it will transmit a signal for attenuation value measurement.

[0059] Subsequently, the EVCC (11) repeatedly transmits a measurement signal to the PLC communication module (25) of the ICCB (20) to measure the actual attenuation value. The processor (22) of the ICCB (20), which is a charging device, receives the measurement signal through the PLC communication module (25), measures the attenuation value of the signal, and then transmits it to the EVCC (11), which is the charging controller of the electric vehicle (10), through the PLC communication module (25). The EVCC (11) checks whether the transmitted attenuation value (SLAC value) is within a predefined allowable range and determines whether to proceed with charging.

[0060] In a typical SLAC process, multiple charging devices send signal attenuation values ​​to the EVCC (11), and the EVCC (11) selects the charging device that shows the optimal attenuation value. However, in the present invention, since the EVCC (11) and the charging device ICCB (20) are connected one-to-one, only one charging device sends attenuation values ​​to the EVCC (11), and when the attenuation value is within the allowable range, a communication channel is established and the charging process proceeds.

[0061] When a Power Line Communication (PLC) channel is established between EVCC (11) and ICCB (20) through the SLAC process, EVCC (11) transmits user identification information and payment information to ICCB (20) (S313). Here, the user identification information and payment information can be a PnC (Plug and Charge) contract certificate as described in the ISO 15118 standard.

[0062] Additionally, user identification information is information for specifying the billing target of the charging fee, and may be unique information of the user who will pay the charging fee (e.g., service subscription ID), or may be unique information of the electric vehicle (10) operated by the user. Additionally, payment information is information for payment of the charging fee, and may be a representative example of the user's credit card information, or may be account information for online payment.

[0063] Meanwhile, when ICCB (20) receives user identification information and payment information, it requests EVCC (11) to pause the charging session (S315). In step S315, ICCB (20) requests EVCC (11) to pause the charging session through a method defined in ISO 15118 or a Value Added Service (VAS) function, and EVCC (11) proceeds with the pause process when it receives the request to pause the charging session. During the pause process, communication between EVCC (11) and ICCB (20) does not take place.

[0064] Meanwhile, when the ICCB (20) has a plug (29) inserted into the power outlet (30) and the charging line with the EVCC (11) is temporarily suspended, it performs a SLAC process for power line communication (PLC) while transmitting the ICCB ID to the payment information collection device (40) to establish a power line communication (PLC) channel between the ICCB (20) and the payment information collection device (40) (S321).

[0065] In step S321, the ICCB ID can be a V2G communication Session ID, MAC address, or unique ID for PLC communication defined in ISO 15118. Additionally, the SLAC process is basically the same as the process performed in step S311, but differs only in that the ICCB (20) transmits a measurement signal for measuring attenuation values ​​to the payment information collection device (40) through the outlet (30), and the payment information collection device (40) measures the attenuation value of the signal and returns it to the ICCB (20), so a detailed description is omitted. In step S321, PLC communication may use a communication protocol according to ISO 15118-3 or ISO 12139.

[0066] When a power line communication (PLC) channel is established between the ICCB (20) and the payment information collection device (40), the ICCB (20) transmits the user identification information and payment information received in step S313 to the payment information collection device (40), and the payment information collection device (40) stores them (S323). At this time, as previously described, the payment information may be the user's credit card information, account information, or contract certificate information using the aforementioned PnC (Plug and Charge) function.

[0067] Meanwhile, a payment information collection device (40) installed in the building stores the ICCB ID, user identification information, and payment information received from the ICCB (20), then transmits the current charging fee information (pricing table) to the ICCB (20), and the ICCB (20) stores the charging fee information in memory (21) (S325). Here, steps S323 and S325 may use communication protocols according to ISO 15118-2 or ISO 15118-20, and the charging fee information may be the sales tariff in the ChargeParameterDiscovery step defined in the same standard.

[0068] After the ICCB (20) stores the electricity bill information, it requests the payment information collection device (40) to stop the charging process (stop communication) (S327) and requests the EVCC (11) to resume charging (S331). Here, the request to resume charging can be made according to the IEC 61851-1 standard.

[0069] After that, charging scheduling is performed between EVCC (11) and ICCB (20) (S333). The charging scheduling process can be performed according to ISO 15118. For example, during the charging scheduling process, EVCC (11) and ICCB (20) exchange their respective charging limits by transmitting maximum and minimum allowable voltage levels and current amounts, EVCC (11) notifies ICCB (20) of the charging power amount and desired start time, and a ChargeParameterDiscovery process can be performed in which ICCB (20) proposes a charging schedule to EVCC (11).

[0070] Additionally, during the charging scheduling process, a CableCheck process for performing a cable check for safe charging, a PreCharge process for adjusting the output voltage of the charging station to the battery voltage of the electric vehicle (10), and a PowerDelivery process in which the EVCC (11) requests power supply from the ICCB (20) by transmitting a PowerDeliveryReq and transmits a charging profile to be followed by the EVCC (11) during the charging process, and the ICCB (20), upon receiving the PowerDeliveryReq message, transmits a PowerDeliveryRes message containing information on whether power is available to the EVCC (11).

[0071] When the charging scheduling process is completed, a charging LOOP process is performed between the ICCB (20) and the EVCC (11), and the ICCB (20) communicates with the EVCC (11) of the electric vehicle (10) and performs charging control (S340). The charging LOOP process can also be performed according to ISO 15118. For example, the EVCC (11) requests a charging current by transmitting a CurrentDemandReq to the ICCB (20), and the ICCB (20) can initiate the charging LOOP by performing a CurrentDemand step in which it transmits a CurrentDemandRes to the EVCC (11) to inform the electric vehicle (10) of the current output voltage and current.

[0072] When the charging loop process is initiated, the ICCB (20) can supply charging current by turning on the switch (24) to conduct current between the plug (29) inserted into the outlet (30) and the connector (29) connected to the electric vehicle (10).

[0073] In addition, in another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the switch (24) of the ICCB (20) is normally kept in an ON state, and when the charging LOOP process is initiated, the processor (22) of the ICCB (20) transmits a charging start signal to the EVCC (11) through the PLC communication module (25), and the EVCC (11) transmits this to the charging control device of the vehicle, thereby initiating the charging LOOP by operating the OBC (On-Board Charger) inside the electric vehicle (10).

[0074] Additionally, when the charging LOOP process is initiated, the power meter (23) of the ICCB (20) measures the amount of charging power provided to the electric vehicle (10) and outputs the measured amount of power to the processor (22).

[0075] Meanwhile, in the charging loop, the ICCB (20) can control charging by receiving charging information and electric vehicle information from the EVCC (11), and can perform charging control according to the Power Delivery process of the ISO 15118 standard.

[0076] As described above, charging information may include at least one of the amount of charging power requested by the electric vehicle (10), the total amount of charging expected when the battery is fully charged, and the amount of charging power expected at the time of the charging end request, and electric vehicle information may include at least one of electric vehicle status information (the amount of battery energy held by the electric vehicle, charging mode, etc.), the maximum acceptable current or voltage, and the energy capacity that can be stored in the battery.

[0077] Meanwhile, when the charging of the electric vehicle (10) is completed, the EVCC (11) notifies the ICCB (20) that the charging of the electric vehicle is completed and requests the termination of the charging process (S350).

[0078] When the processor (22) of the ICCB (20) receives a request to end the charging process from the EVCC (11) through the PLC communication module (25), it turns off the switch (24) to stop charging, resumes the charging session with the payment information collection device (40), and requests payment of the charging fee from the payment information collection device (40) while transmitting the charging power amount information input from the power meter (23) through the PLC communication module (25). (S360)

[0079] At this time, if the switch (24) normally remains in the ON state and the start and end of charging are performed according to the operation of the OBC (On-Board Charger) installed in the electric vehicle (10), then in step S360, the operation of turning the switch (24) OFF is not performed.

[0080] Additionally, in step S360, the ICCB (20) may request payment of the charging fee by transmitting the amount of charging power measured by the power meter (23) to the payment information collection device (40), or it may calculate the charging fee corresponding to the amount of charging power measured according to the charging fee information (rate table) received in step S325, and request payment by transmitting the calculated charging fee to the payment information collection device (40).

[0081] Then, the payment information collection device (40) requests payment of the charging fee by transmitting the user identification information and payment information received from the EVCC (11) in step S323, along with the charging fee, to the charging fee payment server (50), and the charging fee payment server (50) performs payment according to the user identification information and payment information (S370).

[0082] If, in step S360, the payment information collection device (40) receives only the amount of charging power and not the calculated charging fee from the ICCB (20), then in step S370, the payment information collection device (40) can request payment by calculating the charging fee based on the charging fee information and the amount of charging power and transmitting it to the charging fee payment server (50). If, in step S360, the already calculated charging fee is received from the ICCB (20), then in step S370, the payment information collection device (40) can request payment by transmitting the corresponding charging fee to the charging fee payment server (50).

[0083] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an electric vehicle charging method using power line communication according to a preferred second embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] According to the first embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 3, the connection between the ICCB (20) and the payment information collection device (40) may be disconnected during the charging process. For example, this may occur when a plug (29) connected to a wall outlet (30) is disconnected during the charging LOOP.

[0085] In preparation for such cases, the electric vehicle charging method using power line communication (PLC) according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 4 has the ICCB (20) continuously check the amount of charging power using the power meter (23) while performing the charging LOOP process, which is step S340, and check whether the amount of charging power has reached a predefined unit charging amount (S341).

[0086] Here, the unit charging amount can be pre-set, such as in units of 10KW or 20KW. For example, before starting charging, the remaining battery capacity of the electric vehicle (10) is 5KW, and when charging starts, the charging amount becomes 10KW, that is, when the current remaining capacity of the battery becomes 15KW, it is determined that the charging amount has reached the unit charging amount, and then when an additional 10KW is charged and the current remaining capacity of the battery becomes 25KW, it can be determined that the unit charging amount has been reached again.

[0087] When the unit charge amount is reached, the processor (22) of the ICCB (20) updates the total charge power amount stored in the memory (21) (S343), requests the EVCC (11) to pause the charge process (S345), provides the total charge power amount information to the payment information collection device (40) (S346), and the payment information collection device (40) stores the total charge power amount information (S347).

[0088] Subsequently, while the charging LOOP process of the aforementioned step S340 is continuously performed, the aforementioned steps S341 and S347 are repeatedly performed until the charging is completed.

[0089] Meanwhile, the payment information collection device (40) continuously checks whether a charging error, such as plug disconnection, has occurred while the steps S340 to S347 described above are being performed. If it is determined that a serious error has occurred that makes it difficult to continue the charging process, it proceeds to step S370 of FIG. 3, calculates the charging fee for the total amount of charging power stored so far, and requests payment from the charging fee payment server (50) (S349). At this time, as described above, payment may also be performed in a PnC manner using a contract certificate.

[0090] Here, the method by which the payment information collection device (40) determines that it is difficult to continue the charging process is that if the payment information collection device (40) periodically sends a Ping to the ICCB (20) or if the ICCB (20) does not transmit the charging fee or charging power amount to the payment information collection device (40) for a certain period of time, it can be determined that a critical error has occurred that makes it difficult to continue communication.

[0091] The electric vehicle charging method using power line communication according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention described so far can be implemented as a computer program stored in a non-transient storage medium by being implemented as computer-executable instructions.

[0092] Storage media include all types of recording devices in which data that can be read by a computer system is stored. Examples of computer-readable storage media include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, and optical data storage devices. Additionally, computer-readable storage media are distributed across networked computer systems, allowing computer-readable code to be stored and executed in a distributed manner.

[0093] The present invention has been described above with reference to its preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention may be embodied in modified forms without departing from the essential characteristics of the invention. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims, not by the foregoing description, and all variations within the scope of the claims should be interpreted as being included in the invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0094] 10 : Electric Vehicles 11 : EVCC 20: In-cable control box, ICCB 21 : Memory 22 : Processor 23 : Electricity meter 24 : Switch 25: PLC communication module 28 : Plug 29 : Connector 30 : Outlet 40: Payment information collection device 50 : Charging fee payment server

Claims

Claim 1 An in-cable control box mounted on a charging cable for performing wired charging of an electric vehicle by connecting to any one of a plurality of commercial power outlets, comprising: a power meter that measures the amount of charging power provided to the electric vehicle and outputs the amount of charging power; a power line communication module that performs power line communication with an EVCC (Electric Vehicle Communication Controller) mounted on the electric vehicle and a payment information collection device connected to a plurality of commercial power outlets; a switch that controls the on / off power path between the outlet and the electric vehicle; a processor that receives user identification information, payment information, charging information, and electric vehicle information from the EVCC through the power line communication module, controls the charging of the electric vehicle according to the charging information and the electric vehicle information, and requests payment of the charging fee by providing the user identification information, the payment information, and the amount of charging power or the charging fee to the payment information collection device when charging is completed; and a memory that stores the user identification information, the payment information, the charging information, the electric vehicle information, and the amount of charging power. Claim 2 In claim 1, the processor performs an EVCC and SLAC connection process through the power line communication module to establish a power line communication channel between the EVCC and the in-cable control box, wherein in the SLAC connection process, when the EVCC transmits a measurement signal for measuring an attenuation value to the power line communication module, the processor measures the attenuation value of the measurement signal received through the power line communication module and transmits it to the EVCC. Claim 3 In claim 1, the processor performs a SLAC connection process with a payment information collection device through the power line communication module to establish a power line communication channel between the payment information collection device and an in-cable control box, wherein in the SLAC connection process, the processor transmits a measurement signal for measuring an attenuation value to the payment information collection device through the power line communication module, receives an attenuation value measured for the measurement signal from the payment information collection device, and establishes a power line communication channel when the received attenuation value is within a preset allowable range. Claim 4 An in-cable control box according to claim 1, characterized in that the payment information includes at least one of the user's credit card information, account information, and a Plug and Charge (PnC) contract certificate. Claim 5 In claim 1, the processor receives user identification information and payment information from the EVCC and stores them in the memory when a power line communication channel is established with the EVCC through the power line communication module, stops the communication channel with the EVCC, and when a power line communication channel is established with the payment information collection device through the power line communication module, transmits the user identification information and payment information stored in the memory to the payment information collection device, receives charging fee information from the payment information collection device and stores it in the memory, performs charging control to supply charging power to the electric vehicle from a commercial power outlet to start charging, and when a request to end charging is received from the EVCC, transmits the amount of charging power or the charging fee to the payment information collection device to request payment of the charging fee, characterized in that it is an in-cable control box. Claim 6 An in-cable control box according to claim 1, characterized in that, while performing charging of an electric vehicle, when the amount of charging power reaches a predefined unit charging amount, the processor updates the total amount of charging power stored in the memory and provides the total amount of charging power information to the payment information collection device.

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