Electric Vehicle Charging Management System with Fire Detection Capabilities

Abstract

The electric vehicle charging management system capable of fire detection according to the present invention includes an electric vehicle charging management server (10), a user terminal (60), and a charging station management device (70), wherein the electric vehicle charging management server (10) includes a payment information temporary storage unit (11), a communication / control unit (12), and a data management system (14). The above charging station management device (70) obtains electric vehicle identification information through a vehicle recognition system (71), monitors the charging status through a current / voltage sensor (72), and performs charging initiation, suspension, and resumption control through a charging management module (74). The above charging station management device (70) includes a fire detection unit (75), and the fire detection unit (75) detects a fire by capturing an image of the electric vehicle using a camera that captures images in an area other than visible light.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric vehicle charging management system and method equipped with means for fire monitoring, and in particular to a technology that integrally performs vehicle identification, authentication, payment, charging process control, abnormal state detection and remote charging resumption, fire detection, etc. at an electric vehicle charging station. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, as part of efforts to reduce harmful environmental gases, interest in eco-friendly vehicles to replace conventional fossil fuel cars has been increasing.

[0003] An electric vehicle, a type of eco-friendly automobile, is a vehicle equipped with a battery capable of charging electricity inside the vehicle, and operates by driving the vehicle's motor using the power of the electricity stored in the battery.

[0004] Just as conventional fossil fuel vehicles are refueled at facilities such as gas stations, electric vehicles also operate by charging their batteries with electricity at electric charging stations (e.g., chargers).

[0005] However, the proportion of electric vehicles has not yet increased significantly compared to fossil fuel vehicles, and this is partly due to the shortage of electric vehicle charging stations and the fact that the driving range of electric vehicles on a single charge has not increased significantly. Consequently, drivers of electric vehicles are also facing difficulties with continuous charging.

[0006] Furthermore, the absence of a system to manage electric vehicle charging stations or chargers hinders smooth management. Consequently, the inability to properly handle charger malfunctions, performance degradation, or congestion results in a situation where even the limited number of charging stations cannot be utilized effectively. In addition, a communication system capable of transmitting and receiving status information is essential for managing charging stations and chargers. However, conventionally, as described in the patent document below, the use of modems or building internet lines has resulted in excessive communication costs and significant time and expense for installation and maintenance, causing difficulties in the operation and management of charging stations.

[0007] Furthermore, when charging was interrupted due to abnormal conditions (power supply instability, external factors, etc.), users faced the inconvenience of having to visit the charging station in person to resume charging. There was a lack of a system to request a remote resumption and to carry it out safely and reliably.

[0008] Furthermore, electric vehicle charging stations operate in high-current and high-voltage environments where fires or temperature anomalies may occur; however, existing technologies have lacked the capacity to detect and respond to these situations early. Safety has not been adequately ensured because the integration of temperature and fire detection (using fiber optic sensors, InGaAs cameras, UV sensors, etc.) with the charging management process has not been sufficiently considered.

[0009] In addition, payment information management was carried out in a simplistic or insecure manner, resulting in a lack of processes for reconfirming payment information or verifying data consistency when recharging was resumed.

[0011] (Patent Literature)

[0012] Registered Patent Publication No. 10-1338003 (Registered Dec. 02, 2013) "Power Line Communication Modem and Power Line Communication System for Electric Vehicle Charging" The problem to be solved

[0013] The present invention provides a charging station management system capable of efficient vehicle identification and authentication procedures, enabling a user to remotely request the resumption of charging when charging is interrupted, and safely verifying resumption conditions through the matching of payment information and vehicle identification information.

[0014] In addition, the present invention provides a means to detect the presence or absence of abnormalities in an electric vehicle, such as fire, at an early stage. means of solving the problem

[0015] The electric vehicle charging management system capable of fire detection according to the present invention includes an electric vehicle charging management server (10), a user terminal (60), and a charging station management device (70), wherein the electric vehicle charging management server (10) includes a payment information temporary storage unit (11), a communication / control unit (12), and a data management system (14).

[0016] The above charging station management device (70) obtains electric vehicle identification information through a vehicle recognition system (71), monitors the charging status through a current / voltage sensor (72), and performs charging initiation, suspension, and resumption control through a charging management module (74).

[0017] The above charging station management device (70) includes a fire detection unit (75), and the fire detection unit (75) detects a fire by capturing an image of the electric vehicle using a camera that captures images in an area other than visible light.

[0018] In addition, the fire detection unit (75) can detect the temperature from changes in the characteristics of the optical signal transmitted by equipping the floor of the charging station and the charging cable of the charging station with a fiber optic sensor.

[0019] In addition, the fire detection unit (75) can detect signs of an early stage of fire by utilizing at least one of an InGaAs camera and a UV sensor, and when detected, transmit an abnormal signal to the charging management module (74) to stop charging.

[0020] Additionally, the user terminal (60) includes a charging station management app (61) and transmits reservation, authentication, and payment information in conjunction with the electric vehicle charging management server (10) and performs a request to resume remote charging. The payment information temporary storage unit (11) temporarily stores a pair of payment information and vehicle identification information at the time of payment. The communication / control unit (12) can transmit a charging resumption command to the charging management module (74) by verifying whether the information matches through the payment information temporary storage unit (11) and verifying the resumption condition through the data management system (14) in accordance with the request to resume remote charging received from the user terminal (60).

[0021] In addition, the above payment information temporary storage unit (11) can only check whether the data regarding the payment information at the time of payment and the vehicle identification information pair transmitted is consistent, without providing information regarding the payment information at the time of payment and the vehicle identification information pair at the time of payment when a request to resume charging is made.

[0022] In addition, the payment information and vehicle identification information transmitted to the payment information temporary storage unit (11) are encrypted, and the payment information temporary storage unit (11) cannot directly access data from the outside and can only provide a response confirming whether the information matches.

[0023] In addition, in paragraph 1, the resumption conditions may include being within a certain time from the time of the initial payment, not having initiated payment or charging by another user between the time of the resumption request, and the payment information / vehicle identification information pairs matching. Effects of the invention

[0024] According to the present invention, a user can request the resumption of charging remotely and can safely verify the resumption conditions through information matching by a payment information temporary storage unit.

[0025] In addition, safety is enhanced through early fire detection via the fire detection unit, and information leakage is prevented through encryption and strengthened security of the entire communication process. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0026] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electric vehicle charging management system according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a charging station management server according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a charging station management device according to one embodiment. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0027] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. Unless otherwise specifically defined or mentioned, terms indicating direction used in this description are based on the state shown in the drawings. Additionally, throughout each embodiment, the same reference numeral indicates the same component. Meanwhile, the thickness or dimensions of each component shown in the drawings may be exaggerated for convenience of explanation and do not imply that it must actually be constructed according to the corresponding dimensions or ratios between components.

[0029] An electric vehicle charging management system according to one embodiment is described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electric vehicle charging management system according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a charging station management server according to one embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a charging station management device according to one embodiment.

[0030] An electric vehicle charging management system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an electric vehicle charging management server (10), a user terminal (60), and a charging station management device (70), and provides an efficient electric vehicle charging process through organic communication / control between them. By integrally performing vehicle recognition, authentication / payment, charging progress, detection of abnormal situations and remote resumption, fire detection, etc., user convenience, charging station operational efficiency, and safety are improved.

[0031] The charging station management server (10) includes a payment information temporary storage unit (11), a communication / control unit (12), a data transmission / reception module (13), and a data management system (14). These operate in the following manner.

[0032] The payment information temporary storage unit (11) temporarily stores the payment information and vehicle identification information pair when the user completes the payment. For security purposes, the payment information temporary storage unit (11) prohibits the direct reading of internal data from outside the temporary storage unit (11) and only verifies whether the received payment information / vehicle identification information pair matches when a resumption request is made.

[0033] For example, when a user makes an initial payment, the vehicle identification information (license plate, vehicle ID obtained from the charging cable) and payment information are stored in the payment information temporary storage unit (11). Subsequently, when a request to resume charging is made, the temporary storage unit (11) supports determining whether resumption is possible by matching with the same payment information / vehicle identification information pair received from the outside.

[0034] The communication / control unit (12) and the data transmission / reception module (13) control all data transmission and reception between the charging station management device (70) and the user terminal (60). Through the data transmission / reception module (13), information such as reservation, authentication, charging progress status, charging stop / resumption information, and information on fire or abnormal situations are exchanged in an encrypted form. In this process, the communication / control unit (12) performs a central control role that controls the entire process flow.

[0035] The data management system (14) comprehensively manages reservation information, charging history, authentication information, payment records, fire detection records, etc., necessary for the operation of the charging station. It also provides basis data for determining the possibility of resuming charging by reviewing time conditions (e.g., within a certain time after payment) and whether other users intervene at the time of resuming charging.

[0036] A charging station management app (61) is installed on the user terminal (60). Through the app (61), the user performs charging reservation, authentication, payment, monitoring of charging status, and requests for remote resumption when charging is interrupted.

[0037] For example, after a user parks a vehicle at a charging station, charging begins after the user reserves a desired charging time slot and makes a payment through the app (61). If charging is interrupted due to an abnormal condition during charging, an alarm is displayed on the app (61), and the user can request to resume charging remotely. During this process, the app (61) encrypts payment information and vehicle identification information and transmits them to the communication / control unit (12), and determines the possibility of resumption based on whether it matches with the temporary storage unit (11).

[0038] The charging station management device (70) is a field unit device where the electric vehicle charging process is physically carried out, and includes a vehicle recognition system (71), a current / voltage sensor (72), a display unit (73), a charging management module (74), and a fire detection unit (75).

[0039] The vehicle recognition system (71) is a system for identifying vehicles entering a parking lot. Vehicle ID identification is possible through a license plate recognition camera or a charging cable. Through this, it is possible to determine whether the vehicle is an electric vehicle and match the vehicle with payment information.

[0040] The current / voltage sensor (72) measures the current / voltage supplied to the electric vehicle being charged in real time. Through this, it identifies the charging status (charge amount, degree of charging progress) and reports to the charging management module (74) when an abnormal condition (unstable current, overvoltage / overcurrent) occurs.

[0041] The display unit (73) is a display device installed at the charging station site and visually displays the current charging status, charging amount, fee information, alarm (whether an abnormal condition has occurred), etc. This allows the charging status to be easily identified at the site.

[0042] The charging management module (74) is a core component for controlling the charging process. It supplies current in accordance with a charging start command, and immediately stops charging when it receives an abnormal state detection signal from a current / voltage sensor (72) or a fire detection unit (75). Additionally, when it receives a remote charging resumption command via the communication / control unit (12), it resumes charging on the condition that payment information matches and conditions are met.

[0043] The fire detection unit (75) detects the occurrence of a fire in various ways.

[0044] First, an InGaAs camera can be used. That is, a camera that detects short-wave infrared (SWIR) wavelengths of 900nm to 1700nm is utilized. Since this camera is less affected by interfering factors such as smoke or fog, it can clearly determine whether a fire has occurred. Additionally, because it can inspect the inside or behind specific materials, it is useful for identifying signs of ignition inside batteries or cables.

[0045] Second, ultraviolet (UV) wavelength detection cameras can be utilized. Since initial flames emit trace amounts of UV radiation, UV sensors can be used to detect fires in their early stages. Because UV radiation has minimal scattering, flames can be rapidly identified before smoke begins to form. This enables early detection of fires that can spread rapidly, such as oil and gas fires.

[0046] Third, a multi-wavelength detection camera can be utilized. It achieves comprehensive fire detection by employing multiple wavelengths, such as infrared and ultraviolet. By detecting flames with a UV sensor in the initial stages and determining the extent of spread through an IR (infrared) sensor or an InGaAs camera, more accurate and reliable detection is possible.

[0047] The advantages of this specialized wavelength detection technology include high accuracy, rapid detection speed, a wide detection range, and applicability to various environments. Specifically, by utilizing this technology, false alarms are reduced due to the influence of smoke, dust, and fog; rapid response is possible by detecting fires in their early stages; a wide area can be covered by using specific wavelengths; and stable operation is ensured even in environments where conventional fire detectors struggle to function.

[0048] Meanwhile, the fire detection unit (75) can detect temperature through a fiber optic sensor. The fiber optic sensor detects temperature abnormalities around the battery or inside the cable in real time by utilizing changes in optical signal characteristics according to temperature changes. That is, the temperature can be detected by installing an optical fiber on the floor of the charging station or on the charging cable, transmitting and receiving light, and comparing the transmitted signal with the received signal to determine the characteristics. Using this technology has the advantage of being able to detect fires even in unseen places.

[0050] [Detailed Operation Examples by Process]

[0051] (1) Vehicle entry and recognition process

[0052] When a vehicle enters the parking lot, the vehicle recognition system (71) identifies whether it is an electric vehicle through information (vehicle ID) from a camera or a charging cable. This information is transmitted to the server (10) via the communication / control unit (12), and when the user makes a reservation or immediate payment via the app (61), the information is stored in the payment information temporary storage unit (11).

[0053] (2) Charging start process

[0054] Once authentication and payment are completed, the charging management module (74) monitors the charging status through the current / voltage sensor (72) and supplies power. The charging status information is transmitted in real time to the display unit (73) and the app (61), and the user and operator can check it.

[0055] (3) Suspension and remote resumption process in case of abnormal condition

[0056] If the current / voltage sensor (72) detects an unstable current during charging, or if the fire detection unit (75) detects an abnormal temperature or signs of flame, the charging management module (74) immediately stops charging. The communication / control unit (12) transmits an alarm to the user terminal (60).

[0057] After checking the vehicle status and surrounding conditions through the app (61) (checking remote visual information via the InGaAs camera, referring to UV sensor data), if the user determines that there are no abnormalities, they request to resume charging by re-encrypting and transmitting the payment information and vehicle identification information pair again.

[0058] The communication / control unit (12) requests a matching from the payment information temporary storage unit (11) to check whether the information matches, and verifies the resumption condition through the data management system (14). Here, the charging resumption condition refers to, first, whether it is within a certain time from the time of the initial payment, ii) whether there has been no intervention of other users' payment attempts or charging requests until the time of the resumption request, and iii) whether the pair of initial payment information and vehicle identification information matches the vehicle identification information at the time of the resumption request and the payment information transmitted from the user terminal. If all conditions are met, the communication / control unit (12) sends a resumption command to the charging management module (74), and charging starts again.

[0059] (4) Charging completion and settlement process

[0060] When charging is complete, the charging management module (74) terminates the current supply, and the data management system (14) automatically calculates the charges. Charge information and charging records are displayed on the display unit (73) and the app (61), and the payment result is delivered to the user. This history is used for future analysis and operational improvement.

[0062] The present invention comprehensively provides full-cycle functions ranging from vehicle identification to charging, safety detection, remote resumption, payment, and history management. Through this, it dramatically improves user convenience, safety, security, and efficiency, bringing innovation to the electric vehicle charging infrastructure environment.

[0063] As described above, the detailed description of the present invention has sufficiently presented the key elements embodying the invention, their interactions, expected effects, and various possibilities for modification.

[0065] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above and can be implemented in various ways within the scope that does not depart from the technical concept of the present invention as embodied in the claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0067] 10: Charging station management server 60: User terminal 70: Charging station management device 75: Fire detection unit

Claims

Claim 1 The system includes an electric vehicle charging management server (10), a user terminal (60), and a charging station management device (70). The electric vehicle charging management server (10) includes a payment information temporary storage unit (11), a communication / control unit (12), and a data management system (14). The charging station management device (70) obtains electric vehicle identification information through a vehicle recognition system (71), monitors the charging status through a current / voltage sensor (72), and performs charging initiation, suspension, and resumption control through a charging management module (74). The charging station management device (70) includes a fire detection unit (75). The fire detection unit (75) detects a fire by capturing an image of the electric vehicle using a camera that captures images in a region other than visible light, and detects temperature from changes in the characteristics of the transmitted optical signal by equipping a fiber optic sensor on the floor of the charging station and the charging cable of the charging station. The user terminal (60) includes a charging station management app (61) and performs reservation, authentication, and payment in conjunction with the electric vehicle charging management server (10). An electric vehicle charging management system that transmits information and performs a request to resume remote charging, wherein the payment information temporary storage unit (11) temporarily stores a pair of payment information and vehicle identification information at the time of payment, and when a request to resume charging is made, checks only whether the data of the pair of payment information and vehicle identification information at the time of payment transmitted matches without providing information about the pair of payment information and vehicle identification information at the time of payment, and the communication / control unit (12) performs a check of whether the information matches through the payment information temporary storage unit (11) and a verification of the resumption condition through the data management system (14) in accordance with the request to resume remote charging received from the user terminal (60), and transmits a charging resumption command to the charging management module (74), wherein the resumption condition includes being within a certain time from the time of the initial payment, not having payment or charging start by another user between the time of the resumption request, and matching of the payment information / vehicle identification information pair. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 The electric vehicle charging management system according to claim 1, wherein the fire detection unit (75) utilizes at least one of an InGaAs camera and a UV sensor to detect signs of an early stage of fire, and upon detection, transmits an abnormal signal to the charging management module (74) to stop charging. Claim 4 delete Claim 5 delete Claim 6 An electric vehicle charging management system characterized in that, in the first paragraph, the payment information and vehicle identification information transmitted to the payment information temporary storage unit (11) are encrypted, and the payment information temporary storage unit (11) cannot directly access data from the outside and only provides a response confirming whether the information matches. Claim 7 delete

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