Automatic electric vehicle charging and electrical grid balancing, and related devices, methods, and computer programs

Abstract

Devices, methods and computer programs for automatic electric vehicle (EV) charging and electrical grid balancing are disclosed. At least some example embodiments may allow automatically notifying EV drivers about when and to which charging station they should connect their EV when there is a need to connect EVs to charging stations.

Description

[0001] AUTOMATIC ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING AND ELECTRICAL GRID BALANCING, AND RELATED DEVICES , METHODS , AND COMPUTER PROGRAMS

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The disclosure relates generally to electric vehicle charging and, more particularly but not exclusively, to automatic electric vehicle charging and electrical grid balancing, as well as related devices , methods , and computer programs .

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Today, electric vehicle (EV) charging networks are more and more connected to energy systems , and may also be used to balance electrical grids . For example , EV batteries may be used as an energy storage to feed electricity back to the grid with, e . g . , vehicle-to- grid (V2G) technology when there is too much load on the grid .

[0006] However, EVs can only be used as part of electricity systems when they are connected to a charging cable . Yet , since modern EVs typically have large batteries , they need to be charged only once or twice a week, for example . For most of the time , EV batteries are not connected to charging stations , and therefore cannot be used as an energy storage to balance grids .

[0007] Accordingly, at least in some situations , operators of the EV charging networks may wish to noti fy EV drivers of an opportune time to connect an EV to a charging station, so that there wi ll be enough battery capacity to help the energy grids - e . g . , charge vehicles if there is an overproduction of electricity, or discharge vehicles if there is not enough production .

[0008] BRIEF SUMMARY The scope of protection sought for various example embodiments of the invention is set out by the independent claims . The example embodiments and features , i f any, described in this specification that do not fall under the scope of the independent claims are to be interpreted as examples useful for understanding various example embodiments of the invention .

[0009] An example embodiment of a control device comprises at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions that , when executed by the at least one processor, cause the control device at least to obtain first information indicating at least one of a current production status or a predicted production status of an electrical grid used for charging an electric vehicle . The instructions , when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the control device at least to obtain second information indicating at least one of a current state of charge or a predicted state of charge of the electric vehicle . The instructions , when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the control device at least to determine , based at least on the obtained first information and the obtained second information, whether initiating charging or initiating vehicle-to-grid, V2G, discharging is currently advisable for the electric vehicle . The instructions , when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the control device at least to send a first notification to initiate the charging to a charging manager associ ated with the electric vehicle , in the case the initiating of the charging is currently advisable for the electric vehicle . The instructions , when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the control device at least to send a second notification to initiate the V2G discharging to the charging manager associated with the electric vehicle , in the case the initiating of the V2G discharging is currently advisable for the electric vehicle . In an example embodiment , alternatively or in addition to the above-described example embodiments , the determining that the initiating of the charging is currently advisable for the electric vehicle comprises determining that : the obtained first information indicates at least one of the current production status or the predicted production status of the electrical grid exceeding an upper production threshold, and the obtained second information indicates at least one of the current state of charge or the predicted state of charge of the electric vehicle falling below a lower charge threshold .

[0010] In an example embodiment , alternatively or in addition to the above-described example embodiments , the determining that the initiating of the V2G discharging is currently advisable for the electric vehicle comprises determining that : the obtained first information indicates at least one of the current production status or the predicted production status of the electrical grid falling below a lower production threshold, and the obtained second information indicates at least one of the current state of charge or the predicted state of charge of the electric vehicle exceeding an upper charge threshold .

[0011] In an example embodiment , alternatively or in addition to the above-described example embodiments , the instructions , when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the control device to determine at least one of a first advisable time to initiate the charging or a second advisable time to initiate the V2G discharging, based on the obtained first information and the obtained second information . The instructions , when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the control device to indicate the determined first advisable time in the first notification, and indicate the determined second advisable time in the second notification . In an example embodiment , alternatively or in addition to the above-described example embodiments , the obtained second information further indicates at least one of a current location or a current range of the electric vehicle .

[0012] In an example embodiment , alternatively or in addition to the above-described example embodiments , the instructions , when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the control device to determine a charging station available to the electric vehicle in view of the indicated at least one of the current location or the range of the electric vehicle , in the case the initiating of the charging is currently advisable for the electric vehicle . The instructions , when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the control device to indicate the determined available charging station in the first notification .

[0013] In an example embodiment , alternatively or in addition to the above-described example embodiments , the instructions , when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the control device to determine a V2G capable charging station available to the electric vehicle in view of the indicated at least one of the current location or the range of the electric vehicle , in the case the initiating of the V2G discharging is currently advisable for the electric vehicle . The instructions , when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the control device to indicate the determined available V2G capable charging station in the second notification .

[0014] In an example embodiment , alternatively or in addition to the above-described example embodiments , the instructions , when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the control device to reserve the determined charging station or the determined V2G capable charging station, respectively, for the electric vehicle . In an example embodiment , alternatively or in addition to the above-described example embodiments , the instructions , when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the control device to determine a reservation time period for the electric vehicle to reach the reserved charging station or the reserved V2G capable charging station, respectively . The instructions , when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the control device to release the reserved charging station or the reserved V2G capable charging station, respectively, in response to the electric vehicle failing to be connected to the reserved charging station or to the reserved V2G capable charging station, respectively, before expiry of the determined reservation time period .

[0015] In an example embodiment , alternatively or in addition to the above-described example embodiments , the instructions , when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the control device to monitor whether the electric vehicle connects to the determined charging station after sending the first notification or to the determined V2G capable charging station after sending the second notification, respectively .

[0016] In an example embodiment , alternatively or in addition to the above-described example embodiments , the obtained second information further indicates at least one of a charging preference or a V2G discharging preference , associated with the electric vehicle .

[0017] An example embodiment of a method comprises obtaining, by a control device , first information indicating at least one of a current production status or a predicted production status of an electrical grid used for charging an electric vehicle . The method further comprises obtaining, by the control device , second information indicating at least one of a current state of charge or a predicted state of charge of the electric vehicle . The method further comprises determining, by the control device , based at least on the obtained first information and the obtained second information, whether initiating charging or initiating vehicle-to-grid, V2G, discharging is currently advisable for the electric vehicle . The method further comprises sending from the control device a first notification to initiate the charging to a charging manager associated with the electric vehicle , in the case the initiating of the charging is currently advisable for the electric vehicle . The method further comprises sending from the control device a second notification to initiate the V2G discharging to the charging manager associated with the electric vehicle , in the case the initiating of the V2G discharging is currently advisable for the electric vehicle .

[0018] An example embodiment of an apparatus comprises means for carrying out a method according to any of the above-described example embodiments .

[0019] An example embodiment of a computer program comprises instructions for causing a control device to perform at least the following : obtain first information indicating at least one of a current production status or a predicted production status of an electrical grid used for charging an electric vehicle ; obtain second information indicating at least one of a current state of charge or a predicted state of charge of the electric vehicle ; determine , based at least on the obtained first information and the obtained second information, whether initiating charging or initiating vehicle-to-grid, V2G, discharging is currently advisable for the electric vehicle ; in the case the initiating of the charging is currently advisable for the electric vehicle , send a first notification to initiate the charging to a charging manager associated with the electric vehicle ; and in the case the initiating of the V2G discharging is currently advisable for the electric vehicle , send a second notification to initiate the V2G discharging to the charging manager associated with the electric vehicle .

[0020] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The accompanying drawings , which are included to provide a further understanding of the embodiments and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments and together with the description help to explain the principles of the embodiments . In the drawings :

[0022] FIG . 1 shows an example embodiment of the subj ect matter described herein illustrating an example system, where various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented;

[0023] FIG . 2 shows an example embodiment of the subj ect matter described herein illustrating a control device ;

[0024] FIG . 3 shows an example embodiment of the subj ect matter described herein illustrating a disclosed method for a control device ;

[0025] FIG . 4 shows an example embodiment of the subj ect matter described herein illustrating a disclosed decision-making procedure ;

[0026] FIG . 5 shows an example embodiment of the subj ect matter described herein illustrating a disclosed charging station selection procedure ;

[0027] FIG . 6 shows an example embodiment of the subj ect matter described herein illustrating a disclosed statistics-based triggering procedure ;

[0028] FIG . 7 shows an example embodiment of the subj ect matter described herein illustrating a disclosed procedure for when the grid needs extra power ; and

[0029] FIG . 8 shows an example embodiment of the subj ect matter described herein illustrating a disclosed procedure for when the grid needs to consume power .

[0030] Like reference numerals are used to designate like parts in the accompanying drawings . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The detailed description provided below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of the present examples and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present example may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions of the example and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the example. However, the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different examples.

[0032] Fig. 1 illustrates example system 100, where various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. System 100 may comprise electrical grid 110, electric vehicle (EV) 120, mobile device 121 associated with electric vehicle 120, charging stations (CSs) 131, 132, and charging station management system (CSMS) 140. Furthermore, system 100 may comprise charging manager 122, such as a mobile application for EV charging running on mobile device 121, for example. Furthermore, system 100 may comprise repository 150 (e.g., separately or included in CSMS 140) for providing access to commonly used application programming interfaces (APIs) , services, subroutines, and the like. For example, repository 150 may provide access to time-based electricity prices changes in grid 110 via an API of an energy operator.

[0033] Even though only one electric vehicle 120 is shown in Fig. 1 for clarity, system 100 may comprise more than one electric vehicles. Similarly, even though only two charging stations 131, 132 are shown in Fig. 1 for clarity, system 100 may comprise more than two charging stations. At least in some embodiments, charging station 131 may be used for charging an EV, and charging station 132 may be used for both charging an EV and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) discharging an EV (e.g., for grid balancing purposes) . In other words, charging station 132 may be a V2G capable charging station.

[0034] At least in some embodiments, EV 120 may be capable of connecting to V2G capable charging stations 132 and compatible to discharge power to them.

[0035] CSMS 140 may be configured to, e.g., control various operations related to individual charging stations and a network of charging stations. Charging stations 131, 132 may be connected to CSMS 140 with, e.g., open charge point protocol (OCPP) protocol. CSMS 140 may provide features for end-user applications, such as charging manager 122. At least in some embodiments, CSMS 140 may comprise control device 200 of Fig. 2 described in more detail below.

[0036] At least in some embodiments, CSMS 140 and / or repository 150 may be implemented as cloud computing services .

[0037] EV 120 may comprise an internal computer system configured to monitor, store and / or communicate data via, e.g., hardware on-board diagnostics (OBD) interfaces and / or APIs communicating via a wireless internet connection .

[0038] The above data may include, e.g., a state-of- charge (SoC) , a charge rate, a location, etc., as well as commands sent through an API to EV 120.

[0039] Mobile device 121 may include, e.g., a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a smart watch, or any hand-held, portable and / or wearable device. Mobile device 121 may also be referred to as a user device or a user equipment (UE) .

[0040] In the following, various example embodiments will be discussed. At least some of these example embodiments described herein may allow automatic electric vehicle charging and electrical grid balancing. Furthermore , at least some of the example embodiments described herein may allow automatically notifying EV drivers about when and to which charging station they should connect their EV, when there is a need to connect EVs to charging stations .

[0041] Furthermore , at least some of the example embodiments described herein may allow intelligent notifications that choose the right drivers and direct them to the right charging station nearby .

[0042] Furthermore , at least some of the example embodiments described herein may allow avoiding affecting normal usage of EVs . for example , a driver is not asked to discharge the battery when it is empty, and the driver is not asked to go charging when the battery is full .

[0043] Furthermore , at least some of the example embodiments described herein may allow following how effective the notif ications are . For example , it i s pos sible to see how much added battery capacity was gained to balance the grid after notifications were sent .

[0044] Furthermore , at least some of the example embodiments described herein may enable drivers to better know when to take the deci sion to charge their EV, and automatically reserve and charge their EVs and help balancing energy stations grid needs .

[0045] Furthermore , at least some of the example embodiments described herein may allow an improved user experience for end-users , as well as making data available to improve decision making, actions and automations of businesses , organi zations , fleets with EVs , and the like .

[0046] Furthermore , at least some of the example embodiments described herein may allow CSMS operators to have access to data on which to perform new algorithms , data and actions .

[0047] Furthermore , at least some of the example embodiments described herein may allow satisfying V2G energy grid balancing needs when necessary . Furthermore, at least some of the example embodiments described herein may allow analyzing and performing a best automated notification and action based on real-time and historical data by usage of different algorithms (e.g., from a CSMS database, or a third party API, such as time-based electricity prices changes in grid 110 via an API of a national energy operator or the like) .

[0048] Furthermore, at least some of the example embodiments described herein may allow drivers to take best decisions on time / location / f actors to charge their EV, and the grid operators to balance the needs of the grids, e.g., by having the EVs plugged to charging stations in selected areas.

[0049] Furthermore, at least some of the example embodiments described herein may allow individual EV drivers, electro-mobility providers (EMPs) (fleets, etc., where various actions may be automated) , and CSMS to have valuable data that can be used, e.g., for statistics and forecasting of energy needs, allowing connections of other algorithms / APIs to the disclosed decision arrangement, to future-proof the system, for example.

[0050] Fig. 2 is a block diagram of control device 200, in accordance with an example embodiment. For example, control device 200 may be comprised in CSMS 140. For another example, functionalities of control device 200 may be distributed in both CSMS 140 and charging manager 122 (such as a mobile application for EV charging running on mobile device 121) .

[0051] Control device 200 comprises one or more processors 202 and one or more memories 204 that comprise computer program code 206. Control device 200 may also include other elements not shown in Fig. 2.

[0052] Although control device 200 is depicted to include only one processor 202, control device 200 may include more processors. In an embodiment, memory 204 is capable of storing instructions, such as an operating system and / or various applications . Furthermore , memory 204 may include a storage that may be used to store , e . g . , at least some of the information and data used in the disclosed embodiments .

[0053] Furthermore , processor 202 is capable of executing the stored instructions . In an embodiment , processor 202 may be embodied as a multi-core processor, a single core processor, or a combination of one or more multi-core processors and one or more s ingle core processors . For example , processor 202 may be embodied as one or more of various processing devices , such as a coprocessor, a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor ( DSP) , a processing circuitry with or without an accompanying DSP, or various other processing devices including integrated circuits such as , for example , an application specific integrated circuit (AS IC) , a field programmable gate array ( FPGA) , a microcontroller unit (MCU) , a hardware accelerator, a special-purpose computer chip, a neural network (NN) chip, an artificial intelligence (Al ) accelerator, a tensor processing unit ( TPU) , a neural processing unit (NPU) , or the like . In an embodiment , processor 202 may be configured to execute hard-coded functionality . In an embodiment , processor 202 is embodied as an executor of software instructions , wherein the instructions may specifically configure processor 202 to perform the algorithms and / or operations described herein when the instructions are executed .

[0054] Memory 204 may be embodied as one or more volatile memory devices , one or more non-volatile memory devices , and / or a combination of one or more volatile memory devices and non-volatile memory devices . For example , memory 204 may be embodied as semiconductor memories ( such as mask ROM, PROM (programmable ROM) , EPROM (erasable PROM) , flash ROM, RAM ( random access memory) , etc . ) . When executed by at least one processor 202, instructions 206 stored in at least one memory 204 cause control device 200 at least to obtain first information indicating a current production status and / or a predicted production status of electrical grid 110 used for charging electric vehicle 120.

[0055] At least in some embodiments, the first information may be obtained in real time (e.g., a current production status) . Furthermore, at least in some embodiments, at least a part of the first information may include historical data (used, e.g., in predicting the production status) . For example, the first information may be obtained from / via charging stations 131, 132.

[0056] Instructions 206, when executed by at least one processor 202, further cause control device 200 at least to obtain second information indicating a current state of charge and / or a predicted state of charge of electric vehicle 120.

[0057] At least in some embodiments, the obtained second information may further indicate a current location and / or a current range of electric vehicle 120. At least in some embodiments, the obtained second information may further indicate a charging preference and / or a V2G discharging preference, associated with electric vehicle 120.

[0058] The second information may be obtained, e.g., via charging manager 122 (such as a mobile application for EV charging running on mobile device 121) reading data values from a connected OBD or OBD2 interface, via universal EV connecting APIs, via common API interface of a CSMS to APIs of multiple car manufacturers, and / or via a currently connected charging station through OCPP, for example. At least in some embodiments, the second information may be obtained in real time.

[0059] Instructions 206, when executed by at least one processor 202, further cause control device 200 at least to determine , based at least on the obtained first information and the obtained second information, whether initiating charging or initiating vehicle-to-grid (V2G) discharging is currently advisable for electric vehicle 120 .

[0060] At least in some embodiments , the determining that the initiating of the charging is currently advisable for electric vehicle 120 may comprise determining that the obtained first information indicates the current production status and / or the predicted production status of electrical grid 110 exceeding an upper production threshold, and further determining that the obtained second information indicates the current state of charge and / or the predicted state of charge of electric vehicle 120 falling below a lower charge threshold (e . g . , 30 % ) .

[0061] At least in some embodiments , the determining that the initiating of the V2G discharging is currently advisable for electric vehicle 120 may comprise determining that the obtained first information indicates the current production status and / or the predicted production status of electrical grid 110 falling below a lower production threshold, and further determining that the obtained second information indicates the current state of charge and / or the predicted state of charge of electric vehicle 120 exceeding an upper charge threshold (e . g . , 90 % ) .

[0062] Instructions 206 , when executed by at least one processor 202 , further cause control device 200 at least to send a first notification to initiate the charging to charging manager 122 associated with electric vehicle 120 , in the case the initiating of the charging is currently advisable for electric vehicle 120 .

[0063] Instructions 206 , when executed by at least one processor 202 , further cause control device 200 at least to send a second noti fication to initiate the V2G dis - charging to charging manager 122 associated with electric vehicle 120 , in the case the initiating of the V2G discharging is currently advisable for electric vehicle 120 .

[0064] In other words , when it is likely that there is under or overproduction of electricity, the right drivers with the right kinds of EVs (with a right kind of battery status ) may be notified to connect their EVs to a charging station close by . For example , if there is overproduction of electricity, drivers with empty or near-empty batteries may be noti fied that now would be a good time to charge on normal charging stations . On the other hand, if there is not enough production of electricity, drivers with full or near-full batteries may be notified to connect their EVs to a V2G charging station .

[0065] At least in some embodiments , instructions 206 , when executed by at least one processor 202 , may further cause control device 200 to determine a first advisable time to initiate the charging and / or a second advisable time to initiate the V2G di scharging, based on the obtained first information and the obtained second information . Instructions 206 , when executed by at least one processor 202 , may further cause control device 200 to indicate the determined first advisable time in the first notification, and indicate the determined second advisable time in the second notification .

[0066] At least in some embodiments , instructions 206 , when executed by at least one processor 202 , may further cause control device 200 to determine a charging station 131 that is available to electric vehicle 120 in view of the indicated current location and / or range of electric vehicle 120 (e . g . within 20 kilometers ) , in the case the initiating of the charging is currently advisable for electric vehicle 120 . Instructions 206 , when executed by at least one processor 202 , may further cause control device 200 to indicate the determined available charging station 131 in the first notification .

[0067] At least in some embodiments , instructions 206 , when executed by at least one processor 202 , may further cause control device 200 to determine a V2G capable charging station 132 that i s available to electric vehicle 120 in view of the indicated current location and / or range of electric vehicle 120 (e . g . within 20 kilometers ) , in the case the initiating of the V2G discharging is currently advisable for electric vehicle 120 . Instructions 206 , when executed by at least one processor 202 , may further cause control device 200 to indicate the determined available V2G capable charging station 132 in the second notification .

[0068] At least in some embodiments , instructions 206 , when executed by at least one processor 202 , may further cause control device 200 to reserve determined charging station 131 or determined V2G capable charging station 132 , respectively, for electric vehicle 120 . For example, the reservation of the charging station 131 or 132 may be performed in response to receiving a confirmation to the indication of the determined available charging station 131 or 132 in the first or second notification, respectively, the confirmation confirming that the driver of EV 120 intends to drive and connect to determined available charging station 131 or 132 .

[0069] For example , the second information may include analyzed user data . I f a user / driver gives permission (e . g . , in mobile application 122 for EV charging running on mobile device 121 ) , his charging habit related charging data records (CDRs ) may be stored to a CSMS 140 database and analyzed . After thi s analysis , the best predicted stations and charging times may be set automatically (using, e . g . , data statistics of best times and places , and information on speci fic times and stations the driver usually uses ) and the driver may be notified and a charging station may be reserved for the driver .

[0070] For another example, if a user / driver gives permission (e.g., in mobile application 122 for EV charging running on mobile device 121) , for his / her data and that he / she wants to be a part of a V2G program (and thereby optionally getting benefits on his / her payment plan) , the driver may be notified and sent to a charging station which has been determined (e.g., by CSMS 140) to need to be balanced and EV 120 used as a backup / bat- tery for it.

[0071] For yet another example, when EV 120 battery charge percentage drops below 20% and / or "range" drops below 20 kilometers, for example, control device 200 may be triggered to reserve a nearby / nearest available charging station not in use, and the charging station may be reserved, e.g., for the time calculated for the EV 120 to get there plus 15 minutes.

[0072] For yet another example, when an area of grid 110 needs energy power backup from EVs as "batteries", (real-time and historical data may be polled from repository 150 to determine this) and it is determined to be time for that area of grid 110 to be balanced with cars batteries, and nearby users participating in a V2G program may be selected and notified. The selected user(s) may accept the notification and the station may be reserved. Then, the user may go and charge EV 120 there overnight. In the morning the user may receive EV 120 fully charged, and a deduction on a next invoice may be done .

[0073] At least in some embodiments, instructions 206, when executed by at least one processor 202, may further cause control device 200 to determine a reservation time period for electric vehicle 120 to reach reserved charging station 131 or reserved V2G capable charging station 132, respectively. Instructions 206, when executed by at least one processor 202, may further cause control device 200 to release reserved charging station 131 or reserved V2G capable charging station 132 , respectively, in response to electric vehicle 120 failing to be connected to reserved charging station 131 or to reserved V2G capable charging station 132 , respectively, before expiry of the determined reservation time period .

[0074] At least in some embodiments , instructions 206 , when executed by at least one processor 202 , may further cause control device 200 to monitor whether electric vehicle 120 connects to determined charging station 131 after sending the first notification or to determined V2G capable charging station 132 after sending the second notification, respectively .

[0075] Fig . 3 illustrates an example flow chart of method 300 for control device 200 , in accordance with an example embodiment .

[0076] At operation 301 , control device 200 obtains the first information indicating the current production status and / or the predicted production status of electrical grid 110 used for charging electric vehicle 120 .

[0077] At operation 302 , control device 200 obtains the second information indicating the current state of charge and / or the predicted state of charge of electric vehicle 120 .

[0078] At operation 303 , control device 200 determines , based at least on the obtained first information and the obtained second information, whether initiating the charging or initiating the V2G discharging is currently advisable for electric vehicle 120 . I f initiating the charging is currently advisable , method 300 proceeds to operation 304 . I f initiating the V2G discharging is currently advisable , method 300 proceeds to operation 309. I f neither is currently advisable , method 300 may, e . g . , return to operation 301 .

[0079] At optional operation 304 , control device 200 may determine the f irst advi sable time to initiate the charging based on the obtained first information and the obtained second information . As described above in more detail , control device 200 may indicate the determined first advisable time in the first notification of operation 306 .

[0080] At optional operation 305 , control device 200 may determine charging station 131 that is available to electric vehicle 120 in view of the indicated current location and / or range of electric vehicle 120 , when the initiating of the charging is currently advisable for electric vehicle 120 . As described above in more detail , control device 200 may indicate the determined available charging station 131 in the first notification of operation 306 .

[0081] At operation 306 , control device 200 sends the first notification to initiate the charging to charging manager 122 associated with electric vehicle 120 , when the initiating of the charging is currently advisable for electric vehicle 120 .

[0082] At optional operation 307 , control device 200 may reserve determined charging station 131 for electric vehicle 120 .

[0083] At optional operation 308 , control device 200 may determine the reservation time period for electric vehicle 120 to reach reserved charging station 131 . As described above in more detail , control device 200 may release reserved charging station 131 in response to electric vehicle 120 failing to be connected to reserved charging station 131 before expiry of the determined reservation time period .

[0084] At optional operation 309 , control device 200 may determine the second advisable time to initiate the V2G discharging based on the obtained first information and the obtained second information . As described above in more detail , control device 200 may indicate the determined second advisable time in the second notification of operation 311 . At optional operation 310 , control device 200 may determine V2G capable charging station 132 that i s avai lable to electric vehicle 120 in view of the indi cated current location and / or range of electric vehicle 120 , when the initiating of the V2G discharging is currently advisable for electric vehicle 120 . As described above in more detail , control device 200 may indicate the determined available V2G capable charging station 132 in the second notification of operation 311 .

[0085] At operation 311 , control device 200 sends 311 the second notification to initiate the V2G discharging to charging manager 122 associated with electric vehicle 120 , when the initiating of the V2G discharging is currently advisable for electric vehicle 120 .

[0086] At optional operation 312 , control device 200 may reserve determined V2G capable charging station 132 for electric vehicle 120 .

[0087] At optional operation 313 , control device 200 may determine the reservation time period for electric vehicle 120 to reach reserved V2G capable charging station 132 . As described above in more detail , control device 200 may release reserved V2G capable charging station 132 in response to electric vehicle 120 failing to be connected to reserved V2G capable charging station 132 before expiry of the determined reservation time period .

[0088] At optional operation 314 , control device 200 may monitor whether electric vehicle 120 connects to determined charging station 131 after sending the first notification or to determined V2G capable charging station 132 after sending the second notification, respectively .

[0089] Embodiments and examples with regard to Fig . 3 may be carried out by control device 200 of Fig . 2 . Operations 301 -314 may, for example , be carried out by at least one processor 202 and at least one memory 204 . Further features of method 300 directly resulting from the functionalities and parameters of control device 200 are not repeated here. Method 300 can be carried out by computer programs or portions thereof.

[0090] Another example of an apparatus suitable for carrying out the embodiments and examples with regard to Fig. 3 comprises means for: obtaining, at operation 301, the first information indicating the current production status and / or the predicted production status of electrical grid 110 used for charging electric vehicle 120; obtaining, at operation 302, the second information indicating the current state of charge and / or the predicted state of charge of electric vehicle 120; determining, at operation 303, based at least on the obtained first information and the obtained second information, whether initiating the charging or initiating the V2G discharging is currently advisable for electric vehicle 120; in the case the initiating of the charging is currently advisable for electric vehicle 120, sending, at operation 306, the first notification to initiate the charging to charging manager 122 associated with electric vehicle 120; and in the case the initiating of the V2G discharging is currently advisable for electric vehicle 120, sending, at operation 311, the second notification to initiate the V2G discharging to charging manager 122 associated with electric vehicle 120.

[0091] Diagram 400 of Fig. 4 illustrates a disclosed decision-making procedure.

[0092] At operation 403, EV 120 related data (including, e.g., the above-described second information indicating the current battery charge, current location and / or current range of EV 120) may be polled (e.g., continuously) . At operation 404, the polled EV 120 related data may be compared against, e.g., managed preferences 401 and / or user preferences 402. Managed preferences 401 may be provided and / or managed, e.g., by an owner organization of EV 120 in case of a company and / or rental car fleet owned EV. Managed preferences 401 may include, e.g., a minimum range (e.g., 30 km) and / or a minimum battery charge (e.g., 30%) to provide users / drivers with a good user experience and to not allow the EVs to be discharged and to keep them charging between clients. User preferences 402 may include, e.g., the above-described charging preference and / or V2G discharging preference (including, e.g., preferred charging / discharging times and / or locations, etc.) .

[0093] When it is determined at operation 404 that one or more values of polled EV 120 related data are below preferences given in managed preferences 401 and / or user preferences 402, decision-making procedure 400 may proceed to operation 408. Otherwise, decision-making procedure 400 may return to operation 403.

[0094] Independently of operations 401-404, at operation 406 grid events from a database of electrical grid 110 for a pool of charging stations 131, 132 may be polled (e.g., continuously) . Grid events may be used, e.g., to determine if there is a need for balancing at a point in grid 110, and they may include, e.g., "energy below a certain threshold" -event coming from a CSMS 140 setting or triggered manually by CSMS 140, or another external mandatory event, such as "frequency deviations (fluctuations) from a nominal value" -event for a given part of grid 110. At operation 407, the polled events may be compared against, e.g., V2G balancing data 405.

[0095] V2G balancing data 405 may include, e.g., the above-described first information indicating the current production status and / or predicted production status of electrical grid 110. In other words, V2G balancing data 405 information may indicate whether electrical grid 110 is currently in need of extra power or whether electrical grid 110 currently needs to consume power. When it is determined at operation 407 that a grid alert needs to be triggered for charging or discharging needs of electrical grid 110 , decision-making procedure 400 may proceed to operation 408 . Otherwise , decision-making procedure 400 may return to operation 406 .

[0096] At operation 408 , a suitable charging station may be selected, e . g . , in view of the first and second information, as described above in more detail .

[0097] At operation 409 , the selected charging station may be reserved for EV 120 , as described above in more detail .

[0098] At operation 410 , EV 120 may be charged ( or discharged) , as described above in more detail .

[0099] Embodiments and examples with regard to Fig . 4 may be carried out by control device 200 of Fig . 2 and / or CSMS 140 . At least some of operations 401 -410 may, for example , be carried out by at least one processor 202 and at least one memory 204 . Further features of method 400 directly resulting from the functionalities and parameters of control device 200 are not repeated here . Method 400 can be carried out by computer programs or portions thereof .

[0100] Diagram 500 of Fig . 5 illustrates a disclosed charging station selection procedure .

[0101] At operation 501 , the charging station selection procedure may be launched .

[0102] In response to determining at operation 502 that EV 120 needs to be charged / discharged, charging station selection procedure 500 may proceed to operation 503 . Otherwise , charging station selection procedure 500 may proceed to operation 504 .

[0103] In response to determining at operation 503 that electrical grid 110 having discharging needs is near the current location of EV 120 , charging station selection procedure 500 may proceed to operation 507 . Otherwise , charging station selection procedure 500 may proceed to operation 505. At operation 505, EV 120 may be notified of nearby charging stations. More specifically, charging manager 122 at EV 120 may be sent the locations of charging stations available within its' location range from CSMS 140. This may be determined, e.g., by EV 120 location sent to CSMS 140 and then chosen by CSMS 140 from a database.

[0104] In response to determining at operation 504 that a V2G alert (indicating that electrical grid 110 has discharging needs) has been triggered, charging station selection procedure 500 may proceed to operation 507. Otherwise, charging station selection procedure 500 may proceed to operation 506. At operation 506, whether using EV 120 for V2G discharging may be triggered based on statistics (related to, e.g., best times and places, and information on specific times and stations the driver usually uses) . If yes, charging station selection procedure 500 may proceed to operation 507.

[0105] At operation 507, EV 120 may be notified of nearby V2G capable charging station (s) 132 for electrical grid 110 having the discharging needs. More specifically, charging manager 122 at EV 120 may be sent the locations of V2G capable charging stations available within its' location range from CSMS 140. This may be determined, e.g., by EV 120 location sent to CSMS 140 and then chosen by CSMS 140 from a database.

[0106] At operation 508, the notifications of operation 505 or 507 may be received at charging manager 122.

[0107] Embodiments and examples with regard to Fig. 5 may be carried out by control device 200 of Fig. 2 and / or CSMS 140. At least some of operations 501-508 may, for example, be carried out by at least one processor 202 and at least one memory 204. Further features of method 500 directly resulting from the functionalities and parameters of control device 200 are not repeated here. Method 500 can be carried out by computer programs or portions thereof. Diagram 600 of Fig. 6 illustrates a disclosed statistics-based triggering procedure.

[0108] At operation 601, the statistics-based triggering procedure may be launched.

[0109] Independently of each other, user specific statistics 602 on, e.g., times and / or places drivers / users use on average may be polled at operation 604, and charging station pool specific statistics 603 on, e.g., energy thresholds and / or critical usage may be polled at operation 605.

[0110] In response to determining at operation 606 that a condition to trigger an alert is satisfied, based on the results of operations 604, 605, statistics-based triggering procedure 600 may proceed to operation 607, in which the alert is sent. Otherwise, statistics-based triggering procedure 600 may return to operations 602, 603.

[0111] Embodiments and examples with regard to Fig. 6 may be carried out by control device 200 of Fig. 2 and / or CSMS 140. At least some of operations 601-607 may, for example, be carried out by at least one processor 202 and at least one memory 204. Further features of method 600 directly resulting from the functionalities and parameters of control device 200 are not repeated here. Method 600 can be carried out by computer programs or portions thereof.

[0112] Diagram 700 of Fig. 7 illustrates a disclosed procedure for when electrical grid 110 needs extra power .

[0113] At operation 701, it may be determined that electrical grid 110 needs additional power, and a signal indicating the same may be broadcast.

[0114] At operation 702, EV 120 able to provide additional power (via discharging its battery) to electrical grid 110 may be detected within a suitable range (e.g., 20 kilometers) from V2G capable charging station 132. At operation 703, a connection may be established to charging manager 122.

[0115] At operation 704, it may be determined that the current state of charge (SoC) of EV 120 is suitable for discharging (e.g., 90% or higher) .

[0116] At operation 705, the driver of EV 120 may be requested (e.g., via charging manager 122) to discharge at V2G capable charging station 132.

[0117] At operation 706, the driver of EV 120 may accept the request, e.g., via charging manager 122.

[0118] At operation 707, V2G capable charging station 132 may be reserved for EV 120.

[0119] Embodiments and examples with regard to Fig. 7 may be carried out by control device 200 of Fig. 2 and / or CSMS 140. At least some of operations 701-707 may, for example, be carried out by at least one processor 202 and at least one memory 204. Further features of method 700 directly resulting from the functionalities and parameters of control device 200 are not repeated here. Method 700 can be carried out by computer programs or portions thereof.

[0120] Diagram 800 of Fig. 8 illustrates a disclosed procedure for when electrical grid 110 needs to consume power .

[0121] At operation 801, it may be determined that electrical grid 110 needs to consume power, and a signal indicating the same may be broadcast.

[0122] At operation 802, EV 120 able to consume power (via charging its battery) from electrical grid 110 may be detected within a suitable range (e.g., 20 kilometers) from charging station 131 or V2G capable charging station 132.

[0123] At operation 803, a connection may be established to charging manager 122.

[0124] At operation 804, it may be determined that the current state of charge (SoC) of EV 120 is suitable for charging (e.g., 30% or lower) . At operation 805, the driver of EV 120 may be requested (e.g., via charging manager 122) to charge at charging station 131 or V2G capable charging station 132.

[0125] At operation 806, the driver of EV 120 may accept the request, e.g., via charging manager 122.

[0126] At operation 807, charging station 131 or V2G capable charging station 132 may be reserved for EV 120.

[0127] Embodiments and examples with regard to Fig. 8 may be carried out by control device 200 of Fig. 2 and / or CSMS 140. At least some of operations 801-807 may, for example, be carried out by at least one processor 202 and at least one memory 204. Further features of method 800 directly resulting from the functionalities and parameters of control device 200 are not repeated here. Method 800 can be carried out by computer programs or portions thereof.

[0128] The functionality described herein can be performed, at least in part, by one or more computer program product components such as software components. According to an embodiment, control device 200 may comprise a processor or processor circuitry, such as for example a microcontroller, configured by the program code when executed to execute the embodiments of the operations and functionality described. Alternatively, or in addition, the functionality described herein can be performed, at least in part, by one or more hardware logic components. For example, and without limitation, illustrative types of hardware logic components that can be used include 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) , Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) , and Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) .

[0129] At least in some embodiments, control device 200 may be implemented as a virtual machine (VM) , with at least some of the components (such as processor 202, memory 204, registers, inputs, outputs, and the like) implemented as software, thereby allowing the virtual implementation to run anywhere.

[0130] Such a VM may comprise, e.g., an emulated device, with the included parts and basic code being programmed (the information flow and computations done within device) , and the hardware being emulated, and suitable VM and / or assembly language code used to control the virtual device.

[0131] The VM may be implemented in any suitable programming language, thus being allowed to be ported and run anywhere (e.g., on Internet of Things (loT) end devices - charging stations, mobile phones, different CSMSs, etc.) , and supporting different algorithms and outside services and APIs interaction, for a virtual device controlling the hardware / network / logic of the system.

[0132] At least in some embodiments, programming of the VM may be performed outside the VM, thereby allowing interaction with devices as well as the rest of the system.

[0133] Any range or device value given herein may be extended or altered without losing the effect sought. Also, any embodiment may be combined with another embodiment unless explicitly disallowed.

[0134] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as examples of implementing the claims and other equivalent features and acts are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

[0135] It will be understood that the benefits and advantages described above may relate to one embodiment or may relate to several embodiments . The embodiments are not limited to those that solve any or all of the stated problems or those that have any or all of the stated benef its and advantages . It wi ll further be understood that reference to ' an ' item may refer to one or more of those items .

[0136] The steps of the methods described herein may be carried out in any suitable order, or simultaneously where appropriate . Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from any of the methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the subj ect matter described herein . Aspects of any of the embodiments described above may be combined with aspects of any of the other embodiments described to form further embodiments without losing the effect sought .

[0137] The term ' comprising ' is used herein to mean including the method, blocks or elements identified, but that such blocks or elements do not comprise an exclusive list and a method or apparatus may contain additional blocks or elements .

[0138] It will be understood that the above description is given by way of example only and that various modif ications may be made by those s kil led in the art . The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments . Although various embodiments have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments , those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this specification .

Claims

CLAIMS :

1. A control device (200) , comprising: at least one processor (202) ; and at least one memory (204) storing instructions (206) that, when executed by the at least one processor (202) , cause the control device (200) at least to: obtain first information indicating at least one of a current production status or a predicted production status of an electrical grid (110) used for charging an electric vehicle (120) ; obtain second information indicating at least one of a current state of charge or a predicted state of charge of the electric vehicle (120) ; determine, based at least on the obtained first information and the obtained second information, whether initiating charging or initiating vehicle-to-grid, V2G, discharging is currently advisable for the electric vehicle (120) ; in the case the initiating of the charging is currently advisable for the electric vehicle (120) , send a first notification to initiate the charging to a charging manager (122) associated with the electric vehicle (120) ; and in the case the initiating of the V2G discharging is currently advisable for the electric vehicle (120) , send a second notification to initiate the V2G discharging to the charging manager (122) associated with the electric vehicle (120) .

2. The control device (200) according to claim 1, wherein the determining that the initiating of the charging is currently advisable for the electric vehicle (120) comprises determining that: the obtained first information indicates at least one of the current production status or the predicted production status of the electrical grid (110) exceeding an upper production threshold, and the obtained second information indicatesat least one of the current state of charge or the predicted state of charge of the electric vehicle (120) falling below a lower charge threshold.

3. The control device (200) according to claim1 or 2, wherein the determining that the initiating of the V2G discharging is currently advisable for the electric vehicle (120) comprises determining that: the obtained first information indicates at least one of the current production status or the predicted production status of the electrical grid (110) falling below a lower production threshold, and the obtained second information indicates at least one of the current state of charge or the predicted state of charge of the electric vehicle (120) exceeding an upper charge threshold.

4. The control device (200) according to claim2 or 3, wherein the instructions (206) , when executed by the at least one processor (202) , further cause the control device (200) to: determine at least one of a first advisable time to initiate the charging or a second advisable time to initiate the V2G discharging, based on the obtained first information and the obtained second information; and indicate the determined first advisable time in the first notification, and indicate the determined second advisable time in the second notification.

5. The control device (200) according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the obtained second information further indicates at least one of a current location or a current range of the electric vehicle (120) .

6. The control device (200) according to claim5, wherein the instructions (206) , when executed by theat least one processor (202) , further cause the control device (200) to: determine a charging station (131) available to the electric vehicle (120) in view of the indicated at least one of the current location or the range of the electric vehicle (120) , in the case the initiating of the charging is currently advisable for the electric vehicle (120) ; and indicate the determined available charging station (131) in the first notification.

7. The control device (200) according to claim5 or 6, wherein the instructions (206) , when executed by the at least one processor (202) , further cause the control device (200) to: determine a V2G capable charging station (132) available to the electric vehicle (120) in view of the indicated at least one of the current location or the range of the electric vehicle (120) , in the case the initiating of the V2G discharging is currently advisable for the electric vehicle (120) ; and indicate the determined available V2G capable charging station (132) in the second notification.

8. The control device (200) according to claim6 or 7, wherein the instructions (206) , when executed by the at least one processor (202) , further cause the control device (200) to reserve the determined charging station (131) or the determined V2G capable charging station (132) , respectively, for the electric vehicle (120) .

9. The control device (200) according to claim 8, wherein the instructions (206) , when executed by the at least one processor (202) , further cause the control device (200) to:determine a reservation time period for the electric vehicle (120) to reach the reserved charging station (131) or the reserved V2G capable charging station (132) , respectively; and release the reserved charging station (131) or the reserved V2G capable charging station (132) , respectively, in response to the electric vehicle (120) failing to be connected to the reserved charging station(131) or to the reserved V2G capable charging station(132) , respectively, before expiry of the determined reservation time period.

10. The control device (200) according to any of claims 6 to 9, wherein the instructions (206) , when executed by the at least one processor (202) , further cause the control device (200) to: monitor whether the electric vehicle (120) connects to the determined charging station (131) after sending the first notification or to the determined V2G capable charging station (132) after sending the second notification, respectively.

11. The control device (200) according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the obtained second information further indicates at least one of a charging preference or a V2G discharging preference, associated with the electric vehicle (120) .

12. A method (300) , comprising: obtaining (301) , by a control device (200) , first information indicating at least one of a current production status or a predicted production status of an electrical grid (110) used for charging an electric vehicle (120) ; obtaining (302) , by the control device (200) , second information indicating at least one of a currentstate of charge or a predicted state of charge of the electric vehicle (120) ; determining (303) , by the control device (200) , based at least on the obtained first information and the obtained second information, whether initiating charging or initiating vehicle-to-grid, V2G, discharging is currently advisable for the electric vehicle (120) ; in the case the initiating of the charging is currently advisable for the electric vehicle (120) , sending (306) from the control device (200) a first notification to initiate the charging to a charging manager (122) associated with the electric vehicle (120) ; and in the case the initiating of the V2G discharging is currently advisable for the electric vehicle (120) , sending (311) from the control device (200) a second notification to initiate the V2G discharging to the charging manager (122) associated with the electric vehicle (120) .

13. An apparatus, comprising means for carrying out the method (300) according to claim 12.

14. A computer program comprising instructions for causing a control device to perform at least the following : obtain first information indicating at least one of a current production status or a predicted production status of an electrical grid used for charging an electric vehicle; obtain second information indicating at least one of a current state of charge or a predicted state of charge of the electric vehicle; determine, based at least on the obtained first information and the obtained second information, whether initiating charging or initiating vehicle-to-grid, V2G,discharging is currently advisable for the electric vehicle ; in the case the initiating of the charging is currently advisable for the electric vehicle , send a first notification to initiate the charging to a charging manager associated with the electric vehicle ; and in the case the initiating of the V2G discharging is currently advisable for the electric vehicle , send a second notification to initiate the V2G discharg- ing to the charging manager associated with the electric vehicle .

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