Automatic monitoring of electric vehicle charging, and related devices, methods, and computer programs

Abstract

Devices, methods and computer programs for automatic monitoring of electric vehicle (EV) charging are disclosed. At least some example embodiments may allow automatically stopping EV charging when a certain cost / energy unit limit is reached.

Description

[0001] AUTOMATIC MONITORING OF ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING, 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 monitoring of electric vehicle charging, as well as related devices, methods, and computer programs .

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Charging stations are used to charge electric vehicles (EV) . Drivers charge their EVs at various charging stations . Driver information is maintained in an EMP (eMobility Service Provider) system.

[0006] When a driver wants to start charging at a charging station, the driver needs to be authorized, e . g. , with an identification ( ID) token, such as a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. Typically, drivers have several ID tokens from several EMPs .

[0007] EV charging may be priced on many different models, such as energy-based pricing or time-based pricing. Different roaming systems add complexity to the pricing - drivers typically have contracts with several EMPs, and the price on a same station may be completely different for different EMPs, sometimes even ten times higher depending on which EMP' s contract one is using.

[0008] Thus, it is often difficult for drivers to know what price they are actually paying for charging, due to different EMP contracts, different pricing models, etc .

[0009] Even if pricing information would be available on a mobile application, for example, many drivers use RFID tags, or technologies such as Autocharge or ISO 15118 Plug & Charge to start charging. In such cases,drivers do not need to open a mobile application and check prices .

[0010] Roaming adds confusion to the pricing: if a driver has RFID tags from EMPs A and B (of which B has higher prices on the charging station about to be used) , and the driver checks prices from A' s mobile application but accidentally uses RFID B to start charging, the driver will end up paying a higher cost than necessary.

[0011] Usually, drivers only find out about the higher cost after the charging transaction has ended and it has been invoiced from the driver .

[0012] Accordingly, at least in some situations, there may be a need for EV drivers to make sure they will not pay more than a predefined amount per energy unit for EV charging. Also, there may be a need for EV drivers to make sure the EV charging transaction is stopped automatically if the cost threatens to rise above this predefined amount per energy unit which would likely result in an undesired large invoice .

[0013] BRIEF SUMMARY

[0014] The scope of protection sought for various example embodiments of the invention is set out by the independent claims . The example embodiments and features, if 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.

[0015] 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 periodically receive a set of metering data from a charging station for a charging session initiated by a user for an electric vehicle at the charging station. The received sets of metering data indicate at least anenergy consumption in energy units of the charging session so far and a charging duration in time units of the charging session so far . The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the control device at least to determine which at least one tariff out of multiple tariffs of a variable tariff scheme to apply for a received set of metering data . The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the control device at least to determine, after receipt of a set of metering data, a total cost incurred so far for the charging session based on the respective received set of metering data and the determined at least one applicable tariff . The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the control device at least to determine, after receipt of a set of metering data, a cost per energy unit incurred so far for the charging session based on the determined total cost incurred so far and the indicated energy consumption of the charging session so far . The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the control device at least to compare the determined cost per energy unit incurred so far for the charging session against a cost per energy unit limit associated with the user . The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the control device at least to initiate at least one of a suspension action or an alarm action for the charging session in response to the comparison indicating that the determined cost per energy unit incurred so far for the charging session exceeds the cost per energy unit limit associated with the user .

[0016] In an example embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above-described example embodiments, the suspension action comprises automatically stopping the charging session.

[0017] In an example embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above-described example embodiments, thesuspension action further comprises sending a first notification to the user about the automatic stopping of the charging session.

[0018] In an example embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above-described example embodiments, the alarm action comprises sending a second notification to the user about the cost per energy unit limit having been exceeded.

[0019] In an example embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above-described example embodiments, the multiple tariffs of the variable tariff scheme correspond to one or more different values of one or more tariff parameters .

[0020] In an example embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above-described example embodiments, the one or more tariff parameters comprise at least one of a time of day, a charging duration, or a maximum charged power .

[0021] 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 obtain the cost per energy unit limit associated with the user from multiple cost per energy unit limits of a limit scheme associated with the user . The cost per energy unit limits of the limit scheme correspond to one or more different values of one or more limit parameters .

[0022] In an example embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above-described example embodiments, the one or more limit parameters comprise at least a charging power .

[0023] In an example embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above-described example embodiments, the variable tariff scheme is associated with the charging station .In an example embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above-described example embodiments, the variable tariff scheme is associated with the user .

[0024] In an example embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above-described example embodiments, the receiving of the set of metering data periodically comprises receiving the set of metering data substantially once per a metering interval .

[0025] An example embodiment of a method comprises periodically receiving, at a control device, a set of metering data from a charging station for a charging session initiated by a user for an electric vehicle at the charging station. The received sets of metering data indicate at least an energy consumption in energy units of the charging session so far and a charging duration in time units of the charging session so far . The method further comprises determining, by the control device, which at least one tariff out of multiple tariffs of a variable tariff scheme to apply for a received set of metering data . The method further comprises determining, by the control device after receipt of a set of metering data, a total cost incurred so far for the charging session based on the respective received set of metering data and the determined at least one applicable tariff . The method further comprises determining, by the control device after receipt of a set of metering data, a cost per energy unit incurred so far for the charging session based on the determined total cost incurred so far and the indicated energy consumption of the charging session so far . The method further comprises comparing, by the control device, the determined cost per energy unit incurred so far for the charging session against a cost per energy unit limit associated with the user . The method further comprises initiating, by the control device, at least one of a suspension action or an alarm action for the charging session in response to the comparison indicating that the determined cost per energyunit incurred so far for the charging session exceeds the cost per energy unit limit associated with the user .

[0026] An example embodiment of an apparatus comprises means for carrying out a method according to any of the above-described example embodiments .

[0027] An example embodiment of a computer program comprises instructions for causing a control device to perform at least the following: periodically receiving a set of metering data from a charging station for a charging session initiated by a user for an electric vehicle at the charging station, the received sets of metering data indicating at least an energy consumption in energy units of the charging session so far and a charging duration in time units of the charging session so far; determining which at least one tariff out of multiple tariffs of a variable tariff scheme to apply for a received set of metering data; determining, after receipt of a set of metering data, a total cost incurred so far for the charging session based on the respective received set of metering data and the determined at least one applicable tariff; determining, after receipt of a set of metering data, a cost per energy unit incurred so far for the charging session based on the determined total cost incurred so far and the indicated energy consumption of the charging session so far; comparing the determined cost per energy unit incurred so far for the charging session against a cost per energy unit limit associated with the user; and in response to the comparison indicating that the determined cost per energy unit incurred so far for the charging session exceeds the cost per energy unit limit associated with the user, initiating at least one of a suspension action or an alarm action for the charging session.

[0028] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the embodimentsand constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments and together with the description help to explain the principles of the embodiments . In the drawings :

[0030] 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;

[0031] FIG. 2 shows an example embodiment of the subj ect matter described herein illustrating a disclosed control device;

[0032] FIG. 3 shows an example embodiment of the subj ect matter described herein illustrating a use case;

[0033] FIG. 4 shows an example embodiment of the subj ect matter described herein illustrating another use case ;

[0034] FIG. 5 shows an example embodiment of the subj ect matter described herein illustrating examples of graphical user interfaces; and

[0035] FIG. 6 shows an example embodiment of the subj ect matter described herein illustrating a disclosed method for a control device .

[0036] Like reference numerals are used to designate like parts in the accompanying drawings .

[0037] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] 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 .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 used by driver or user 160, charging station (CS) 130, 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 .

[0039] 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 one charging station 130 is shown in Fig. 1 for clarity, system 100 may comprise more than one charging stations .

[0040] CSMS 140 may be configured to, e . g. , control various operations related to individual charging stations and a network of charging stations . Charging station 130 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.

[0041] At least in some embodiments, CSMS 140 and / or repository 150 may be implemented as cloud computing services .

[0042] 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 .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.

[0043] 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) .

[0044] At least in some embodiments, when user 160 wants to start charging EV 120 at charging station 130, user 160 may be authorized, e . g. , with an identification ( ID) token, such as a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. At least in some embodiments, authorization technologies, such as Autocharge or ISO 15118 Plug & Charge or the like (where the EV charging may start automatically when a driver plugs in a charging cable to a charging station) may be used to start EV charging.

[0045] At least in some embodiments, user 160 may have several ID tokens from several eMobility Service Providers (EMPs) , such as EMPs A and B in the following examples . An EMP may maintain information about the user / drivers , such as their charging contract and invoicing details .

[0046] In the following, various example embodiments will be discussed. At least some of these example embodiments described herein may allow automatic monitoring of EV charging.

[0047] Furthermore, at least some of the example embodiments described herein may allow stopping the EV charging automatically when a certain cost / energy unit limit is reached. This limit may be set separately for fast charging and slow charging, for example .

[0048] Furthermore, at least some of the example embodiments described herein may allow converting a charging station' s often complex tariff model to actual costs / energy unit, and then use that in cost vs . limitcomparisons . In other words, at least some of the example embodiments described herein may allow calculating a transaction' s total cost based on the tariff, calculating how many energy units have been charged, converting that to cost / energy unit, and comparing that to the cost / energy unit limit . In other words, at least some of the example embodiments described herein may allow setting a maximum price / kilowatt-hour (kWh) even when the pricing system currently in use would be something different, such as price / minute . For example, even when the pricing would be, e . g. , 0.20 euros / minute, at least some of the example embodiments described herein may allow a driver / user to set a maximum price of, e . g. , 0.35 euros / kWh.

[0049] 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 ) .

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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 .

[0052] 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 moremulti-core processors and one or more single 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 (ASIC) , 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.

[0053] 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 . ) .

[0054] When executed by at least one processor 202, instructions 206 stored in at least one memory 204 cause control device 200 at least to periodically (e . g. , substantially once per a metering interval, such as once a minute, once every 10 seconds, or once every 15 minutes) receive a set of metering data from charging station 130 for a charging session initiated by user 160 for electric vehicle 120 at charging station 130. For example, the sets of metering data may be received via OCPP .The received sets of metering data indicate at least an energy consumption in energy units of the charging session so far . The received sets of metering data further indicate a charging duration in time units so far . The energy unit may comprise, e . g. , a kilowatt-hour (kWh) . The time unit may comprise, e . g. , a minute . Thus, two pieces of information may be obtained from the metering data : how many, e . g. , kWh has been charged so far, and how many, e . g. , minutes the charging has lasted so far .

[0055] In other words, charging stations may send updates about charging transactions on a regular basis to control device 200 (included, e . g. , in CSMS 140) , and thus control device 200 may know based on the transaction which user is charging on which charging station.

[0056] For example, charging station 130 may send updates to control device 200 (included, e . g. , in CSMS 140) about the initiated EV charging transaction, including, e . g. , a duration and a charged energy usage so far. This may be done with protocols such as OCPP, open charge point interface (OCPI ) , or open clearing house protocol (OCHP) .

[0057] Instructions 206, when executed by at least one processor 202, further cause control device 200 at least to determine which at least one tariff out of multiple tariffs of a variable tariff scheme to apply for a received set of metering data . For example, the variable tariff scheme may be associated with charging station 130. In another example, the variable tariff scheme may be associated with user 160.

[0058] At least in some embodiments, the multiple tariffs of the variable tariff scheme may correspond to one or more different values of one or more tariff parameters . For example, the one or more tariff parameters may comprise any of tariff parameters defined by OCPI protocol . Further, various CSMS systems may implement setting tariffs in different ways . At least in some exampleembodiments, the one or more tariff parameters may comprise a time of day, a charging duration, and / or a maximum charged power.

[0059] For example, charging station 130 may have a tariff such that EV charging costs 5 € / h between 9 : 00-18 : 00, and l€ / h + 0.20€ / kWh after 18 : 00.

[0060] For another example, charging station 130 may have tariffs as follows :

[0061] EMP A: 09 : 00-17 : 59 : 4 € / h + 0.20 € / kWh; and 18 : 00-08 : 59 : 1 € / h + 0.35 € / kWh.

[0062] EMP B : 1 € starting fee + 0.45 € / kWh.

[0063] EMP C : 2 € / h + 0.35 € / kWh.

[0064] In other words, control device 200 (included, e . g. , in CSMS 140) has information about the tariff (s) used for the EV charging transaction. Thus, control device 200 200 is able to calculate a total cost of the transaction, as follows .

[0065] Instructions 206, when executed by at least one processor 202, further cause control device 200 at least to determine, after receipt of a set of metering data, a total cost incurred so far for the charging session based on the respective received set of metering data and the determined at least one applicable tariff .

[0066] Instructions 206, when executed by at least one processor 202, further cause control device 200 at least to determine, after receipt of a set of metering data, a cost per energy unit incurred so far for the charging session based on the determined total cost incurred so far and the indicated energy consumption of the charging session so far .

[0067] In other words, after control device 200 has received an update and calculated the total cost, control device 200 may convert this to a cost per energy unit . As an example, control device 200 may receive an update from charging station 130 that user 160 has been charging for two hours and charged 10 kWh . Control device 200 may have a tariff of 2.00 € / h for chargingstation 130. Control device 200 may calculate then the total cost as 2 h * 2.00 € / h = 4 .00 € . From this, control device 200 may then calculate the cost per energy unit, which is 4.00 € / 10 kWh = 0.40 C / kWh in this example .

[0068] Instructions 206, when executed by at least one processor 202, further cause control device 200 at least to compare the determined cost per energy unit incurred so far for the charging session against a cost per energy unit limit associated with user 160.

[0069] At least in some embodiments, instructions 206, when executed by at least one processor 202, may further cause control device 200 to obtain the cost per energy unit limit associated with user 160 from multiple cost per energy unit limits of a limit scheme associated with user 160. The cost per energy unit limits of the limit scheme may correspond to one or more different values of one or more limit parameters . For example, the one or more limit parameters may comprise at least a charging power (measured, e . g. , in kilowatts) .

[0070] As an example, user 160 may have set the following cost per energy unit limits :

[0071] 150+ kW : max 0.50 euros (€) / kWh,

[0072] 50+ kW : max 0.35 € / kWh,

[0073] 11+ kW : max 0.20 € / kWh, and

[0074] other : max 0.10 € / kWh.

[0075] At least in some embodiments, user 160 may have an option to set the cost per energy unit limits in a mobile application, such as charging manager 122.

[0076] At least in some embodiments, different cost per energy unit limits may be set for different power levels, for example a higher cost per energy unit limit may be set for ultra-fast charging, and a lower cost per energy unit limit may be set for slow alternating current (AC) charging.

[0077] At least in some embodiments, the cost per energy unit limits may be updated from charging manager 122 (or the like) to control device 200.Diagram 510 of Fig. 5 illustrates an example of a graphical user interface (GUI ) included, e . g. , in charging manager 122 that user 160 may use to set another example set of cost per energy unit limits .

[0078] Instructions 206, when executed by at least one processor 202, further cause control device 200 at least to initiate a suspension action and / or an alarm action for the charging session in response to the comparison indicating that the determined cost per energy unit incurred so far for the charging session exceeds the cost per energy unit limit associated with user 160.

[0079] For example, the suspension action may comprise automatically stopping the charging session. At least in some embodiments, the suspension action may further comprise sending a first notification to user 160 about the automatic stopping of the charging session. For example, a stop command to stop the charging session may be sent to charging station 130 using any suitable protocols, such as OCPP, OCHP or OCPI .

[0080] For example, the alarm action may comprise sending a second notification to user 160 about the cost per energy unit limit having been exceeded.

[0081] Diagram 530 of Fig. 5 illustrates an example of a graphical user interface (GUI ) included, e . g. , in charging manager 122 that user 160 may use to choose what to do when the cost per energy unit is above the set cost per energy unit limit . For example, option 1 may involve an automatic stopping of the charging session (as described above) , and option 2 may involve an alarm or warning to user 160 about the high cost, with an optional selection to stop the charging session manually.

[0082] Diagram 520 of Fig. 5 illustrates an example of a graphical user interface (GUI ) included, e . g. , in charging manager 122 that user 160 may use to choose manually whether to stop the charging session. If user 160 has chosen an alarm instead of an automatic stop,control device 200 may send a notification to user 160 (e . g . , to mobile application 122, or via an email or a text message for example) . User 160 may then choose manually whether to stop the charging session. If user 160 chooses to manually stop the charging session, control device 200 may then send a stop-command to charging station 130.

[0083] Diagram 300 of Fig. 3 illustrates an example use case .

[0084] User 160 may arrive at charging station 130, operation 301. EMPs A and B may have different tariffs on charging station 130 : EMP A may have a tariff of 0.20 € / kWh and EMP B may have a tariff of 1.00 € / kWh. In other words, EMP B may have a higher tariff on charging station 130.

[0085] User 160 may have a contract and an RFID tag with both EMPs, A and B . User 160 may have set a cost per energy unit limit of max 0.50 € / kWh, operation 302 .

[0086] User 160 may accidentally start charging on charging station 130 using RFID B, operation 303.

[0087] Control device 200 (included, e . g. , in CSMS 140) may get metering data from charging station 130 indicating that user 160 has been charging for 3 minutes and obtained 2 kWh energy. Thus, in the example of Fig.

[0088] 3 the total cost is 3 minutes * 1, 00 € / min = 3, 00 € . When converted to cost per energy unit that is 3, 00 € / 2 kWh = 1, 50 C / kWh, operation 304.

[0089] Control device 200 may stop the EV charging automatically since the cost per energy unit is over the cost per energy unit limit set by user 160, operation 305.

[0090] Control device 200 may send a notification to user 160 notifying user 160 that the EV charging was stopped due to high costs, operation 306.

[0091] Diagram 400 of Fig. 4 illustrates another example use case .At operation 401, the example use case may start with user 160 having set a maximum cost / kWh limit for control device 200 (included, e . g. , in CSMS 140) , e . g. , via charging manager 122.

[0092] At operation 402, user 160 may start a new charging session on charging station 130.

[0093] At operation 403, charging station 130 may send updated metering data (e . g. , duration, energy usage) of the charging session to control device 200 (using any suitable protocol, such as OCPP, OCHP, OCPI, or the like) .

[0094] At operation 404, control device 200 may calculate the total cost of the charging session based on the updated metering data .

[0095] At operation 405, control device 200 may calculate, e . g. , cost / kWh and actual power ( energy / time ) based on the updated metering data .

[0096] At operation 406, control device 200 may check which cost limit user 160 may have set for the power level in question.

[0097] At operation 407, control device 200 may check if the calculated cost / kWh is above the set limit . If yes, the example use case may proceed to operation 408. If not, the example use case may return to operation 403 .

[0098] At operation 408, control device 200 may send a command to charging station 130 to stop the charging session .

[0099] At operation 409, control device 200 may notify user 160 that the charging session was stopped due to a high cost .

[0100] At operation 410, the example use case may end. Fig. 6 illustrates an example flow chart of method 600 for control device 200, in accordance with an example embodiment .At optional operation 601, a new charging session is initiated by user 160 for electric vehicle 120 at charging station 130.

[0101] At operation 602, control device 200 periodically receives the set of metering data from charging station 130 for the charging session initiated by user 160. As discussed above in more detail, the received sets of metering data indicate at least the energy consumption in energy units of the charging session so far and a charging duration in time units of the charging session so far .

[0102] At operation 603, control device 200 determines which at least one tariff out of the multiple tariffs of the variable tariff scheme to apply for a received set of metering data .

[0103] At operation 604, control device 200 determines, after the receipt of a set of metering data, the total cost incurred so far for the charging session based on the respective received set of metering data and the determined at least one applicable tariff .

[0104] At operation 605, control device 200 determines, after the receipt of a set of metering data, the cost per energy unit incurred so far for the charging session based on the determined total cost incurred so far and the indicated energy consumption of the charging session so far .

[0105] At optional operation 606, control device 200 may obtain the cost per energy unit limit associated with user 160 from the multiple cost per energy unit limits of the limit scheme associated with user 160. As discussed above in more detail, the cost per energy unit limits of the limit scheme may correspond to the one or more different values of the one or more limit parameters .

[0106] At operation 607, control device 200 compares the determined cost per energy unit incurred so far forthe charging session against the cost per energy unit limit associated with the user 160.

[0107] At operation 608, control device 200 initiates the suspension action and / or the alarm action for the charging session in response to the comparison indicating that the determined cost per energy unit incurred so far for the charging session exceeds the cost per energy unit limit associated with the user 160.

[0108] Embodiments and examples with regard to Fig. 6 may be carried out by control device 200 of Fig. 2. Operations 601-608 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 .

[0109] Another example of an apparatus suitable for carrying out the embodiments and examples with regard to Fig. 6 comprises means for :

[0110] periodically receiving, at operation 602, a set of metering data from charging station 130 for a charging session initiated by user 160 for electric vehicle 120 at charging station 130, the received sets of metering data indicating at least an energy consumption in energy units of the charging session so far and a charging duration in time units of the charging session so far;

[0111] determining, at operation 603, which at least one tariff out of multiple tariffs of a variable tariff scheme to apply for a received set of metering data;

[0112] determining, at operation 604, after receipt of a set of metering data, a total cost incurred so far for the charging session based on the respective received set of metering data and the determined at least one applicable tariff ;determining, at operation 605, after receipt of a set of metering data, a cost per energy unit incurred so far for the charging session based on the determined total cost incurred so far and the indicated energy consumption of the charging session so far;

[0113] comparing, at operation 607, the determined cost per energy unit incurred so far for the charging session against a cost per energy unit limit associated with the user 160; and

[0114] in response to the comparison indicating that the determined cost per energy unit incurred so far for the charging session exceeds the cost per energy unit limit associated with user 160, initiating, at operation 608, at least one of a suspension action or an alarm action for the charging session.

[0115] 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) .

[0116] 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 .

[0117] 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 .

[0118] 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 ( ToT) 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.

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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.

[0121] Although the subj ect matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or acts, it is to be understood that the subj ect 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 .

[0122] 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 thestated problems or those that have any or all of the stated benefits and advantages . It will further be understood that reference to ' an' item may refer to one or more of those items .

[0123] 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 .

[0124] 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 .

[0125] It will be understood that the above description is given by way of example only and that various modifications may be made by those skilled 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 ) ; andat 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 :periodically receive a set of metering data from a charging station ( 130) for a charging session initiated by a user ( 160) for an electric vehicle ( 120) at the charging station ( 130) , the received sets of metering data indicating at least an energy consumption in energy units of the charging session so far and a charging duration in time units of the charging session so far;determine which at least one tariff out of multiple tariffs of a variable tariff scheme to apply for a received set of metering data;determine, after receipt of a set of metering data, a total cost incurred so far for the charging session based on the respective received set of metering data and the determined at least one applicable tariff ;determine, after receipt of a set of metering data, a cost per energy unit incurred so far for the charging session based on the determined total cost incurred so far and the indicated energy consumption of the charging session so far;compare the determined cost per energy unit incurred so far for the charging session against a cost per energy unit limit associated with the user ( 160) ; andin response to the comparison indicating that the determined cost per energy unit incurred so far for the charging session exceeds the cost per energy unit limit associated with the user ( 160) , initiate at least one of a suspension action or an alarm action for the charging session.

2. The control device (200) according to claim 1, wherein the suspension action comprises automatically stopping the charging session.

3. The control device (200) according to claim 2, wherein the suspension action further comprises sending a first notification to the user ( 160) about the automatic stopping of the charging session.

4. The control device (200) according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the alarm action comprises sending a second notification to the user ( 160) about the cost per energy unit limit having been exceeded.

5. The control device (200) according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the multiple tariffs of the variable tariff scheme correspond to one or more different values of one or more tariff parameters .

6. The control device (200) according to claim 5, wherein the one or more tariff parameters comprise at least one of a time of day, a charging duration, or a maximum charged power .

7. The control device (200) according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the instructions (206) , when executed by the at least one processor (202 ) , further cause the control device (200) to :obtain the cost per energy unit limit associated with the user ( 160) from multiple cost per energy unit limits of a limit scheme associated with the user ( 160) , the cost per energy unit limits of the limit scheme corresponding to one or more different values of one or more limit parameters .

8. The control device (200) according to claim 7, wherein the one or more limit parameters comprise at least a charging power .

9. The control device (200) according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the variable tariff scheme is associated with the charging station ( 130) .

10. The control device (200) according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the variable tariff scheme is associated with the user ( 160) .

11. The control device (200) according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the receiving of the set of metering data periodically comprises receiving the set of metering data substantially once per a metering interval .

12. A method ( 600) , comprising: periodically receiving ( 602 ) , at a control device (200) , a set of metering data from a charging station ( 130) for a charging session initiated by a user ( 160) for an electric vehicle (120) at the charging station ( 130) , the received sets of metering data indicating at least an energy consumption in energy units of the charging session so far and a charging duration in time units of the charging session so far;determining ( 603) , by the control device (200) , which at least one tariff out of multiple tariffs of a variable tariff scheme to apply for a received set of metering data;determining ( 604 ) , by the control device (200) after receipt of a set of metering data, a total cost incurred so far for the charging session based on the respective received set of metering data and the determined at least one applicable tariff ;determining ( 605) , by the control device (200) after receipt of a set of metering data, a cost per energy unit incurred so far for the charging session based on the determined total cost incurred so far and the indicated energy consumption of the charging session so far;comparing ( 607 ) , by the control device (200) , the determined cost per energy unit incurred so far for the charging session against a cost per energy unit limit associated with the user ( 160) ; andin response to the comparison indicating that the determined cost per energy unit incurred so far for the charging session exceeds the cost per energy unit limit associated with the user ( 160) , initiating ( 608 ) , by the control device (200) , at least one of a suspension action or an alarm action for the charging session.

13. An apparatus, comprising means for carrying out the method ( 600) according to claim 12.

14. A computer program comprising instructions for causing a control device to perform at least the following :periodically receiving a set of metering data from a charging station for a charging session initiated by a user for an electric vehicle at the charging station, the received sets of metering data indicating at least an energy consumption in energy units of the charging session so far and a charging duration in time units of the charging session so far;determining which at least one tariff out of multiple tariffs of a variable tariff scheme to apply for a received set of metering data;determining, after receipt of a set of metering data, a total cost incurred so far for the charging session based on the respective received set of metering data and the determined at least one applicable tariff ;determining, after receipt of a set of metering data, a cost per energy unit incurred so far for the charging session based on the determined total cost incurred so far and the indicated energy consumption of the charging session so far;comparing the determined cost per energy unit incurred so far for the charging session against a cost per energy unit limit associated with the user; and in response to the comparison indicating that the determined cost per energy unit incurred so far for the charging session exceeds the cost per energy unit limit associated with the user, initiating at least one of a suspension action or an alarm action for the charging session.

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