Charging Station Account Linking for Plug-and-Charge Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle charging systems require manual authorization through RFID-cards or mobile applications, which can be inconvenient and complex for users, especially for non-technically savvy individuals, and do not efficiently enable the plug & charge feature without extensive user interaction.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that automatically configures a charging station and management system to enable plug & charge functionality by linking a unique identifier of the charging station with an authorized user account, allowing charging to start without additional user interaction after initial setup, using RFID-cards or mobile applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual authorization through RFID-cards or mobile applications is used, then user identification and authorization can be achieved, but user interaction complexity and inconvenience increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration by linking the charging station identifier with the user account identifier in advance. When a vehicle is connected, the charging station automatically sends an authorization request with the station identifier, and the management system has already prepared the authorization by establishing the link beforehand, eliminating the need for manual RFID card or mobile app interaction at the moment of charging.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging station system automatically handles the authorization process by detecting vehicle connection and sending authorization requests without requiring user intervention. The management system automatically processes these requests based on pre-established links between station identifiers and user accounts, making the system serve itself without human intervention.
2Extent of automation
If automatic authorization function is implemented, then charging can start automatically upon vehicle connection, but system configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The management system acts as an intermediary between the charging station and the user account database. It receives the station identifier from the charging station, automatically links it with the corresponding user account identifier, and manages the authorization process. This intermediary handles the configuration complexity internally while presenting a simple automatic authorization interface to users.
3Reliability
If repeated manual authorization is required, then user account verification can be maintained, but charging time and user convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary linking of charging station identifiers with user account identifiers before charging begins. This pre-established connection allows the management system to verify accounts automatically based on the station identifier alone, eliminating the need for repeated manual authorization steps and reducing charging setup time while maintaining verification reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
Various example embodiments relate to configuration of electric vehicle charging stations (102) and charging station management systems (101) such that authorization without user interaction may be enabled in response to a plugged-in electric vehicle (103). A computing device (200), a method (600), a computer-readable medium and a computer program are disclosed.