Electricity Meter Authentication for EV Charging Availability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric vehicle charging systems require separate authentication and billing devices, limiting the availability of charging stations to predetermined locations and increasing operational inefficiencies due to the need for dedicated infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize an electricity meter installed in a house or gas station to measure and communicate electric power consumption, integrating authentication and billing processes through communication with a server, eliminating the need for separate devices and allowing multiple points to function as charging stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional charging systems use separate authentication and billing devices at predetermined locations, then charging control and measurement are reliable, but the availability and accessibility of charging stations are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The electricity meter is designed to perform multiple functions: it not only measures electric power consumption but also handles authentication and billing processes. This multi-functionality allows any location with an electricity meter to serve as a charging station, dramatically increasing availability without requiring dedicated charging infrastructure at each site.
Solution Approach 2:
The electricity meter autonomously performs authentication of users and billing calculations based on measured power consumption. The meter communicates with the charging apparatus and server to independently handle these processes, eliminating the need for separate authentication devices and billing systems at charging locations.
2Ease of operation
If charging stations are installed at shorter intervals to improve accessibility, then user convenience increases, but expense and land use efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
By enabling electricity meters at existing locations (houses, gas stations) to function as charging stations, the system leverages existing infrastructure rather than requiring new dedicated sites. This approach maintains high accessibility while avoiding additional land consumption and construction expenses.
Solution Approach 2:
The electricity meter acts as an intermediary that bridges the power supply infrastructure and the charging function. It measures power consumption and communicates billing information to the server, enabling charging services at locations that already have electrical infrastructure without requiring new land development.
3Reliability
If dedicated charging infrastructure is established at predetermined locations, then charging control is reliable, but operational efficiency decreases due to limited access points
Solution Approach 1:
The electricity meter independently performs power measurement, authentication, and billing functions. It autonomously communicates with the charging apparatus and server, maintaining reliable charging control while enabling operations at numerous distributed locations, thereby improving overall system productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electricity meter continuously measures power consumption and provides real-time feedback to the charging apparatus and server. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable charging control by enabling accurate billing calculations and monitoring, while the distributed nature of meters across multiple locations enhances operational efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
A charging method and charging apparatus for charging a battery is provided. A charging apparatus transmits a charging initiation request including a charging identifier for identifying a user to an electric meter and receives a charging initiation response from the electricity meter. The charging apparatus performs charging by connecting the charging station with the battery after receiving the charging initiation response. The charging apparatus receives charging information indicating billing information according to the charging of the battery from the electricity meter.