EV Contract Certificate Selection for Multi-Operator Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The proliferation of public charging stations owned by different operators necessitates electric vehicle owners to maintain multiple contract certificates, leading to a time-consuming and error-prone process for identifying the correct operator and contract certificate for charging.
Innovation Solution
An electric vehicle system automatically selects a contract certificate based on the operator of the charging station, using a controller to determine the candidate station and identify the appropriate certificate, potentially in advance, to facilitate quick and accurate charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple contract certificates are maintained for different charging station operators, then the electric vehicle can utilize charging stations from multiple operators, but the process for identifying the correct operator and contract certificate becomes increasingly time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the electric vehicle to automatically identify the charging station operator and select the appropriate contract certificate without manual intervention. The controller autonomously performs the identification and selection processes, eliminating the time-consuming manual steps while maintaining the ability to work with multiple operators through stored contract certificates
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-stores multiple contract certificates in the memory device before the charging event occurs. By having the certificates ready in advance and automatically selecting the appropriate one based on the identified operator, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming on-site identification and selection processes
2Ease of operation
If manual identification of operator and contract certificate is used, then the process allows for human decision-making, but errors in identifying the correct contract certificate may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic identification and selection system eliminates human error by replacing manual decision-making with automated controller logic. The system reliably matches the charging station operator with the correct contract certificate through automated processes, ensuring consistent and error-free operation while maintaining ease of use through simple plug-and-charge functionality
3Productivity
If the correct contract certificate is not identified quickly, then charging authorization can be delayed, but the charging process cannot begin until proper authentication is complete
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs operator identification and contract certificate selection in advance, before the charging process begins. By having the correct certificate ready and pre-authenticated when the vehicle arrives at the charging station, the system enables immediate charging authorization and eliminates delays in the charging process
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method are provided for automatically selecting a contract certificate to facilitate charging of a battery of an electric vehicle at a charging station. A candidate charging station is at which the battery of the electric vehicle is capable of being charged is automatically determined. Based on the operator of the candidate charging station, a first contract certificate from among a plurality of contract certificates is then identified to be active to facilitate use at the candidate charging station. Information from the first contract certificate may then be provided to the charging station to allow for authentication of the electric vehicle for recharging purposes. An electric vehicle is also provided that is configured to automatically select a contract certificate to facilitate charging of its battery at a charging station.