EV Charging Workflow Control for Non-Critical Anomaly Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The interoperability issues between Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment (EVSE) and Electric Vehicles (EVs) remain imperfect due to fragmented infrastructure and user interaction mismatches, leading to unforeseen compatibility problems and frequent cancellation of charging attempts despite testing efforts.
Innovation Solution
An electric vehicle charging infrastructure with a policy configurator and master event processor that adaptively controls human-machine interfaces, payment subsystems, and charging subsystems through a configurable policy set, enabling flexible workflows to handle non-critical anomalies and ensure successful charging operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a static workflow is implemented in the charging infrastructure, then the system structure is simple and easy to implement, but it cannot adapt to diverse user behaviors and leads to mismatches between expected and actual user actions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic workflow system where the charging process can adapt its sequence and actions based on real-time user behavior and system events. The workflow transitions from static to dynamic by allowing reconfiguration of charging steps, authentication methods, and payment processes based on actual user interactions and anomaly detection, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes workflow parameters dynamically based on detected anomalies and user behavior patterns. By modifying workflow parameters such as authentication requirements, charging speed, and payment timing based on real-time conditions, the system achieves adaptability without requiring complete workflow redesign, thus managing complexity while improving versatility.
2Reliability
If extensive testing is performed on charging scenarios, then the number of compatibility issues is reduced, but not all scenarios can be tested reliably in advance and charging success rate remains suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service through automated anomaly detection and handling mechanisms. The charging infrastructure automatically identifies and resolves compatibility issues during operation without requiring extensive manual testing or intervention. This allows the system to adapt to new scenarios in real-time, improving reliability without proportionally increasing testing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback loops where charging events, anomalies, and outcomes are continuously monitored and used to adjust system behavior. This real-time feedback enables the system to learn from actual charging scenarios and improve success rates dynamically, reducing the need for exhaustive advance testing while maintaining high reliability.
3Ease of operation
If a rigid authorization sequence is enforced in the charging workflow, then the system follows a predictable and controllable process, but it cannot handle cases where user intent is clear despite procedural deviations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions such as pre-authorization and intent detection before the main charging process. By detecting user intent early in the workflow and preparing authorization in advance, the system can accommodate flexible user interactions while maintaining control. This allows users to deviate from strict procedural sequences without compromising workflow reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electric vehicle charging infrastructure (100) is provided. The electric vehicle charging infrastructure includes an electric vehicle supply equipment, EVSE, (12) for charging an electric vehicle, EV, and a policy configurator (10). The EVSE (12) includes a human-machine interface, HMI (14), for interacting with a user, a payment subsystem for processing payments (16), a charging subsystem (18) for charging the EV, and a master event processor (19). The policy configurator is adapted for configuring a policy set and for sending the policy set to the master event processor. The master event processor is adapted for receiving event data from the HMI, and the payment subsystem, and in response to the received event data, controlling operation of the HMI, and of the payment subsystem according to a workflow based on the policy set. The event data include at least one non-critical anomaly event, and the workflow specifies a respective action for enabling a charging operation in response to the at least one non-critical anomaly event.