Centralized EV Charging Authorization via Power Line Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for charging electric vehicles lack efficient authorization control, leading to high installation and hardware expenditures, especially in mobile applications where securing electric coupler sockets against unauthorized access is impractical.
Innovation Solution
A central control unit manages multiple charging coupler sockets via a power line communication system, allowing for individual authorization control by modulating alternating current signals, enabling secure and efficient authorization verification and denial of unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual switching modules with self-contained access control are provided for each electric coupler socket, then authorization control is achieved, but hardware expenditure and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the authorization control function into a central control unit that manages multiple electric coupler sockets through a single location (e.g., cutout box). This eliminates the need for individual switching modules at each socket, reducing hardware complexity while maintaining authorization control through centralized management of multiple outlets.
Solution Approach 2:
The central control unit serves multiple electric coupler sockets simultaneously, providing universal authorization control across the entire network. A single control unit with multi-outlet switching capability replaces numerous individual modules, achieving the same security function with reduced hardware expenditure.
2Reliability
If electric coupler sockets are placed in lockable chambers for access control, then unauthorized access is prevented, but practicality is reduced in mobile applications and construction difficulties arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical lockable chambers with an electrical switching system controlled by a central authorization unit. Instead of physically securing each socket, the system uses electrical switching to enable or disable power delivery to individual outlets based on authorization status, eliminating mechanical barriers while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The authorization control function is extracted from the physical socket structure (lockable chamber) and relocated to a separate central control unit. This separation allows sockets to remain accessible and mobile-friendly while the control logic resides elsewhere, eliminating the need for inconvenient physical security measures at each outlet.
3Ease of manufacture
If a central control unit manages multiple charging coupler sockets via power line communication, then installation expenditure is reduced and existing networks can be converted simply, but data transmission reliability may be affected by power line interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the existing power line infrastructure to serve dual purposes: delivering electrical power to charging sockets and transmitting authorization control data. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate communication wiring, significantly reducing installation expenditure while converting existing power networks into intelligent charging networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs modulation techniques where authorization data are superimposed on the power line signal as intermediate carriers. By modulating the power line at higher frequencies and using frequency separation, the system enables reliable data transmission through the power infrastructure without interfering with the primary power delivery function.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution simplifies the conversion of existing charging networks, reduces hardware costs, and ensures secure authorization control by de-energizing unauthorized vehicles, thereby preventing unauthorized charging operations.
Implementation Method 1
data are transmitted via the already-existing, electric coupler socket network. Such transmission is used, for example, in carrier frequency systems, which are also referred to as powerline systems, and in which already-existing lines provided for supplying power are also used for data transmission. The data transmission is provided by modulating an alternating current signal upon the voltage in the power cable
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a control unit for controlling the authorization of charging operations of electrically operated vehicles. A control unit is provided between a main terminal and a plurality of electric coupler sockets, which are connected to the control unit via a power line. A vehicle to be charged is connected to one of the electric coupler sockets, and the total charging current, which is conducted from the main terminal to the electric coupler sockets via the control unit, is measured. Charging-current requests are transmitted to the control unit by each of the vehicles connected to the electric coupler sockets, and the total charging current is compared to the sum of the charging currents reported by the vehicles connected to the charging outlets. The charging outlets are switched off if the total charging current exceeds the sum. The connecting of a vehicle to be charged includes transmitting authorization information from the vehicle to the control unit. The authorization information is compared to a list of authorized vehicles by the control unit, in order to check the authorization of the vehicle. The transmitting of charging-current requests and authorization information is provided by modulating an alternating current signal upon the power line, the alternating current signal representing the authorization request or the charging-current request.