EV Charging Device Using Beacon Signals for Location Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to provide a convenient and secure charging infrastructure for electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles that prevents unauthorized use of public electricity by accurately determining the location of charging devices and ensuring authorized power usage.
Innovation Solution
A charging device and management server system that uses beacon signals to determine the location of charging devices, authorizes charging, measures power usage, and sends charging information to the server for accurate billing, while guiding users to available charging outlets and preventing unauthorized use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If charging is allowed without location verification, then charging convenience is improved, but unauthorized use of public electricity occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary location verification using beacon signals before allowing charging to occur. The charging device checks its location relative to the power source outlet in advance, and only receives authorization to charge when the location is verified as correct, preventing unauthorized use while maintaining convenience for legitimate users
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback through communication between the charging device, power source outlet, and server. The server verifies location information and provides authorization feedback, while the charging device reports charging status and power consumption back to the server for billing purposes
2Measurement precision
If location determination using beacon signals is implemented, then authorization accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The beacon signal system serves multiple functions: it provides location determination for authorization, enables communication between components, and supports server verification. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated location detection hardware, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The server acts as an intermediary that centralizes the complex verification logic. Instead of embedding complex authorization algorithms in each charging device or outlet, the server handles the sophisticated location verification and authorization decisions, simplifying the individual components while maintaining high measurement precision
3Measurement precision
If charging information is transmitted to the server, then billing accuracy is improved, but communication overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transmits charging information periodically or at key milestones (e.g., at the start of charging, during progress updates, and at completion) rather than continuously. This periodic communication approach ensures accurate billing data is captured while minimizing unnecessary communication energy consumption
Data Source
AI summary
A charging device and method for controlling the same may include a charging connector connectable to a vehicle; a power connector connectable to a power source; a communication module configured to receive beacon signals from a plurality of beacons and send beacon information included in the received beacon signals to a charging management server; and a controller configured to, upon reception of a charging authorization signal from the charging management server, charge the vehicle connected to the charging connector and control the communication module to send information related to an amount of power used for charging the vehicle to the charging management server.