Universal Meter Test Device for EV Charging Submeter Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

The lack of standardized utility submeters in public electric vehicle charging stations makes it difficult to ensure accuracy and precision in billing, as different stations have varying calibration settings and configurations, necessitating a universal meter test device for real-time measurement verification.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a meter test device connected to an electric vehicle charging station and an electric vehicle, which measures energy consumption independently and compares it to the submeter's readings to ensure accuracy, using a graphic user interface for configuration and a master library file for specific station settings, and includes tests for voltage, frequency, and harmonic verification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If various different submeters with their own specifications are used in public electric vehicle charging stations, then the charging stations can be configured with different calibration settings and specifications, but it becomes very difficult to ensure the accuracy of these submeters

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfigurability of charging stationsVSAvoidaccuracy of submeters

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal meter test device that can interface with and test multiple different submeter types and specifications through standardized communication protocols. The system maintains a master library file containing configuration data for various charging station types, allowing a single test device to adapt to diverse submeter implementations while ensuring consistent accuracy verification across all configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If there are no standardized or uniform public electric vehicle charging stations, then each station can have unique specifications, but it makes it very difficult to ensure the accuracy of submeters

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevariety of charging station specificationsVSAvoidaccuracy verification

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts test parameters and communication protocols based on the specific charging station type being tested. By storing configuration parameters in a master library file and automatically selecting appropriate test settings for each station type, the system maintains reliable accuracy verification across diverse specifications without requiring manual reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If a single universal meter test device is used to test various submeters, then the device must be able to capture measurements from different submeter types, but this increases the complexity of the test device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different submetersVSAvoidcomplexity of meter test device

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a master library file as an intermediary layer between the universal test device and various submeter types. This library contains pre-configured communication protocols, measurement parameters, and calibration data for different submeter specifications. The test device queries and retrieves appropriate configuration data from the library based on the target submeter type, eliminating the need for complex hard-coded logic in the device itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Measurement precision

If real-time measurement verification is implemented, then accurate billing can be ensured, but this requires continuous monitoring and comparison of measurements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of billing measurementsVSAvoidtime for measurement verification

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs continuous real-time measurement verification by continuously capturing measurements from both the submeter and the universal test device, comparing them in real-time, and immediately identifying discrepancies. This continuous monitoring ensures accurate billing measurements without requiring periodic interruptions for manual verification, as the comparison process occurs continuously during normal charging operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS11054495B2Systems and methods for verifying sub metering accuracy for electric vehicle charging stations

Publication Date: 2021.07.06 SAN DIEGO GAS & ELECTRIC CO

AI summary

Some embodiments disclosed herein include systems and method for verifying meter accuracy. The system may include an electric vehicle charging station that includes a submeter that measures an amount of energy discharged from the electric vehicle charging station and to a connected electric vehicle. A meter test device may also be connected to the electric vehicle charging station to determine the accuracy of the submeter in local time.