EV Charging Control via Mobile-Cloud Payment and Station Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited infrastructure for electric vehicle charging stations hinders the widespread adoption of electric vehicles due to inconvenience and cost, as existing charging systems are not sufficiently widespread, especially for cross-country travel and home charging, and lack efficient management and payment systems.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a cloud server connected to electric vehicle charging stations via a network link, facilitated by a mobile device, enabling secure communication for charge management, payment validation, and energy optimization, allowing for remote monitoring and control of charging processes, including geolocation-based station availability and smart charging algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If charging stations are limited to niche areas, then infrastructure cost is reduced, but accessibility and convenience for users deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the charging infrastructure into multiple distributed charging stations across different geographic locations, including both urban and rural areas. This allows the system to provide widespread accessibility without requiring a single centralized facility, thereby maintaining cost efficiency while improving user access to charging services
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a remote communication system that acts as an intermediary between users and charging stations. This mediator enables users to locate, reserve, and manage charging sessions at distant stations through mobile devices, effectively extending accessibility without requiring physical proximity to charging infrastructure
2Quantity of substance
If charging time is extended to minutes or hours, then battery capacity is improved, but user convenience and time efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a reservation system that allows users to book charging sessions in advance. Users can schedule charging during off-peak hours or times when the station is available, enabling them to plan their activities around charging needs rather than waiting indefinitely. This preliminary planning reduces the effective time loss by eliminating uncertainty and waiting time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a communication system that provides real-time feedback to users about charging station availability, current charging status, and estimated completion times. This feedback loop allows users to monitor their charging progress and adjust their plans accordingly, reducing the perceived time loss and improving overall convenience
3Adaptability or versatility
If charging stations are deployed in scarcely-populated areas, then cross-country travel capability is improved, but infrastructure cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs charging stations with universal functionality that can serve multiple purposes: providing electric vehicle charging, offering real-time status information, enabling remote reservations, and facilitating payment transactions. This multi-functionality allows a single infrastructure element to address various user needs across different geographic contexts, reducing the number of specialized components required and simplifying overall infrastructure deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a centralized communication server as an intermediary that coordinates charging requests across the entire network of stations. This mediator handles the complexity of managing distributed infrastructure by processing reservations, monitoring station status, and routing users to appropriate locations, thereby reducing the operational complexity at each individual station while enabling cross-country travel support
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed for controlling a charge transfer of an electric vehicle using an electric vehicle charging station, a mobile device, and a cloud server. The method includes receiving, at a mobile device, a message for an electric vehicle of a user from the electric vehicle charging station, wherein a user of the mobile device is associated with the electric vehicle to be charged. The method also includes receiving the charging control signal from the cloud server via the mobile device at the electric vehicle charging station in response to authorizing a charging control signal using identification information and credit account information received from the mobile device, wherein the charging control signal is configured to adjust a parameter used to draw electric power from the electric vehicle charging station.