EV Charging Session Reservation Across Interoperable EVSE Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current electric vehicle charging systems face issues with low interoperability between different charging networks, leading to inefficient use of infrastructure, unpredictable availability, and long wait times due to a first-come-first-served model, which affects user experience and utilization of Electric Vehicle Service Equipment (EVSEs.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for scheduling reserved and ad-hoc charging sessions, integrating with EVSEs via protocols like OCPP, enabling seamless communication and load management, and providing user interfaces for efficient reservation and authentication, thereby improving interoperability and utilization of EVSEs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a first-come-first-served model is used for charging sessions, then the system is simple to operate, but EVSE utilization is low and wait times are long

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEVSE utilizationVSAvoidcharging session management
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows users to reserve charging sessions in advance by selecting desired time slots and EVSEs. The reservation is confirmed before the user arrives at the charging location, ensuring the EVSE is available when needed. This preliminary scheduling action eliminates wait times and optimizes EVSE utilization without requiring complex real-time management at the charging site.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple charging networks operate independently, then each network can manage its own infrastructure, but interoperability is poor and infrastructure efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveinteroperabilityVSAvoidnetwork integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides a universal reservation platform that works across multiple charging networks and EVSE types. Users can reserve charging sessions at any participating EVSE regardless of which network operates it, through a single unified interface. This multi-functional approach enables seamless interoperability while maintaining individual network independence, as each network continues to manage its own infrastructure through standardized communication protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If charging sessions are not reserved in advance, then the system is easy to use, but charging availability is unpredictable and user experience is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging availabilityVSAvoidreservation process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Users can select their desired charging time slots and EVSEs in advance through the reservation system. The system confirms availability and provides a reservation code before the user arrives. This preliminary action guarantees charging availability at the scheduled time, eliminating unpredictability while keeping the process simple through automated confirmation and a straightforward check-in procedure at the EVSE.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250001893A1Methods and systems for facilitating charging sessions for electric vehicles
Publication Date: 2025.01.02 AMPUP INC
  • US20250001893A1 patent drawing
  • US20250001893A1 patent drawing
  • US20250001893A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments of a method and/or system for charging one or more electric vehicles can include: receiving a request (e.g., a request including one or more parameters; etc.); determining a check in at an Electric Vehicle Service Equipment (EVSE) for the charging session; and/or causing the EVSE to charge the electric vehicle based on a power distribution type for the charging session.