Roaming Protocol for Location-Independent EV Charging Billing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle charging systems lack user-specific billing and security, allowing for potential misuse, and do not enable seamless integration for customers from other electricity suppliers to charge or feed back electricity at any station, especially in a location-independent manner.
Innovation Solution
A method for location-independent power procurement and feed-in of mobile storage and consumption units, enabling easy and secure use of any charging station with real-time billing through a roaming agreement between station and customer suppliers, utilizing communication links for identification and transaction data management, and allowing for control of energy transfer based on user authorization and network optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex anti-theft device and mechanical fuse are used in charging stations, then security against misuse is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical security devices (anti-theft devices, mechanical fuses) with an electronic control system that uses communication modules, control units, and software-based authentication. The charging process is controlled electronically through authorized commands rather than mechanical intervention, eliminating the need for complex mechanical security components while maintaining security against misuse.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control unit and communication module as intermediaries between the charging station and the user/vehicle. These intermediaries manage authentication, authorization, and charging control through software and communication protocols, replacing direct mechanical interaction and providing security without requiring complex mechanical security devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If user-based billing with card readers is implemented, then user-specific billing capability is improved, but the system cannot prevent manipulation and misuse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control unit continuously monitors charging parameters, communicates with the vehicle's on-board systems, and verifies authentication data in real-time. The system provides feedback loops for authorization verification, charging status monitoring, and anomaly detection, enabling it to detect and prevent manipulation attempts while maintaining user-specific billing capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple charging stations are operated by different operators, then location-independent charging is improved, but seamless integration and billing between different suppliers cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal communication protocol and standardized data formats that enable different charging station operators and electricity suppliers to interoperate seamlessly. The control unit and communication module are designed to handle multiple protocols and formats, allowing users to charge at any location regardless of which operator or supplier is involved, while the system automatically manages the complexity of integration through standardized interfaces.
4Loss of time
If real-time communication between charging station and billing server is implemented, then immediate billing capability is improved, but network dependency and potential communication failures increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs authentication and authorization checks in advance before the actual charging process begins. The control unit verifies user credentials, checks billing information, and establishes communication with the billing server prior to enabling power transfer. This preliminary action ensures that billing is prepared and ready, reducing the need for real-time communication during charging and minimizing network dependency during the actual power transfer.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for location-independent electricity procurement and/or location-independent electricity feed-in of a mobile storage and consumption unit at a stationary electric vehicle charging station of any station operator, wherein a plurality of electric vehicle charging stations are supplied with electricity from a station supplier via power lines of at least one electricity distribution network operator.