EV Charging via Standard Socket with Location-Based Meter Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for charging electric vehicle accumulators from the power supply network are complex and costly, requiring specialized infrastructure for billing and identification, which is inefficient and prone to misuse.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a conventional low-voltage socket with a meter identifier and vehicle location data transmitted to a central computer for initiating charging, allowing billing and energy allocation without the need for specialized charging stations, using a cellular or GSM connection for secure and efficient energy metering and billing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If specialized charging stations with identification and billing devices are used, then reliable billing and identification are achieved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebilling reliabilityVSAvoidcharging infrastructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by using standard low-voltage sockets that already exist in every household for their original purpose, rather than creating specialized charging infrastructure. The socket serves its conventional function while also enabling EV charging through the use of existing electricity meters for measurement and billing, eliminating the need for dedicated charging station hardware.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies self-service by utilizing the electricity meter that is already present at each location to automatically measure and bill for the energy consumed by the EV charger. The meter identifier is transmitted to the central computer, which automatically associates the energy consumption with the correct customer account, eliminating the need for manual intervention or specialized billing devices at charging locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If conventional low-voltage sockets are used for charging, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but reliability of billing and energy measurement may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging infrastructure complexityVSAvoidbilling reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a central computer as an intermediary that receives the meter identifier from the charging location, compares it with stored meter locations, and determines whether charging should be permitted. This intermediary system ensures that even though standard sockets are used, the billing reliability is maintained through automated verification and association of energy consumption with the correct customer account.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by having the central computer continuously monitor the meter identifier transmitted during charging sessions, compare it with the stored meter location data, and provide control signals back to the charging device to enable or disable charging based on whether the meter location matches the authorized location. This feedback loop ensures billing reliability without requiring specialized hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If meter identifier and location data are transmitted to central computer, then misuse is prevented through location-based verification, but loss of time occurs during data transmission and verification

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemisuse preventionVSAvoidcharging initiation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing the meter location data in the central computer before charging sessions begin. When a charging session is initiated, the system only needs to transmit and compare the meter identifier against the pre-stored location data, rather than performing complex verification calculations in real-time. This reduces the time penalty associated with verification while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of operation

If standard sockets are used instead of specialized charging stations, then ease of operation and accessibility are improved, but power delivery capability and charging speed are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging accessibilityVSAvoidcharging power
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by allowing the charging system to adapt to the available power infrastructure at each location. Rather than requiring all charging stations to provide high power, the system dynamically accepts charging at whatever power level the standard socket and existing electrical infrastructure can support, making charging accessible wherever standard electrical outlets are available while still enabling effective battery charging over appropriate time periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables simple, cost-effective, and reliable charging of electric vehicle accumulators using standard sockets, reducing maintenance costs and allowing flexible billing and energy management, while preventing misuse through secure location-based metering.

Implementation Method 1

the electrical energy that is supplied from the power supply network via the socket is measured using an electricity meter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical energy measurement: Ohmmeter

Implementation Method 2

an accumulator installed in an electric motor vehicle for storing electrical energy for the operation of an electric drive motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical energy storage: Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentEP2755847B8Method for charging an accumulator incorporated in an electrical motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2019.07.17 VITESCO TECHNOLOGIES GMBH

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for charging an accumulator incorporated in an electrical motor vehicle (1) for storing electrical energy for the operation of an electrical drive motor of the electrical motor vehicle with electrical energy to be taken from an energy supply network. To enable both an uncomplicated charging and also a reliable tallying of the energy quantity removed, an above-mentioned method is proposed, wherein the accumulator is connected to a power outlet (2) which is designed as a low voltage power outlet and which is connected to a power supply network, wherein a counter identifier of a stationary electric meter which measures the electrical energy supplied by the energy supply network via the power outlet is transmitted to a central computer (4), wherein the vehicle location of the electrical motor vehicle is transmitted to the central computer, wherein the central computer compares a counter location associated with the electrical meter with the transmitted vehicle location of the electrical motor vehicle, and wherein, in case of agreement between the counter location and the transmitted vehicle location, a charging signal which initiates the charging of the accumulator is sent from the central computer to the charging device (11) of the electrical motor vehicle which controls the charging to the accumulator.