EV Charging Billing via Short-Range Wireless Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric vehicle (EV) charging systems incur high communication costs and equipment expenses due to the need for separate communication networks and security technologies for billing, complicating the charging process.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a billing system using a relatively inexpensive short-range wireless communication module, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, for EV charging, allowing remote charging control through a user terminal and enabling the use of standard wireless charging protocols, which facilitates EV charging and billing using a wall outlet or public facility, integrating with a telematics system for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate communication network is used for billing in conventional EV charging systems, then billing functionality is achieved, but communication costs and equipment expenses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the billing communication function with the existing charging control communication channel. The charging control server handles both charging control signals and billing information through the same communication network, eliminating the need for a separate billing communication network and reducing communication costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging control server is designed to perform multiple functions including charging control, billing management, and communication with various charging devices. This multi-functional approach allows the same communication infrastructure to support both operational control and commercial transactions.
2Reliability
If standard payment devices and security technologies are applied for EV charging billing, then payment security is improved, but equipment cost and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The charging control server acts as an intermediary that handles secure authentication and payment processing. It manages user credentials, verifies payment information, and coordinates with payment gateways, thereby providing security without requiring complex security devices at the charging point itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the charging control server continuously monitors charging status, user authentication, and payment verification. This feedback loop ensures secure transactions while maintaining a streamlined process through automated verification and confirmation.
3Ease of operation
If remote charging control is implemented through user terminal, then user convenience is enhanced, but communication infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables users to autonomously control charging operations through a user terminal application. Users can initiate charging, monitor status, receive notifications, and manage payments independently through the interface, eliminating the need for manual intervention at the charging point and reducing infrastructure complexity.
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
This solution reduces communication costs, enhances user convenience, and allows for cost-effective implementation of EV charging and billing, enabling efficient charging management through a unified billing system that supports both wireless and conductive charging methods.
Implementation Method 1
a short-range wireless communication module configured to transmit the charging information to the EV
Implementation Method 2
the EV may move to a ground assembly (GA) located in a charging station or a charging spot capable of EV charging. When charging the EV, a vehicle assembly (VA) (i.e., a reception pad in the VA) mounted on the EV makes an inductive resonance coupling with a transmission pad of the GA located in the charging station or the charging spot, and charges the battery in the EV using power transferred from the GA through the inductive resonance coupling.
Data Source
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AI summary
An EV charging control apparatus may include a controller receiving a charging approval message for an EV from a charging management server, starting a charging to the EV in response to the charging approval message, measuring and accumulating an amount of energy charged to the EV, recognizing a charging termination operation from a user of the EV or the EV, and deriving charging information based on the amount of energy charged in response to the charging termination operation, and a short-range wireless communication module establishing a connection with a short-range wireless communication module mounted on the EV, and transmitting the charging information to the EV.