EV Cross-Connect Cable for Charger Authentication and Energy Metering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicle (EV) users face challenges with public charging due to vendor-specific payment systems, different connector types, inaccurate energy monitoring, and lack of real-time charging status updates, making it inconvenient and difficult to verify energy transactions.
Innovation Solution
A cross-connect cable with built-in charging authorization, current and voltage monitoring, and a controller that initiates charging sessions, calculates energy delivered, and provides authentication using RFID or NFC, allowing compatibility with various charging interfaces and enabling remote monitoring of charging sessions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different public EV chargers utilize different types of charging connectors and authentication mechanisms, then each charger can be optimized for specific vendor requirements, but EV users face incompatibility issues and must subscribe to multiple charging services
Solution Approach 1:
The cross-connect cable acts as an intermediary device between the EV charger and the vehicle. It includes a controller that can authenticate with different charger vendors and translate between different communication protocols, allowing a single EV to access multiple charging networks without needing multiple dedicated cables or subscriptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The cross-connect cable is designed with universal functionality to work with multiple charger types. It incorporates multiple authentication methods (RFID, NFC, contactless card reading) and can adapt to different connector standards, making it a multi-functional solution that replaces the need for vendor-specific charging systems.
2Measurement precision
If each EV charging vendor utilizes its own method for calculating and monitoring energy delivered, then vendors can implement their own billing systems, but users cannot verify the accuracy of energy transactions
Solution Approach 1:
The cross-connect cable includes sensors that continuously monitor voltage and current during charging, and a controller that calculates energy delivery independently. This creates a feedback mechanism where the user receives real-time information about the actual energy being delivered to the vehicle, allowing verification of the transaction accuracy against the charger's billing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The cross-connect cable serves as an intermediary measurement device between the charger and the vehicle. It independently measures the actual energy transfer and provides this information to the user, enabling verification of the charger's billing calculations without requiring trust in the vendor's measurement system.
3Ease of operation
If users must remain at the EV charger during the charging process to monitor status and handle authentication, then real-time control is possible, but this is impractical for charging times ranging from minutes to hours
Solution Approach 1:
The cross-connect cable incorporates authentication capabilities including RFID readers, NFC communication, and contactless card reading. The system can automatically authenticate with the charger and initiate charging without requiring continuous user presence or manual intervention, allowing users to start charging and leave the vehicle unattended.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual authentication and monitoring operations with automated electronic systems. RFID and NFC technologies enable contactless authentication, while the controller automatically manages the charging session, eliminating the need for physical interaction with the charger throughout the charging process.
4Reliability
If traditional charging systems require manual authentication through websites, applications, or credit card swiping, then vendors can control access and billing, but users may lack necessary devices or face authentication failures
Solution Approach 1:
The cross-connect cable replaces manual authentication methods (website logins, app-based authentication, credit card swiping) with contactless RFID and NFC technologies. Users can authenticate by simply bringing an RFID tag or contactless card near the cable, eliminating the need for smartphones, internet connectivity, or complex authentication procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication system is designed to be self-service oriented, where the user's RFID tag or contactless card automatically communicates with the cross-connect cable's reader. The system handles the authentication process autonomously without requiring user intervention beyond presenting the authentication credential.
Data Source
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AI summary
In one aspect, a cross-connect cable for charging an electric vehicle (EV) is provided. The cross-connect cable comprises wiring, first and second charging plugs, a sensor, and a controller. The wiring comprises power conductors and communication lines. The first and second charging plugs are electrically coupled to opposite ends of the wiring. The sensor is configured to measure a voltage of, and a current carried by, the power conductors. The controller is configured to determine whether the first and second charging plugs have been electrically connected to first charging port of a power source and a second charging port of the EV, respectively. The controller is further configured to initiate a charging session from the power source to the EV, and calculate, based the voltage and the current, energy delivered from the power source to the EV for the charging session.