In-Cable Control Box Billing via Power Line Communication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric vehicle charging systems require separate communication networks for billing, increasing user communication costs and complicating the payment process, necessitating additional security measures and standard payment devices.
Innovation Solution
An in-cable control box (ICCB) with a Wi-Fi module integrated into the electric vehicle charging cable, utilizing power line communication and wireless fidelity protocols to establish connections with the electric vehicle communication controller and supply equipment communication controller, enabling standardized conductive charging while reducing communication costs and eliminating the need for additional security technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate communication network is used for billing in conventional EV charging systems, then billing functionality is achieved, but user communication costs increase and payment process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the billing communication function with the existing power line communication infrastructure. The ICCB uses the same communication network that transmits power control signals to also transmit billing information, eliminating the need for a separate communication network and reducing both cost and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The communication module in the ICCB is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls power delivery to the EV and simultaneously handles billing communications. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for dedicated billing communication hardware and networks, simplifying the overall system
2Reliability
If additional security technologies and standard payment devices are applied, then payment security is improved, but equipment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ICCB performs billing and payment processing autonomously using its communication module. The system automatically exchanges billing information with the server, processes payments, and manages security credentials without requiring external payment devices or additional security hardware, thereby reducing equipment costs while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
The ICCB acts as an intermediary between the power supply system and the billing server. It consolidates multiple functions (power control, communication, billing, security) into a single device that interfaces with both the EV and the remote server, eliminating the need for separate security devices and payment terminals
Data Source
AI summary
An in-cable control box (ICCB) mounted on an electric vehicle (EV) charging cable, which performs conductive charging for an EV as connected to a power outlet and an inlet of the EV, includes at least one processor, a first communication module, a second communication module, and a memory storing instructions executed by the at least one processor. Also, the instructions are configured to cause the first communication module to collect information on an EV by communicating with an electric vehicle communication controller (EVCC) of the EV; and cause the second communication module to transmit the information on the EV to a supply equipment communication controller (SECC). As such, it is possible to charge the EV in an economical manner as compared to a standard defining conductive charging process.