DE102021131515A1 - Procedure, means of transport, server and charging station for authorizing a charging process - Google Patents

Abstract

A means of transportation, a server, a charging station and a method for authorizing a charging process at a charging station (1) for charging an electrically drivable means of transportation (10) are proposed. The method comprises the steps: associating the means of transportation (10) with the charging station (1), receiving an identification of the charging station (1) in the means of transportation (10), connecting the means of transportation (10) to a first server (2) to obtain a predefined reference from the first server (2), checking the identification using the predefined reference, and depending on the result of the checking, authorizing the loading process.

Description

The present invention relates to a means of transportation, a server, a method and a charging station for authorizing a charging process at a charging station for charging an electrically drivable means of transportation. In particular, the present invention relates to safeguarding a charging process against the dangers of incompatible components or components that are unsuitable for one another.

The electrification of individual passenger transport is currently progressing rapidly. The charging interfaces for battery-electric vehicles are also becoming increasingly intelligent and networked, and the available functions and operating modes are increasing.

The ISO 15118 is a protocol for bidirectional and inductive charging, which makes the charging or the charging experience comfortable.

Proceeding from the prior art mentioned above, it is an object of the present invention to make charging more convenient, more intelligent (smart charging), bidirectional and of better quality and safer.

The aforementioned object is achieved according to the invention by a method for authorizing a charging process at a charging station for charging an electrically drivable means of transportation. The means of transportation can be designed, for example, as a car, van, motorcycle, truck, aircraft and/or water vehicle. The charging process is in particular one that enriches the traction energy store of the means of transport with energy. In a first step, the means of transport is usually associated with the charging station, either by inserting a charging cable into the means of transport (or vice versa) or by reserving or selecting at least one charging station (e.g. via the Internet or short-distance radio communication). In the case of a cable connection, the communication can also be wired. In a second step, an identification (e.g. a certificate for identification or comprising a type number) of the charging station is received in the means of transport. In other words, the assigned charging station receives an identification in the form of a data record, a file, or the like, on the basis of which, for example, the means of transportation can identify the charging station in terms of data. For example, a serial number or a file representing a certified suitability of the charging station for charging the means of transportation can be included. The means of transportation is then connected by information technology to a first server in order to receive a predefined reference from the first server. This step can also be carried out before the means of transportation is associated with the charging station or before the identification of the charging station is received. In other words, the means of transportation is event-controlled or schedule-controlled and receives a predefined reference, which can be used to check the identification. In the fourth step, the identification is checked using the predefined reference or a part thereof. Here, the identity of the charging station or an operator of the charging station can be checked and thus the compatibility of the hardware, the software, electrical parameters and other circumstances can be ensured. Depending on the result of the check, a charging process is thus authorized or even one of a number of predefined charging modes for the means of transportation is selected. The charging modes can be written down in the ISO-15118 or ISO-15118-20 standard, for example, and in particular can define the control sovereignty of the individual steps. In particular, it can also be determined whether the means of transport determines the electrical parameters of the charging process over time or whether this is done by the charging station (or another entity, in particular a server of the charging station operator and/or an OEM). In any case, the authorization is followed by a charging process, through which electrical energy is transmitted to the means of transport by cable or inductively.

The dependent claims show preferred developments of the invention.

The present invention can preferably be used to charge services such as "convenient charging" (plug-and-charge), "intelligent charging" (smart charging) and "bidirectional charging" (use of storage in the energy network) of existing energy in the traction energy storage device and then returning the electrical Energy to the power grid, unlocked and managed. For example, a digital control, which can represent standard or special equipment of the means of transport, can be implemented wirelessly or wired, for example. In particular, basic charging can always be possible regardless of the identification, while a "smart charging" charging mode represents an optional hardware/software package. Particularly in the case of bidirectional charging with energy recovery, it can be ensured that the vehicle with convenience functions or additional services is only charged or discharged at charging stations that are contractually approved for the service.

Associating the means of transport with the charging station can, for example, be an informa technical selection of the charging station using a user interface (human machine interface (HMI) in the means of transport or smart wearable, smartphone, or similar, using an APP). Alternatively or additionally, the means of transportation can be connected to the charging station via a line, which includes, for example, one or more phases for the transmission of the traction energy and other lines, in particular a pilot line and information technology lines such as Ethernet. This means that there can be a bundled and safe association between the means of transport and the charging station that is convenient for the user.

In particular, the identification of the charging station can be received via a line and/or a short-distance radio link and/or an Internet connection. The short-range radio link can use Bluetooth, Bluetooth-LE (low energy), WLAN, or the like, for example. The Internet connection can be mediated via a terrestrial mobile network and/or wired.

The identification can be, for example, a release date of the identification and alternatively or additionally a provider of the charging station and/or a manufacturing date of the charging station or a date of the most recent maintenance of the charging station and/or electrical parameters of the charging station, in particular depending on the charging modes offered, and alternatively or additionally available charging modes of the charging station. On the basis of the above information, the means of transport or another entity (e.g. connected to the Internet) can decide whether the charging station is sufficiently suitable for use with the means of transport, making the charging process comfortable and safe and reducing the quality of the traction energy storage device in particular when using the charging station are not to be feared. The method according to the invention preferably also includes transmitting an identification of the means of transportation to a second server (also: IT system). The identification of the means of transport can also be expanded to include an identification of the charging station. In response to the receipt of the identification of the vehicle in the second server, a release request can be sent by the second server to the first (above) server. The second server can, for example, be under the authority of a vehicle fleet operator, an operator of charging infrastructure, a user, etc., and can be operated both externally and on the charging station itself. Thus, the fleet operator or the second server can only release the initialization of the charging process after checking a suitable compatibility between the means of transport and the charging station. The first server then checks, for example, the further requirements and generates a release or transmits the release to the means of transport. It can thus be avoided that information that is not up-to-date within the means of transport or within the charging station leads to problems which can result from unsuitable combinations of means of transport and charging station.

The second server can be a server provided by the operator of the charging station, for example. This can receive a message that the means of transportation is set up to be charged at the charging station using a predefined charging mode. The second server can receive the message from the first server, from the means of transport or from the charging station. The charging mode predefined at an earlier point in time is now used at the charging station to charge the means of transport. It can thus be avoided that predefined charging modes are used, which are to be regarded as suitable in consideration of the assessment of all information on the association (means of transport and charging station).

However, circumstances can also arise and be determined in the means of transport that make the use of one or the other charging point or one or the other charging mode appear more or less suitable than other options. Therefore, a file, which is stored in the means of transportation, for example, can first be determined, representing a usage history of a traction energy store, which provides information, for example, about a cyclization or a remaining charging capacity or a possible charging stroke. Alternatively or additionally, a charging history of the traction energy store can be consulted, in which charging processes categorized as suitable or charging processes categorized as unsuitable can be found and used to assess the existing association. In addition, a usage history of the means of transport can also be represented in the file, which indicates contractual use or misuse or non-contractual use of the means of transport. The authorization or prevention of the intended loading process can now also take place depending on the previously mentioned information or the file. This can be done, for example, by the means of transportation itself, but preferably also by sending the file to the first or second server or to the charging station and examining the file there. In other words, the means of transportation, the first server, the second server or the charging station can be included in the file Use tene data to authorize or prevent the release of the charging process or a specific charging mode.

Depending on the result of checking the identification using the predefined reference, it can be decided in particular whether scheduled charging is preferred or whether so-called dynamic charging according to ISO-15118 should be allowed. This can be done in particular to authorize the loading process. Alternatively, however, circumstances can also be brought to light during a charging process that has already been initiated by the above-mentioned information and processes, which make it advisable to change a charging mode that has been selected and used for charging and cause it to be changed.

In particular, depending on the result of the check, a decision can be made as to whether discharging of a traction energy store by means of the charging station should be allowed in the meantime. This process can be done before or after authorizing the charging process. Due to the (temporary or interim) discharge of the traction energy store, demand peaks in the energy supply network can be buffered, for which the traction energy store or the means of transport or its owner can be automatically reimbursed. For example, a state of charge of the traction energy store can be increased by a specific energy lift to an even higher energy level than before the discharge process if discharge has been carried out in the meantime successfully and in accordance with the contract. Clearly expressed, the lending of energy generates a claim to “interest”, which increases the range of the means of transport compared to the initial status.

The method according to the invention can further include the step of receiving a message from the first server by the means of transportation or by the charging station. Depending on the content of the message, a change is then made from a first loading mode to a second loading mode (for example corresponding to the loading modes mentioned above). The means of transport can, for example, receive the message from a calendar app maintained in the first server or connected to it, according to which an earlier or later departure or a changed mobility requirement (range or similar) is communicated to the means of transport. Of course, this can presuppose that a charging mode for satisfying the need is also determined beforehand or subsequently as being suitable for the association.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a means of locomotion is proposed, as has already been disclosed in detail above in connection with the method according to the invention. The means of transport has an on-board network or hardware and software in order to implement the above-mentioned features and functionalities. The features, combinations of features and advantages therefore correspond to those which have been explained in detail in connection with the above-mentioned method, so that reference is made to the above explanations to avoid repetition.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a server is proposed which is set up to be used as a first server or as a second server in a method according to the first-mentioned aspect of the invention. In other words, the server is maintained, for example, by an OEM of a vehicle manufacturer of the means of transport and/or by a charging infrastructure operator who operates the charging station and can thus implement the above-mentioned steps of the respective server.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a charging station is proposed which is set up to participate as a charging station in a method according to the invention, as has been described in detail above. The charging station therefore also implements the features, feature combinations and the advantages resulting from them in such a way that is evident in a corresponding manner that reference is made to the above explanations to avoid repetition.

• 1 ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Ladevorgangs eines erfindungsgemäß ausgestalteten Fortbewegungsmittels mit einer erfindungsgemäß ausgestalteten Ladesäule sowie einem erfindungsgemäß ausgestalteten Server;
• 2 ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Ladevorgangs eines erfindungsgemäß ausgestalteten Fortbewegungsmittels mit einer erfindungsgemäß ausgestalteten Ladesäule sowie einem erfindungsgemäß ausgestalteten Server;
• 3 ein drittes Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Ladevorgangs eines erfindungsgemäß ausgestalteten Fortbewegungsmittels mit einer erfindungsgemäß ausgestalteten Ladesäule sowie einem erfindungsgemäß ausgestalteten Server; und
• 4 ein Flussdiagramm veranschaulichend Schritte eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens zum Autorisieren eines Ladevorgangs an einer Ladesäule zum Laden eines elektrisch antreibbaren Fortbewegungsmittels.

Further details, features and advantages of the invention result from the following description and the figures. Show it:

• 1 a first exemplary embodiment of a charging process according to the invention of a means of transport designed according to the invention with a charging station designed according to the invention and a server designed according to the invention;
• 2 a second exemplary embodiment of a charging process according to the invention of a means of transportation designed according to the invention with a charging station designed according to the invention and a server designed according to the invention;
• 3 a third exemplary embodiment of a charging process according to the invention of a means of transportation designed according to the invention with a charging station designed according to the invention and a server designed according to the invention; and
• 4 a flowchart illustrating steps of an embodiment of a method according to the invention for authorizing a charging process at a charging station for charging an electrically drivable means of transportation.

• - Das elektrische Fortbewegungsmittel 10 ist berechtigt, den durch die Ladesäule 1 bereitgehaltenen höherwertigen Lademodus zu verwenden. Dies kann in einer Datei im Fortbewegungsmittel 10 hinterlegt sein.
• - Der gesamte bzw. monatlich verfügbare Energiedurchsatz ist noch nicht höher als ein vordefinierter Schwellenwert.
• - Der gesamte / monatliche zusätzliche Abnutzungsgrad hat einen vordefinierten Schwellenwert noch nicht erreicht.
• - Es ist keine zeitbasierte Nutzungsbeschränkung bezüglich des besonderen Ausrüstungsumfangs hinterlegt. Ein solcher kann beispielsweise zu einem früheren Zeitpunkt durch den ersten Server 2 kommuniziert worden sein.
• - Die Kompatibilität zwischen dem Fortbewegungsmittel 10 und der Ladesäule 1 ist gegeben.
• - Basierend auf per Geo-Fencing ermittelten Informationen ist einer Verwendung der Ladesäule 1 bzw. eines privilegierten Lademodus keine Grenze gesetzt.
• - Das Fortbewegungsmittel 10 ist zur Nutzung des privilegierten Lademodus mit der Ladesäule 1 berechtigt und keine authentifizierte Identität (Zertifikat) zur Sicherstellung der Kompatibilität der verwendeten Hardware fehlt bzw. ein Zertifikat der Ladesäule 1 zur Sicherstellung der ordnungsgemäßen Kommunikation oder eine Identität innerhalb einer entsprechenden Zertifikatskette sind gegeben.
• - Basierend auf einer initialen plug-and-charge-Ladevorgangsinitialisierung wird festgestellt, dass das Fortbewegungsmittel 10 zur Verwendung des privilegierten Lademodus unter einer bestimmten Vorgabe eines Fuhrparkbetreibers gegeben ist oder eine Identität innerhalb der korrespondierenden Zertifikatkette ist vorhanden.

1 shows a schematic representation of a car as a means of locomotion 10, which is to be supplied with electrical energy via a charging cable 3 of a charging station 1. For this purpose, the means of transportation 10 and the charging station 1 can communicate with one another by cable or via a radio link 15 . In the means of transport 10 there is also an HV memory 5, a charger (on board charger) 7 and a control unit in the manner of an electronic control unit 8. The electronic control unit 8 is connected to a central information screen 4a and a smartphone 4b of the user as user interfaces in terms of information technology . The control unit can also read out and communicate data present in the means of transportation 10, which relate, for example, to the usage history of the high-voltage battery 5 or the charging processes and journey history. A first server 2 of a vehicle operator/fleet operator and a second server 6 of a charging station operator are illustrated by cloud symbols. The means of transportation 10 can communicate with the servers 2 , 6 via an antenna 16 . In the 1 The arrangement shown now has the following functionality: In step S1, the charging cable 3 is plugged into the charging socket 17 of the means of transportation 10. In this case, the means of transportation 10 and the charging station 1 set up charging communication in accordance with ISO 15118-20. In step S2 the release condition is checked, with which a certificate received from the charging station 1 is checked as an identification of the charging station using a reference stored in the means of transportation 10 . In this way, the compatibility between the charging station 1 and the means of transportation 10 is ensured. In step S3, a charging mode offered by the charging station is selected. This is done in view of and taking into account a file stored in the means of transportation, in which the usage history of the high-voltage storage device 5 and the usage behavior/trip history of the means of transportation 10 are stored. It is selected here whether it is a time-based charging mode (scheduled charging) or a dynamic charging mode (dynamic charging). Dynamic charging is usually referred to as the higher-quality method, which, however, requires a corresponding compatibility between the charging station 1 and the means of transport 10 . In step S4, the selected charging mode is used for charging the means of transportation. If, however, the charging service was only released after a predefined period of time had elapsed, the means of transportation prompted a request to use a higher-value charging mode at the next opportunity. The charging station 1 offers the dynamic charging mode, if such is released for the vehicle or its user. Such a release can be obtained from server 2, for example. The suitable charging mode can be negotiated, for example, locally in the means of transportation 10 and/or in the charging station 1 . For this purpose, the following preconditions can be checked successfully:

• - The electric means of transport 10 is authorized to use the higher-value charging mode provided by the charging station 1. This can be stored in a file in the means of transportation 10 .
• - The total or monthly available energy throughput is not yet higher than a predefined threshold.
• - The total / monthly additional wear level has not yet reached a predefined threshold.
• - There is no time-based usage restriction regarding the special scope of equipment. Such a communication can, for example, have been communicated by the first server 2 at an earlier point in time.
• - The compatibility between the means of transport 10 and the charging station 1 is given.
• - Based on information determined by geo-fencing, there are no limits to the use of charging station 1 or a privileged charging mode.
• - The means of transport 10 is authorized to use the privileged charging mode with the charging station 1 and there is no authenticated identity (certificate) to ensure the compatibility of the hardware used or a certificate from the charging station 1 to ensure proper communication or an identity within a corresponding certificate chain given.
• - Based on an initial plug-and-charge charging process initialization, it is determined that the means of transport 10 is given to use the privileged charging mode under a specific specification of a fleet operator or an identity within the corresponding certificate chain is present.

If the dynamic loading mode is allowed or allowed, it will then be ver turns. Otherwise, the time-based loading mode is used.

2 shows a opposite 1 slightly more complex diagram or scenario, the hardware being opposed 1 is unchanged. Therefore, only the procedural steps numbered from S1 to S6 are discussed, without the claim of a correspondence to the respective procedural steps in 1 . In step S1, as in 1 already shown, a cable connection between the means of transportation 10 and the charging station 1 by means of the charging cable 3 and the charging socket 17 is made. In step S2 the control unit 8 communicates a charging process message to the first server 2 . In step S3, the second server 2 confirms the preferred/privileged loading mode “dynamic loading” after checking the relevant conditions. In step S4, additional data records stored in the means of transportation 10 relating to the usage behavior or the usage history of the high-voltage storage device 5 are sent to the first server 2. If it turns out that the entire usage data is not compatible with the use of the preferred/privileged charging mode, only the time-based charging process is selected. In step S5, the charging mode selection is communicated from the control device 8 to the charging station 1. In step S6, the charging process is started according to the service selection.

3 shows a opposite 2 still somewhat more detailed scenario based on the already in the 1 and 2 featured hardware. In this method, the privileged loading mode, dynamic loading, is released by the onboard charger 7 in conjunction with the electronic control unit 8 on the basis of a release request from the second server 6 and a confirmation from the first server 2 . In step S1 the cable connection between the charging station 1 and the charging socket 17 is established. In step S2, the use of the privileged, dynamic charging mode is offered by the charging station 1 and in step S2 the first server 2 is also informed about the start of the charging session or the charging process. In this case, the identity of the charging station 1 and of the vehicle operator can also be passed on to the first server 2 . In addition, the charging station 1 sends a charging process message in step S3 to the second server 6 of the charging station provider. In step S4, the second server sends a release request to the first server 2. Then, in step S5, the local data within the means of transport are optionally checked to see whether the charging history, the vehicle usage history, the memory usage history, etc., could prevent the privileged charging process from being used . In step S6, a response to the request is optionally sent from the first server 2 to the second server 6. This decision can be made based on the corresponding specifications, authorizations and compatibilities, which are stored in data form. In addition, existing certificates and other specifications can be checked automatically, in particular digitally. In step S7, the electronic control unit 8 is instructed by the first server 2, based on the above specifications, to confirm or reject the release request. In the event of a confirmation, a service selection message is sent to the charging station 1 in step S8, in response to which the charging mode is selected in step S9. When a charging mode is mentioned in connection with the aforementioned examples, this also includes the functionality of using energy from the traction energy store or high-voltage store 5 in order to temporarily support the network of the energy supplier. If, in addition, there is talk of a selection from two different charging modes, the person skilled in the art naturally also understands the selection from a plurality of charging modes (3, 4, 5 or other charging modes, which, for example, from ISO-15118-2, ISO-15118- 20/CHAdeMO, DIN SPEC 70121) or corresponding predecessors or successor versions of the same. In addition, the on-board charger 7 described here or the electronic control unit 8 described herein can alternatively or additionally be set up to switch between different charging modes during the charging process in accordance with ISO-15118-20, which means that the availability of a privileged charging mode can also be checked.

4 shows steps of an embodiment of a method according to the invention. In step 100, the means of transportation 10 is associated with the charging station by plugging a charging cable into a charging station. The charging cable establishes an electrical and IT connection between the means of transport and the charging station. In step 200, an identification in the form of a certificate relating to the charging station in the means of transportation is then received. This can be wired (e.g. via the charging cable) and/or via a wireless (e.g. short-range radio) connection. In step 300, the vehicle is connected to a first server to obtain a predefined reference from the first server. In particular, this step can take place before the two aforementioned steps or at any other point in time. It essentially has the task of updating the predefined reference based on events or according to a predefined schedule in order to enable the means of transport to check the identification in step 400 even without an Internet connection. Depending on one The loading process is then authorized in step 500 based on the result of the check.

The charging process is safeguarded by the method according to the invention and there are a variety of options for influencing to ensure an ergonomic, safe charging process that does not adversely affect the quality of the means of transport, in particular its high-voltage battery.

Reference List

1

charging station

2

first server

3

charging cable

4a

central information display

4b

smart phone

5

high-voltage storage

6

second server

7

onboard charger

8th

electronic control unit

10

means of transportation

15

radio link

17

charging socket

100 to 500

process steps

S1 to S9

process steps

Claims (13)

Method for authorizing a charging process at a charging station (1) for charging an electrically drivable means of transportation (10), comprising the steps • Associate (100) the means of transport (10) with the charging station (1) • Receiving (200) an identification of the charging station (1) in the means of transportation (10), • connecting (300) the means of transportation (10) to a first server (2) to obtain a predefined reference from the first server (2), • Checking (400) the identification using the predefined reference, and depending on the result of the checking • Authorize (500) the loading process. procedure after claim 1 , wherein the association of the means of transportation (10) with the charging station (1) - an IT selection of the charging station (1) by means of a user interface (4) and/or - a connection of the means of transportation (10) and the charging station (1) by means of a line (3) includes. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein receiving the identification of the charging station (1) via - a line (3) and/or - a short-range radio link (5) and/or - an internet connection is established. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the identification - a release date of the identification and/or - a certificate and/or - a provider of the charging station and/or - electrical parameters and/or - indicates available loading modes. A method according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising the steps - Transmitting an identification of the means of locomotion (10) to a second server (6) and in response thereto - Sending a release request by the second server (6) to the first server (2). Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising transmitting a message to the second server (6) to the effect that the means of transportation (10) is set up to be charged at the charging station (1) by means of a predefined charging mode. Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising reading out a file - A usage history of a traction energy store (5) and/or - A loading history of the traction energy store (5) and/or - A usage history of the means of transport (10) and depending on the aforementioned information - Authorize or prevent loading. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the step - Depending on the result of the check, deciding whether a so-called schedule-based loading or a so-called dynamic loading should take place. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the step - Depending on the result of the check, decide whether a traction energy store (5) should be discharged by means of the charging station (1). Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising the steps - receiving a message from the first server (2) by the means of transportation (10) or by the charging station (1), and depending on a content of the message - changing a charging mode for the means of transportation ( 10). Means of locomotion, which is set up as a means of locomotion (10) in a method according to one of the preceding ones Claims 1 until 8th to be used. Server, which is set up as a server (2) in a method according to any one of the preceding Claims 1 until 8th to be used. Charging station, which is set up as a charging station (1) in a method according to any one of the preceding Claims 1 until 8th to be used.

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