GB2479418A

GB2479418A - Centralized charging system for electric vehicles

Info

Publication number: GB2479418A
Application number: GB1007972A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lupu Wittner
Original assignee: Computerized Electricity Systems Ltd
Current assignee: Computerized Electricity Systems Ltd
Priority date: 2010-04-10
Filing date: 2010-05-13
Publication date: 2011-10-12
Also published as: GB201007972D0

Abstract

A centralized charging system for electric vehicles includes an electrical distribution arrangement 10 connected between at least one power source 12-14 and a plurality of charging stations 30, 40, 50, 60. Each charging station is on an individual charging circuit 17-20 and may charge more than one vehicle 100-107. Each circuit comprises a high-amperage electrical line and charging point with an electrical plug. The electrical distribution arrangement comprises a plurality of switch modules and a local processing module. Each switch module is connected to a charging circuit and includes a switch, a current sensor and an analogue circuit connected to the switch and producing a signal based on the current sensor measurement. The local processing module includes a processor configured to read the signal and control a display connected to the processor. The display shows the charging status of each charging session, including charge time, on/ff status and fault status. A metering unit is connected to the power source and a control mechanism is provided to control a parameter such as charging time or on/off status. A central processor or controller 500 may be provided to communicate with the local processor via a cellular network 275 and the internet 250.

Description

Centralized Charging System for Electric Vehicles This application draws priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/322,820, filed April 10, 2010.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to electric vehicle charging systems, and more particularly, to a centralized electricity distribution arrangement and system for monitoring and controlling a number of charging stations.

High-amperage charging equipment is required for charging an electric vehicle (EV). Charging stations, also known as charging poles, typically include various measuring elements, communication modules, and safety mechanisms, all of which may be needed to meet the relevant standards.

The present inventor has recognized a need for improvements to the known electric vehicle charging systems, and the subject matter of the present disclosure and claims is aimed at fulfilling this need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the teachings of the present invention there is provided a centralized charging system for conducting electrical charging sessions to charge a plurality of electric vehicles, the system including: (a) a plurality of high-amperage, electrically separate charging circuits, each circuit of the circuits including: (i) a high-amperage electrical line and (ii) a high-amperage electric charging point having an electrical plug, the charging point adapted to electrically participate in a session of the charging sessions, whereby a vehicle battery of a vehicle of the electric vehicles is electrically charged; (b) a centralized electricity distribution arrangement connected to each of the circuits, the arrangement adapted to electrically connect between the circuits and at least one power source, the distribution arrangement including: (i) a plurality of switch modules, each particular switch module of the modules electrically connected to a respective circuit of the circuits, each module having a switching component adapted to connect and disconnect, from the power source, a particular charging point of the charging points; a current sensor operative to measure a current delivered from the power source to the respective circuit, and to produce a current measurement, and an analog circuit arrangement, electrically connected to the switching component, and designed and configured to receive the current measurement from the current sensor, and to produce a signal based on the current measurement, and (ii) a processing module; (d) a display, electrically connected to the processing module; (e) a metering unit, adapted to electrically connect to the power source, the unit adapted to provide at least one electrical parameter of the charging system, the parameter selected from the group of electrical parameters consisting of energy, power, and current, and (f) a control mechanism communicating with the plurality of switch modules, and adapted to control at least one charging parameter selected from the group of charging parameters consisting of a charging time parameter and an onloff charging status, wherein the processing module includes a first processor configured to read the signal, and based on the signal, to control the display to display an electrical charging status of each particular session of the charging sessions, the electrical charging status including at least one charging status selected from the group consisting of the onloff charging status, a charging time status, and a charging fault status.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a centralized charging system for conducting electrical charging sessions to charge a plurality of electric vehicles, substantially as described herein, the system including any feature described, either individually or in combination with any feature, in any configuration.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a centralized charging method of conducting electrical charging sessions to charge a plurality of electric vehicles, substantially as described herein, the method including any step or feature described, either individually or in combination with any step or feature, in any configuration.

According to further features in the described preferred embodiments, the control mechanism is responsive to a second processor.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments, the charging system further includes a communication arrangement operative to communicate, to the control mechanism, information pertaining to the electrical charging sessions.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments, the information includes an indication pertaining to a connection soundness between the battery and the plug.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments, the control mechanism is adapted to initiate a charging of the battery, based on the indication.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments, the information includes a battery type of the battery.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments, the control mechanism is adapted to select a particular charging current based on the battery type.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments, the control mechanism is responsive to a second processor.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments, the second processor is remotely disposed with respect to the control mechanism, or is disposed in a back office.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments, the processing module is adapted to communicate the information to the second processor.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments, the first processor is adapted to communicate with the second processor via a server.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments, the first processor is adapted to communicate with the second processor via at least one type of communication system, method or protocol selected from the group consisting of Internet, Ethernet, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), a power line carrier (PLC), Zigbee, WiFi, radio frequency (RF), and serial communication (e.g., RS485).

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments, the processing module includes an external modem adapted to communicate with the second processor.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments, the communication arrangement includes a plurality of local processors, each associated with a particular charging point of the charging points, each of the local processors adapted to communicate the information to the processing module via a communication network.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments, the communication network includes a plurality of local modems, each of the plurality of local moderns associated with a respective charging point of the charging points.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments, the processing module includes a local modem adapted to communicate with the plurality of local modems.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments, the communication network includes a plurality of electrical communication lines, each of the electrical communication lines associated with a respective charging point of the charging points.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments, the charging points and the processing module are adapted to electrically communicate via the plurality of electrical communication lines.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments, the plurality of communication lines are low-voltage electric lines adapted to carry a voltage below 110 Volts or below about 24 Volts.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments, each switch module includes a logic device responsive to the processing module and electrically connected to the switching component.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments, each plug is adapted to inductively charge the battery.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments, each plug is adapted to directly charge the battery.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments, the electrical connection component of the plug is structured in complementary fashion to an electrical connection component of an electrical outlet or receptacle of the battery.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments, each analog circuit arrangement is further designed and configured to produce a second signal for indicating a potential arc fault event.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments, the centralized distribution arrangement is adapted to monitor the plurality of high-amperage electric charging points.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments, the centralized distribution arrangement is adapted to identify an electric fault on an electric line including any one of the plurality of high-amperage electric charging points.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments, the control mechanism is disposed within the processing module.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments, the control mechanism includes a manual switch activator adapted to manually control the charging parameter.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments, the metering unit is disposed within the centralized distribution arrangement.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments, the display is disposed within the centralized distribution arrangement.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments, the centralized distribution arrangement is disposed within a housing.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments, the centralized distribution arrangement is disposed within an integral or monolithic housing.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments, the charging system further includes at least one alternating current to direct current (AC to DC) converter, electrically associated with the distribution arrangement.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments, the converter is disposed within the distribution arrangement.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments, the converter is disposed within a housing or panel of the distribution arrangement.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments, the at least one converter is a plurality of converters, each associated with a particular charging circuit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice. Throughout the drawings, like-referenced characters are used to designate like elements.

In the drawings: Figure 1 is a block diagram of one aspect of a centralized charging system, according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a block diagram of a portion of another aspect of the inventive centralized charging system, schematically showing modules and units within the centralized distribution arrangement; and Figure 3 is a block diagram schematically showing, in greater detail, the modules and units within the centralized distribution arrangement.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

One aspect of the present invention is a centralized electric distribution arrangement and system for controlling and monitoring a plurality of charging stations. The principles and operation of the inventive centralized electricity distribution arrangement and system may be better understood with reference to

the drawings and the accompanying description.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

Known charging poles typically include various measuring elements, communication modules, and safety mechanisms, all of which may be needed to meet the relevant standards.

However, it may be desirable or required for such charging poles to have small dimensions, which may necessitate the individual components or modules to be extremely compact, and to be disposed in a tightly packed fashion. I have observed that there may be various disadvantageous ramifications to this design.

These may include the additional cost associated with compactly structured components and the packing thereof; compromised access to the components or modules for maintenance or replacement; and heat dissipation limitations.

I have also observed that there may be various safety issues associated with known charging poles, some of which pertain to these heat dissipation limitations. Perhaps more significantly, such charging poles are connected, at all times, to a live, high voltage. This may pose a significant safety risk. For example, the pole may be struck by a moving vehicle, exposing the surroundings to the live wire.

The present invention may obviate much of the costly equipment from the charging station or pole, by centrally disposing the requisite equipment in a centralized electric distribution arrangement or panel. For example, in a charging system having 10 charging stations or points, a single central controller may obviate the need for 10 local controllers. In addition, a single external modem, preferably disposed in the panel, may obviate the need for 10 local external modems disposed in the charging poles.

Various components or modules may not be obviated, rather, their location is shifted from the peripheral poles to the centralized arrangement.

These may include, by way of example, peripheral switching devices and current sensors.

Referring now to the drawings, Figure 1 is a block diagram of one aspect of a centralized charging system 200, according to the present invention. System includes an electrical distribution arrangement 10, typically housed within an electrical distribution panel or housing. Distribution arrangement 10 is adapted to be electrically connected between an incoming electric line from at least one power source such as power sources 12,13,14 and a plurality of charging stations 30,40,50,60. The electrical connection between charging stations 30,40,50,60 and distribution arrangement 10 may be achieved via a plurality of individual, electrically distinct circuits, which may be at least partially housed by electrical line housings 17,18,19,20.

Each of charging stations 30,40,50,60 may be adapted to simultaneously charge more than one vehicle. In Figure 1, by way of example, the charging stations have two charging locations for charging two vehicles simultaneously.

In this case, each of charging stations 30,40,50,60 may be equipped with two separate, high amperage electric lines such as lines K1&K2, lines K3&K4, lines K5&K6, and lines Kn&Kn+1, each of these lines terminating in a (single) charging plug (shown in Figure 2), whereby each of the lines forms an individual electric circuit between distribution arrangement 10 and a particular charging plug.

As shown, electric vehicles such as electric cars 100,101,102,103,104,105,106,107 are disposed in proximity to charging stations 30,40,50,60, whereby the vehicle batteries thereof may be electrically charged.

Communication between the charging stations and distribution arrangement 10 will be elaborated hereinbelow with reference to Figure 2.

In a preferred embodiment, distribution arrangement 10 and a processor or controller 500 in a back office or central office may be adapted to communicate via a network. In Figure 1, by way of example, distribution arrangement 10 and a processor or controller 500 communicate via a cellular network 275 and an Internet 250 (configured in series). To effect communication, distribution arrangement 10 may be equipped with an external modem (see Figure 2) such as a cellular modem.

Processor or controller 500 of the central office may monitor, control, or monitor and control operation of charging stations 30,40,50,60 via a central communication path 11 connecting to a local processing module (see Figure 2) disposed within, or associated with, distribution arrangement 10.

Typically, processor or controller 500 is adapted to control the local processing module, which manages or controls each battery-charging session of electric cars 100,101,102,103,104,105,106,107.

Power sources 12,13,14 may be any of those known to those of ordinary skill in the art, and may include an electrical power grid, an electrical power generator, a battery, or any other energy storage device for providing electrical power to a consumer. Lines 15,16 represent a neutral line and a ground line, respectively.

Figure 2 is a block diagram of a portion of another aspect of the inventive centralized charging system, schematically showing the various modules within centralized distribution arrangement 10 which may advantageously be contained within a single, typically integral housing such as housing 170. Within housing may be disposed a metering module or unit 120, a plurality of switch modules 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d, a processing module such as central processing unit (CPU) module 140, and a display, typically a liquid ciystal display, such as display 150. In simplest form, display 150 may be an indicator light or the like, adapted to indicate a charging/non-charging status for at least one of charging plugs 31, 32, 41, 42.

Centralized distribution arrangement 10 is adapted to connect to a power source such as power source 12, which may come from the utility transformer or mains. Typically, distribution arrangement 10 is adapted to connect to power source 12 via metering module 120, which may be adapted to measure or provide at least one electrical parameter of charging system 200. The provided electrical parameter usually includes at least the energy, power, or current (value) delivered to charging system 200.

Charging station 30 may be electrically connected to metering module via high amperage electric lines K1&K2 and via switch modules 130c and 130d, wherein plug 31, line Ki, and 130d may form an individual circuit, electrically separate or distinct from the other electric circuits (e.g., the individual circuit formed by plug 32, line 1(2, and 130c). However, electric lines K1&K2 may advantageously be contained within a single electric cable such as electrical line housing 17.

Switch modules 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d may be activated manually, e.g., by means of a manual switch activator 138, which may be disposed just outside housing 170. Alternatively or additionally, switch modules 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d may be controlled by CPU module 140.

Communication of information between charging stations 30,40, and distribution arrangement 10 may be effected by electrical communication, by a modem-based system (typically a local modem arrangement), or by various means that will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. By way of example, the communication may be conducted via an R5485 modem, configured such that charging stations are disposed in parallel. Similarly, such a modem-based system may be utilized to effect wireless communication (not shown) with the vehicle whose batteiy requires charging.

In Figure 2, communication lines 280 between distribution arrangement and charging stations 30,40 may be physical wires such as electrical wires, or wireless communication lines.

The communicated information may include an indication pertaining to the soundness of the electrical connection between a battery and the plug interfacing therewith. CPU module 140 may be adapted to initiate a charging of the battery when the indication is positive, or to stop a charging of the battery when the indication is negative or not positive.

The communicated information may further include the battery type of the battery handshaking with the plug. A processor within, or associated with, CPU module 140 may be adapted to select a particular, appropriate charging current based on the information on the communicated battery type.

A charging plug such as plug 31 may be adapted to interface with the battery whereby the battery is inductively charged.

Alternatively or additionally, charging plug may be adapted to interface with the battery whereby the battery is directly charged. In this case, the electrical connection component (e.g., plug blades, not shown) of plug 31 is structured in complementaiy fashion to an electrical connection component of an electrical outlet or receptacle of the battery, as is known and practiced in the art.

CPU module 140 may be responsive to a processor or controller of a central server disposed in a central or back office. Communication between CPU module 140 and this processor or controller may be effected as described hereinabove, with reference to Figure 1, typically via an external modem such as modem 148. The preferred mode of communication may depend on the existing infrastructure, and may be selected from a communication system, method or protocol such as Internet, Ethernet, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), a power line carrier (PLC), Zigbee, WiFi, radio frequency (RF), and serial communication (e.g., RS485), or others, or from combinations thereof Alternatively or additionally, CPU module 140 may be responsive to an input from an input device such as input device 160.

Figure 3 is a block diagram schematically showing the modules within centralized distribution arrangement 10 in greater detail. Metering module 120 may include a meter 122; switch modules such as switch modules 130a,130b, may include, respectively, switching device or component 132a,132b, analog circuits 134a,134b, and logic devices 136a,136b; CPU module 140 may include a processor or microcontroller 142, a clock such as real time clock 144, a local communication connection or port such as local modem 146, and an external modem 148.

Processor or microcontroller 142 may be electrically connected to display 150, and to input device 160, both of which may advantageously be disposed on housing 170, typically on an external facing thereof.

Centralized distribution arrangement 10 may typically receive an alternating current (AC), but may also be adapted to receive a direct current (DC). Centralized distribution arrangement 10 may include at least one AC-to-DC unit 124, adapted to convert alternating current to direct current. This advantageously obviates the need to have an AC-to-DC charger physically and electrically associated with the battery, enabling charging of a vehicle battery directly via plug 32, without an AC-to-DC charging interface disposed therebetween.

In Figure 3, AC-to-DC unit 124 is disposed in exemplary fashion within metering module 120. AC-to-DC unit 124 may advantageously be disposed in distribution arrangement 10, within housing 170 (shown in Figure 2). However, it will be appreciated that AC-to-DC unit 124 may be disposed outside of housing 170, and/or outside of metering module 120. Alternatively, a plurality of AC-to-DC units such as AC-to-DC unit 124 may be disposed within the system, whereby each single unit is dedicated to a particular circuit of the individual, electrically distinct circuits described hereinabove.

Within metering module 120, meter 122 has a live connection and a neutral connection, the live connection adapted to connect with a power source such as power source 12. Meter 122 may be operative to measure a voltage, such as the voltage on an electrical line 112 leading to switch modules 130a,130b. Meter 122 is operative to measure or provide at least one electrical parameter of the charging system. The measured or provided electrical parameter typically includes at least the energy, power, or current (value) delivered to the charging system, and more typically, all of the above. Meter 122 may be further operative to calculate the consumption of each individual charging circuit.

Line 112 may be distributed (i.e., introduced in parallel), to a large plurality of distributed high-amperage electric lines such as lines 131a,131b to a large plurality of respective switch modules, such as switch modules 130a,130b.

Within switch module 130a, by way of example, line 131a may connect in series to analog circuit 134a, and switching component 132a, before exiting switch module 130a via high amperage electric line K4, which from an electrical standpoint, is uniquely connected to switch module 130a.

Switching device or component 132a is advantageously adapted to connect and disconnect, from the power sources such as power source 12, high amperage electric line K4, whereby the particular charging point or charging plug uniquely connected to line K4 (in this case, charging plug 42) is disconnected from the power sources.

Switching device 132a may be activated manually, on or off, by means of manual switch activator 138 (shown in Figure 2). Alternatively or additionally, switching device 132a may be responsive to processor 142, e.g., by means of logic device 136a. Processor 142, may function in a substantially autonomous fashion, but may be subject to commands submitted via input device 160.

Alternatively or additionally, processor 142 may be controlled by processor or controller 500 disposed in a back office, as described hereinabove with respect to Figure 1.

Associated with, or within analog circuit arrangement 134a is disposed a current sensor operative to measure a current delivered from the power sources such as power source 12, to high-amperage electric line 131a, and to provide a current measurement. An analog circuit within arrangement 134a is designed and configured to receive this current measurement from the current sensor, and to produce a signal based on this current measurement.

Analog circuit arrangement 134a may be further designed and configured to produce a second signal for indicating a potential arc fault event, and/or to serve as a ground fault interrupter, e.g., when a threshold leakage current is detected.

While various designs of circuit arrangement 134a, and more generally, switching module 130a, will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, one successful approach to such designs is provided in my U.S. Patent No. 7,282,924 which is incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

The technologies disclosed by these references enables the switch modules of the present invention to disconnect the individual high amperage electric lines, such as line K4, from the power sources in the event of a ground fault, an overload, a short-circuit, or an arc fault anywhere along that particular high amperage line.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims section that follows, the term "electrical plug" is meant to refer to a charging head of an inductive charging unit in addition to a terminus of a direct charging unit.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims section that follows, the term "power source" refers to an electricity-supplying utility (e.g., having a power grid) or generator for providing electrical power to at least one power station, or to a battery or other energy storage device for providing electrical power to the consumer.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims section that follows, the term "high amperage" refers to a current of at least 10 Amperes, at least 12 Amperes, at least 15 Amperes, or at least 20 Amperes.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims section that follows, the term "high voltage" refers to a voltage of at least 11 OV or at least 220V.

It will be appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims. All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: A centralized charging system for conducting electrical charging sessions to charge a plurality of electric vehicles, the system comprising: (a) a plurality of high-amperage, electrically separate charging circuits, each circuit of said circuits including: (i) a high-amperage electrical line, and (ii) a high-amperage electric charging point having an electrical plug, said charging point adapted to electrically participate in a session of the charging sessions, whereby a vehicle battery of a vehicle of the electric vehicles is electrically charged; (b) a centralized electricity distribution arrangement connected to each of said circuits, said arrangement adapted to electrically connect between said circuits and at least one power source, said distribution arrangement including: (i) a plurality of switch modules, each particular switch module of said modules electrically connected to a respective circuit of said circuits, each said module having: A. a switching component adapted to connect and disconnect, from said power source, a particular charging point of said charging points; B. a current sensor operative to measure a current delivered from said power source to said respective circuit, and to produce a current measurement, and C. an analog circuit arrangement, electrically connected to said switching component, and designed and configured to receive said current measurement from said current sensor, and to produce a signal based on said current measurement, and (ii) a processing module; (d) a display, electrically connected to said processing module (e) a metering unit, adapted to electrically connect to said power source, said unit adapted to provide at least one electrical parameter of the charging system, said parameter selected from the group of electrical parameters consisting of energy, power, and current, and (f) a control mechanism communicating with said plurality of switch modules, and adapted to control at least one charging parameter selected from the group of charging parameters consisting of a charging time parameter and an onloff charging status, wherein said processing module includes a first processor configured to read said signal, and based on said signal, to control said display to display an electrical charging status of each particular session of the charging sessions, said electrical charging status including at least one charging status selected from the group consisting of said onloff charging status, a charging time status, and a charging fault status.
2. The charging system of claim 1, wherein said control mechanism is responsive to a second processor.
3. The charging system of claim 1, further comprising a communication arrangement operative to communicate, to said control mechanism, information pertaining to the electrical charging sessions.
4. The charging system of claim 3, wherein said information includes an indication pertaining to a connection soundness between said battery and said plug.
5. The charging system of claim 4, wherein said control mechanism is adapted to initiate a charging of said battery, based on said indication.
6. The charging system of any one of claims 3-5, wherein said information includes a battery type of said battery.
7. The charging system of claim 6, wherein said control mechanism is adapted to select a particular charging current based on said battery type.
8. The charging system of any one of claims 3-7, wherein said control mechanism is responsive to a second processor.
9. The charging system of claim 8, wherein said second processor is remotely disposed with respect to said control mechanism, or is disposed in a back office.
10. The charging system of any one of claims 3-9, wherein said processing module is adapted to communicate said information to said second processor.
11. The charging system of any one of claims 8-10, wherein said first processor is adapted to communicate with said second processor via a server.
12. The charging system of any one of claims 8-11, wherein said first processor is adapted to communicate with said second processor via at least one communication protocol selected from the group of protocols consisting of Internet, Ethernet, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), power line carrier (PLC), Zigbee, WiFi, radio frequency (RF), and a serial communication protocol such as R5485.
13. The charging system of any one of claims 8-12, wherein said processing module includes an external modem adapted to communicate with said second processor.
14. The charging system of any one of claims 3-13, wherein said communication arrangement includes a plurality of local processors, each associated with a particular charging point of said charging points, each of said local processors adapted to communicate said information to said processing module via a communication network.
15. The charging system of claim 14, wherein said communication network includes a plurality of local modems, each of said plurality of local modems associated with a respective charging point of said charging points.
16. The charging system of claim 15, wherein said processing module includes a local modem adapted to communicate with said plurality of local modems.
17. The charging system of any one of claims 14-16, wherein said communication network includes a plurality of electrical communication lines, each of said electrical communication lines associated with a respective charging point of said charging points.
18. The charging system of claim 17, wherein said charging points and said processing module are adapted to electrically communicate via said plurality of electrical communication lines.
19. The charging system of claim 17 or claim 18, wherein said plurality of communication lines are low-voltage electric lines adapted to carry a voltage below 110 Volts or below about 24 Volts.
20. The charging system of any one of claims 1-19, wherein each said switch module includes a logic device responsive to said processing module and electrically connected to said switching component.
21. The charging system of any one of claims 1-20, wherein each said plug is adapted to inductively charge said battery.
22. The charging system of any one of claims 1-2 1, wherein each said plug is adapted to directly charge said battery.
23. The charging system of claim 22, wherein an electrical connection component of said plug is structured in complementary fashion to an electrical connection component of an electrical outlet or receptacle of said battery.
24. The charging system of any one of claims 1-23, wherein each said analog circuit arrangement is further designed and configured to produce a second signal for indicating a potential arc fault event.
25. The charging system of any one of claims 1-24, wherein said centralized distribution arrangement is adapted to monitor said plurality of high-amperage electric charging points.
26. The charging system of any one of claims 1-25, wherein said centralized distribution arrangement is adapted to identify an electric fault on an electric line including any one of said plurality of high-amperage electric charging points.
27. The charging system of any one of claims 1-26, wherein said control mechanism is disposed within said processing module.
28. The charging system of any one of claims 1-26, wherein said control mechanism includes a manual switch activator adapted to manually control said charging parameter.
29. The charging system of any one of claims 1-28, wherein said metering unit is disposed within said centralized distribution arrangement.
30. The charging system of any one of claims 1-29, wherein said display is disposed within said centralized distribution arrangement.
31. The charging system of any one of claims 1-30, wherein said centralized distribution arrangement is disposed within a housing or within a single housing.
32. The charging system of any one of claims 1-31, wherein said centralized distribution arrangement is disposed within an integral or monolithic housing.
33. The charging system of any one of claims 1-30, further comprising at least one alternating current to direct current (AC to DC) converter, electrically associated with said distribution arrangement.
34. The charging system of claim 33, wherein said converter is disposed within said distribution arrangement.
35. The charging system of claim 34, wherein said converter is disposed within a housing of said distribution arrangement.
36. The charging system of any one of claims 33-35, wherein said at least one converter is a plurality of converters, each associated with a particular charging circuit of said circuits.