DE102014225122A1 - Method and system for providing information on the availability of charging stations - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for providing information on the availability of charging stations, in which a) a charging request of a vehicle is transmitted to a computer unit (2); b) transmitted state information of the vehicle (10) via the state of charge to the arithmetic unit (2); c) determining from the static (4) and dynamic (5) data of charging stations and the state information of the vehicle (10) a probability distribution (21) of expected free charging stations; d) visualizes the probability distribution (21) of the availability of the charging stations. Furthermore, a system (1) for carrying out the method is described as well as a computer program product which is provided for executing the method steps on a computer unit (2) of the system (1). The invention provides an improved method for providing information on the availability of charging stations. This ensures that a driver of an e-vehicle will find a free charging station on which he absolutely must load on the way.

Description

The invention relates to a method and a system for providing information on the availability of charging stations for electric vehicles.

The share of electric vehicles in road traffic is steadily increasing. Electric vehicles are vehicles with an at least partially electric drive, in which the energy storage must be charged regularly and are referred to herein in the context of this invention as e-vehicles or briefly as vehicles. Therefore, the corresponding infrastructure for charging the e-vehicles, especially in public roads, must be expanded. The number of charging stations increases with the sale of electric vehicles or their use, especially through car sharing. However, the constant expansion of infrastructure means that maps on the Internet and in navigation devices are often outdated. In addition, the infrastructure of charging stations is very inhomogeneous. A critical point is that many charging stations are often blocked by combustion vehicles, other e-vehicles or the stations are broken. If a driver of an e-vehicle is forced to load a drive on the way, nowadays he can not be sure that he will find a free charging station.

In the prior art solutions have been described, but which have significant disadvantages or not completely solve the problem of finding a charging station. In the DE 10 2012 203 127 A1 discloses a system for reserving an electric charging station for an electric vehicle, wherein a specific charging station is reserved only for the requesting vehicle. The DE 10 2009 042 627 A1 describes a method for displaying available charging stations that are displayed due to direct contact between the charging station and the vehicle. Only a distinction is made between charging stations that are "free" or "occupied".

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved method for providing information on the availability of charging stations.

The object is achieved by a method having the features of the main claim. Advantageous developments of the present invention are characterized by the features of the dependent subclaims.

The object is further achieved by a computer program product having the features of the independent claim for a computer program product.

The object is further achieved by a system having the features of the independent claim for a system. Advantageous developments are characterized in dependent claims.

• a) eine Ladeanfrage eines Fahrzeuges an eine Recheneinheit übermittelt;
• b) Zustandsinformationen des Fahrzeugs über den Ladezustand an die Recheneinheit übermittelt;
• c) aus den statischen und dynamischen Daten von Ladestationen und den Zustandsinformationen des Fahrzeugs eine Wahrscheinlichkeitsverteilung zu erwartender freier Ladestationen ermittelt;
• d) die Wahrscheinlichkeitsverteilung der Verfügbarkeit der Ladestationen visualisiert.

The invention provides a method for providing information on the availability of charging stations, in which one

• a) transmits a charging request of a vehicle to a computing unit;
• b) transmitted state information of the vehicle via the state of charge to the arithmetic unit;
• c) from the static and dynamic data of charging stations and the state information of the vehicle determines a probability distribution of expected free charging stations;
• d) visualizes the probability distribution of the availability of the charging stations.

An advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention provides that the transmitted charging request of the vehicle includes data of the current position, the desired destination, the desired destination area, the desired arrival time, the determined time of arrival or any combination of these data.

In an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the charging request of the vehicle is transmitted by means of a user interface to the arithmetic unit.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, status information of the vehicle is transmitted to the arithmetic unit via the state of charge by means of a vehicle interface.

A further advantageous embodiment of the method provides that one carries out the transmission of the data to the arithmetic unit by means of an interface, wherein the interface with the arithmetic unit and / or the user interface and / or the vehicle interface is in communicative connection.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the static data are stored in a POI database, wherein the POI database is an external database and / or forms a component of the arithmetic unit.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the probability distribution of the availability of the charging stations are visualized by representing them on a separate display in the vehicle or by means of the user interface.

A further advantageous embodiment of the present method provides that one calculates the probability distribution at the time of loading request of the vehicle and / or repeated during the continuous operation of the vehicle, the calculation at certain times and / or in previously defined time intervals, wherein each of this Time present static and dynamic data from charging stations at the desired destination and the current state information of the vehicle used.

The present invention further provides a computer program product which is directly loadable into the internal memory of the arithmetic unit and comprises software code or parts thereof, which are executable for carrying out the method steps according to one of the preceding claims, when the computer program product is executed on the arithmetic unit.

• a) mindestens eine Recheneinheit;
• b) mindestens eine POI-Datenbank mit statischen Daten von Ladestationen;
• c) mindestens ein Benutzerinterface in einem Fahrzeug zur Eingabe einer Ladeanfrage;
• d) mindestens ein Kommunikationsweg zur Übermittlung von Daten zwischen dem Benutzerinterface und der Recheneinheit.

The present invention further provides a system for providing information on the availability of charging stations, comprising

• a) at least one arithmetic unit;
• b) at least one POI database containing static data from charging stations;
• c) at least one user interface in a vehicle for entering a charge request;
• d) at least one communication path for the transmission of data between the user interface and the arithmetic unit.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the system according to the invention, this further comprises at least one vehicle interface for detecting and providing status information of the vehicle.

Further advantageous embodiments of the system according to the invention include further means for carrying out a method according to the invention in accordance with at least one independent or dependent method claims.

POI databases within the meaning of the invention are initially databases which contain the geodata of charging stations. In order to carry out the method according to the invention, for example, POI databases are used by charging station operators. Such databases may also contain other data, such as data on the operating states of the charging stations. Such data is called dynamic data. However, this (dynamic) data can also be stored in other data sources, as they usually only have to be temporarily stored and kept in stock. A permanent or persistent storage of this data is not required according to the invention. It can thus be provided according to the invention that multiple databases and / or data sources are used to perform the corresponding calculations that lead to the determination of the probability distribution.

Static data in the sense of the present invention, in addition to the POI data, that is, for example, the geodata of the charging stations, also include further data which are required according to the invention for estimating the probability distribution. Within the meaning of the invention, these data, that is to say the static data, also include the model parameters for displaying the historical profiles.

Thus, a method and a system is proposed which visualizes an estimate of the availability of charging stations on the basis of data sources such as content provider data or dynamic vehicle information after a corresponding charging request has been made. According to the invention, these content provider data can be POI databases and / or other, also temporary databases, in which the geodata and / or operating states of charging stations are stored. This data can include both static and dynamic data.

The target selected by the user of the system can be used according to the invention to define a destination within which searched for suitable charging stations and their availability is estimated. Thus, the term target as used herein may also have the meaning of a target area in which a charging station is available. It can also be provided according to the invention that the user of the system indicates the target area in the form of a radius around the selected target.

The system essentially has the following components:
Arithmetic unit for processing incoming data and processing requested loading information.
Flexible interface for incoming, load-related messages.
Data fusion module for calculating a new availability estimate (micromodel).
Macro model for learning new charging stations and adjusting the prognosis parameters.
Database for storing the static data of the charging stations (POI database).
User front end (vehicle interface, user interface) in the form of a web server with a specified interface for access to the computing unit.

If necessary, the following data sources can be used for carrying out the method, namely static POI data of the content providers (eg charging station operators), dynamic data of the charging stations and real-time information of the vehicles. However, it is also possible that the static data, ie the geo position of the charging stations, be learned from vehicle feedback. As a result, the system according to the invention generates its own database by means of the method according to the invention.

Advantageously, the content provider offers a statement on the availability of the charging station (StateCharging). From this the information "all charging stations available", "not all charging stations are occupied but not all free" or "no charging station available" can be extracted.

The e-vehicles send to defined vehicle events (eg start charging) or, in the case of inquiries by the vehicle interface, status information via an interface to the arithmetic unit. From these events "ChargingStart" and "ChargingEnd" can be extracted.

The micromodel, which is executed in the arithmetic unit as a corresponding computer program, calculates a prognosis for a later time t for each new request.

Events of the form ChargingStart (from the message Vehicle Data), ChargingEnd (from the message Vehicle Data) and StateCharging (from Content Provider Data) enter the forecast model.

In the micromodel, objects of type POItype = Load are processed. A POI is the smallest unit of charging stations the algorithm can handle and consists of a summary of n charging columns. This allows a POI to accept n + 1 states / fill levels. For POItype loading, the geometry of the POI consists of a GeoPosition. The exact number of available charging stations may change over time due to approaching vehicles and is usually unknown. The modeling of the current number of available charging stations thus takes place with the vector P (t) = (P ₀ (t), ..., P _n (t)) ^T (1) instead of. P _i (t) here denotes the probability that at the time t, charging stations in the segment are occupied and of course applies to all times, ΣP _i (t) = 1.

For this purpose, the following variables are defined:
Load request rate λp,
Charge Rate μp

With unknown charging processes, a differential equation is solved on the basis of historical data (charge request rate λ, charge end rate μ). For this the model of the Markow chain can be used. The application of the Markov process to such issues is known in the art.

The probability Pi i to have free charging stations in a segment can thus be calculated according to formula (2):

For estimation, the parameters λ (t) and μ (t) are required. These are learned adaptively using a macro model described below.

For known loads, the loads are modeled as follows.
ChargingStart (vehicle message):

The elements of the vector P (t ₂ ) are shifted by one to the right and normalized to 1.
ChargingEnd (vehicle message):

The elements of the vector P (t ₂ ) are shifted by one to the left and normalized to 1.
StateCharging (state information charging station operator):
StateCharging = 1 (free):
P0 (t) = 1
StateCharging = 2 (partially free):
P0 (t) = 0 and Pn (t) = 0:
The remaining elements are normalized to 1 again.
StateCharging = 3 (busy):
Pn (t) = 1

Finally, the macromodel represents the statistical relationships of the loading processes as a function of the day and the time. These are described using the parameters Load Request Rate λ (t) and Load Send Rate μ (t).

mit der radialen Basisfunktion,

und den vorläufigen Definitionen
σ = 3
sowie
t₁ = 1, t₂ = 2, ..., t₂₄ = 24The functions λ (t) and μ (t) become the parameters
Param = a ₁ , ..., a _{n formed} as follows:

with the radial basis function,

and the preliminary definitions
σ = 3
such as
t ₁ = 1, t ₂ = 2, ..., t ₂₄ = 24

In this context, t is to be interpreted as the time in hours per day. Analogously, μ (t) is formed. The charging duration rate μ (t) is defined as follows: μ (t) = 1 / average charge time

The average charging duration depends on the date, time, state of charge and charging station.

The macromodel according to the invention makes possible an improved prognosis by adaptively estimating the parameters of the charge request rate λ and of the load sending rate μ on the basis of new measurements. In the course of time, the parameters can be learned or adapted to the conditions of the charging station depending on certain criteria such as the day of the week, the time of day, etc. This also applies to the introduction of new charging stations or changes in the charging habits of users of the system.

The unknown parameters charge request rate λ and charge rate μ can be estimated by methods and methods known in the art. This can be estimated, for example, by the solution of an optimization problem such as a maximum likelihood method. Another possibility is to determine the number of occupied charging stations on the basis of the ratio of the boost pressure and the charging station density. An estimate of the boost pressure can be determined from the macro model and the load request rate λp. The charging station density is given by a geographical map model.

With the parameters and calculation methods described herein, a computer program may be generated which is executed on a computer or a computing unit to carry out the inventive method described herein. Using the description herein of the method of the invention and in combination with the inventive system for carrying out the method, those skilled in the art can create software code to practice the invention.

The computer program product formed from the software code can be loaded directly into the internal memory of the arithmetic unit and then causes the execution of the method steps according to the present invention when the computer program product is executed on the arithmetic unit.

The present invention will be explained in more detail with the accompanying drawing. It shows:

1 a schematic representation of a system according to the invention for carrying out the method according to the invention.

The following description, with reference to the figure, explains the invention in more detail without limiting the scope of the invention. 1 shows a schematic representation of a system according to the invention 1 to provide information on the availability of charging stations. The system 1 includes a computing unit 2 , which with at least one interface 6 is provided. About this at least one interface 6 stands the arithmetic unit 2 with the vehicle 10 in communicative connection. About the communication path 14 become data of the user interface 12 and another way of communication 13 Data of the vehicle interface 11 to the arithmetic unit 2 transmitted. However, it is also provided according to the invention that the user interface 12 and vehicle interface 11 be in a communicative relationship with each other.

The arithmetic unit 2 also includes a POI database 3 or has access to them. The POI database contains static data 4 deposited to the charging stations. This static data 4 In any case, include the location coordinates of the respective charging stations and possibly also their maximum occupancy, since a charging station can also include multiple charging points. Furthermore, dynamic data can be stored in another database 5 are stored, which represent the occupancy status (StateCharging) of the charging station or the individual charging points. The occupancy state can essentially assume three states, namely "all charging stations available", "not all charging stations are occupied but not all free" or "no charging station available". Furthermore, it is possible to display the state of charge of the connected vehicle. From this it is possible to estimate how long the vehicle connected to it will still block the corresponding charging station, ie mark it as "not available". The micromodel now uses this dynamic data, which may also be stored in a cache to create the probability distribution forecast.

Such a database can be maintained and maintained by an external content provider who also operates or provides the charging stations, for example. However, several such POI databases can be used by different content providers. Depending on the content provider's offer, appropriate static and / or dynamic data will be made available. Of course, content providers can also be an automobile manufacturer.

As a computing unit within the meaning of the invention comprises one or more computers. Such suitable computers are known to the person skilled in the art and are capable of carrying out complicated calculations in the field of statistics and probability calculation. These computers also have the appropriate interfaces 6 and interfaces to communicate with other computers or computer systems in data communication via appropriate communication channels 13 . 14 . 20 to be able to step. As communication paths, wireless connections such as WLAN, Bluetooth or mobile radio are preferably used.

The arithmetic unit 2 according to the invention comprises a fusion module 7 which comes from the POI database 3 read data by means of a data fusion by means of a micro-model described herein before a prognosis of the probability distribution 21 determined by existing in the target area at the estimated time of arrival free charging stations. This determined probability distribution 21 is by means of a communication path 20 to the user of the system, preferably the driver of the vehicle 10 , transmitted. As described above, the communication path is preferably a radio link. The transmission of the probability distribution 21 but also via the user interface 12 be done and displayed for example on this on a display.

The arithmetic unit 2 according to the invention further comprises a macro model 8th , which represents the statistical correlations of the loadings as a function of the day and the time. The macro model 8th is further configured such that an adaptive learning of dynamic data is executable. It creates a historical profile from past loads to build a forecast for the future. In addition, the macro model is further designed such that an adaptive learning from feedback of the vehicles is possible. For example, if the vehicle is connected to a charging station, which is not yet known to the system, which can be determined by a comparison of the POI data, this information is stored in a corresponding POI database of the arithmetic unit. Thus, this information can be used for future projections to be made by the micromodel.

It is also provided according to the invention to consider the information obtained for a reservation of a charging station in the target area of the vehicle. This makes the probability statement more certain that the vehicle finds a free charging station at the foreseen arrival time. This is particularly advantageous if the journey can be continued only if a charge of the energy storage of the vehicle is urgently necessary. In the same way, the information obtained can also be used to make a reservation of a specific charging station in the destination area.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

system

2

computer unit

3

POI database

4

Static data

5

Dynamic data

6

interface

7

fusion module

8th

Macro model

10

vehicle

11

vehicle interface

12

user interface

13

communication

14

communication

20

communication

21

probability distribution

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102012203127 A1 [0003]
• DE 102009042627 A1 [0003]

Claims (12)

Method for providing information on the availability of charging stations, in which a) a charging request of a vehicle to a computer unit ( 2 ) is transmitted; b) condition information of the vehicle ( 10 ) via the state of charge to the arithmetic unit ( 2 ) are transmitted; c) from the static ( 4 ) and dynamic ( 5 ) Data of charging stations and the status information of the vehicle ( 10 ) a probability distribution ( 21 ) is determined to expected free charging stations; d) the probability distribution ( 21 ) the availability of the charging stations is visualized. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the transmitted charging request of the vehicle comprises data of the current position, the desired destination, the desired destination area, the desired arrival time, the determined time of arrival or any combination of these data. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the charging request of the vehicle by means of a user interface ( 12 ) transmitted to the arithmetic unit. Method, according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one obtains status information of the vehicle ( 10 ) via the state of charge by means of a vehicle interface ( 11 ) to the arithmetic unit ( 2 ) transmitted. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transmission of the data to the arithmetic unit ( 2 ) by means of an interface ( 6 ), the interface ( 6 ) with the arithmetic unit ( 2 ) and / or the user interface ( 12 ) and / or the vehicle interface ( 11 ) communicatively connected. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the static ( 4 ) Data in a POI database ( 3 ), the POI database ( 3 ) is an external database and / or a component of the arithmetic unit ( 2 ). Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the probability distribution ( 21 ) the availability of the charging stations by displaying them on a separate display in the vehicle ( 10 ) or by means of the user interface. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the probability distribution ( 21 ) is calculated at the time the vehicle is requested to load and / or the calculation is repeated at certain times and / or at predefined time intervals during the continuous operation of the vehicle, taking into account the static ( 4 ) and dynamic ( 5 ) Data from charging stations at the desired destination and the current status information of the vehicle ( 10 ) used. Computer program product, which directly into the internal memory of the processing unit ( 2 ) and software code or parts thereof, which are executable for performing the method steps according to one of the preceding claims, if the computer program product on the computing unit ( 2 ) is performed. System for providing information on the availability of charging stations, comprising a) at least one computing unit ( 2 ); b) at least one POI database ( 3 ) with static ( 4 ) Data from charging stations; c) at least one user interface ( 12 ) in a vehicle ( 10 ) for entering a loading request; d) at least one communication path ( 14 ) for the transmission of data between the user interface ( 12 ) and the arithmetic unit ( 2 ). A system according to claim 10, further comprising at least one vehicle interface ( 14 ) for detecting and providing status information of the vehicle ( 10 ). System according to claim 10 or 11, which comprises further means for carrying out a method according to at least one of claims 1 to 8.

Images