DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present subject matter is related, in general to a battery charging apparatus, and more particularly, but not exclusively to an authentication and method thereof for authenticating access to the charging apparatus.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] With the advancement in vehicle technologies, there is greater focus on enhancement of a battery performance, and on improving an overall charging experience. Battery packs are disposed in a vehicle to power electrical components of the vehicle and/or to provide power to an electric prime mover to drive the vehicle. Typically, an output port of a charging unit is connected to a charging port of the vehicle through a cable for charging the battery packs.
[0003] A charger is a device configured to charge a battery pack. The charger is configured to charge the battery pack by routing a charging current from a power source to the battery pack. A conventional charger is configured to charge the battery pack only from a stationary charging station. The stationary charging station extends the charger, thereby directly connecting onto a charging port of the vehicle. The vehicle has a control unit configured to establish a communication between a battery pack of the vehicle and the charging station/charger to initiate and dissociate the battery pack from the charging accordingly. Therefore, the charging of the battery pack is allowed only through the stationary charging station. However, the stationary charging station is inconvenient in charging the battery pack of the vehicle, as the charger of the charging station has to be connected to the vehicle at all times, which is undesirable. Further, conventionally the battery pack is unable to be removed from the vehicle, and hence the user is not able to charge the battery pack as per their convenience, which makes the charging process tedious and laborious.
[0004] The rising aspects of comfort and convenience for users have led to development on aspects of swappable battery technology or dockable battery infrastructure. In dockable battery infrastructure the battery may be removed from the vehicle and deposited in a cradle of a public charging station or designated charging station. Post charging of the battery pack the user may collect the battery pack from the charging station. The charged battery packs may then be inserted back in corresponding slots provided in the vehicle, before operating the vehicle.
[0005] With the ever-rising concerns of cyber-attacks and data theft there is an imperative apprehension on vehicle users when it comes to utilization of public charging stations. Unauthenticated devices could introduce malware to the charging system, compromising software or spreading through connected networks. Additionally, authentication ensures that only approved battery packs can connect, protecting against the use of counterfeit or unsafe batteries that could damage the station or pose safety risks. Therefore, there arises a need for protection of a system for authenticating battery charging against potential data theft and transmittance of malware into the charged battery packs.
[0006] Accordingly, a need or requirement still exists in the field of battery charging apparatuses for an authentication system that effectively authenticates a battery, ensuring accessibility, reliability, durability, handling, safety, and security of the battery charging apparatus.
[0007] Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of described systems with some aspects of the present disclosure, as set forth in the remainder of the present application and with reference to the drawings.
SUMMARY
[0008] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
[0009] In accordance with the embodiments illustrated herein, the present subject matter relates to an authentication system for a charging apparatus. The system comprises a control unit. The control unit is configured to receive a first input from one or more energy storage units; receive a second input from an external server communicatively coupled with the control unit; and determine an authentication status of the one or more energy storage units by comparing the first input with the second input; and control a charging operation of the one or more energy storage units based on the authentication status of the one or more energy storage units. The first input is indicative of a first set of parameters associated with the one or more energy storage units. The second input is indicative of a second set of parameters associated with a pre-defined set of energy storage units.
[00010] Another aspect of the present subject matter pertains tothe authentication status of one or more energy storage units (104) being successful when: an identification code associated with the one or more energy storage units (104) being matched with an identification code associated with the pre-defined set of energy storage units.
[00011] Yet another aspect of the present subject matter pertains to the external server being configured to transmit a second output to one or more devices communicatively coupled with the external server, the second output being indicative of the authentication of the one or more energy storage units, the one or more devices being.
[00012] Yet another aspect of the present subject matter pertains to the one or more devices being configured to notify a user of the authentication status of the one or more energy storage units. The one or more devices comprise at least one of: a display device, a personal mobile device, one or more illuminating devices, and one or more audio units.
[00013] Yet another aspect of the present subject matter pertains to the control unit, whereupon control of the charging operation of the one or more energy storage units upon the authentication status of the one or more energy storage units being successful, comprises: transmittal of a first output to the external server indicative of the authentication status of the one or more energy storage units; and initiation of a high pre-set threshold charging of the charging apparatus.
[00014] Yet another aspect of the present subject matter pertains to the control unit, whereupon the authentication status of the one or more energy storage units being unsuccessful, the control unit being configured to: transmit a first output to the external server indicative of the authentication status of the one or more energy storage units; and initiate a low pre-set threshold charging of the charging apparatus.
[00015] In accordance with embodiment illustrated herein, the present subject matter additionally provides a method for authenticating one or more energy storage units for a charging apparatus. The method comprises the steps of: receiving, by a control unit, a first input from one or more energy storage units; receiving, by the control unit, a second input from an external server communicatively coupled with the control unit; determining an authentication status, by the control unit, of the one or more energy storage units; and controlling, by the control unit, a charging operation of the one or more energy storage units based on the authentication status of the one or more energy storage units. The first input is indicative of a first set of parameters associated with the one or more energy storage units. The second input is indicative of a second set of parameters associated with a pre-defined set of energy storage units.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00016] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention.
[00017] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram illustrating the one or more components of the system for authenticating access to the charging apparatus in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00018] Figure 2 illustrates a method for authenticating access to charging apparatus in accordance with some other embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00019] Figure 3 exemplarily illustrates a process flow of the control unit, in accordance with some other embodiments of the invention.
[00020] Figure 4 exemplarily illustrates one or more components of the charging apparatus in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00021] The present disclosure may be best understood with reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein. Various embodiments are discussed below with reference to the figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed descriptions given herein with respect to the figures are simply for explanatory purposes as the system may extend beyond the described embodiments. For example, the teachings presented, and the needs of a particular application may yield multiple alternative and suitable approaches to implement the functionality of any detail described herein. Therefore, any approach may extend beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown.
[00022] References to “one embodiment,” “at least one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “one example,” “an example,” “for example,” and so on indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) may include a particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in an embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.
[00023] The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with different embodiments. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather those embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.
[00024] The present invention is illustrated with a battery charging apparatus. In a preferred embodiment, the charging apparatus may be a stationary charging station, a portable charger or a battery swapping station. A person skilled in the art would appreciate that the present invention is not limited to level 1, level 2, and level 3 (DC Fast Charging) charging stations, but is extensible to ultra-fast charging stations, wireless charging stations, and battery swapping stations. A pre-requisite of the present subject matter involves the authentication of one or more energy storage units. The one or more energy storage units may include Lithium-Ion Batteries, Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries, Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) batteries, Nickel-Metal Hydride Batteries, Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd) Batteries, Lead-Acid Batteries, Lithium Polymer (Li-Po) Batteries, Nickel-Iron (Ni-Fe) Batteries, Zinc-Air Batteries, Solid-State Batteries, Ultracapacitors, and any other electrical energy storing devices. In addition, one or more energy storage units may also include swappable and dockable battery packs that may be charged at a charging station.
[00025] It is an objective of the present subject matter to provide an authentication system for a charging apparatus that authenticates energy storage units, ensuring accessibility, reliability, durability, safety, and security of the battery charging apparatuses.
[00026] In accordance with the present disclosure, the present subject matter relates to an authentication system for a charging apparatus. The system comprises a control unit. The control unit is configured to receive a first input from one or more energy storage units; receive a second input from an external server communicatively coupled with the control unit. The control unit further determine an authentication status the one or more energy storage units, the authentication comprising comparing the first input with the second input; and control a charging operation of the one or more energy storage units based on the authentication status of the one or more energy storage units. The first input is indicative of a first set of parameters associated with the one or more energy storage units. The second input is indicative of a second set of parameters associated with a pre-defined set of authorized energy storage units. Therefore, the present subject matter provides for authentication of one or more energy storage units before initiating charging operation.
[00027] It is another objective of the present subject matter to provide an authentication system for a charging apparatus that ensures reliable authentication of the one or more energy storage units. In view of addressing the same, the present subject matter, in an embodiment, provides a control unit, being configured to map or match or compare the first input with the second input. The comparison may comprise determining by the control unit, whether an identification code associated with the one or more energy storage units matches with at least one of an identification code associated with the pre-defined set of energy storage units. Therefore, the present subject matter ensures that only authorized energy storage units are allowed to undergo charging operation in the battery charging apparatus.
[00028] It is another objective of the present subject matter to provide an authentication system for a battery charging apparatus that notifies a user of the charging apparatus of the status of authentication. In view of addressing the same, the present subject matter, in an embodiment, provides the external server being configured to transmit a second output to one or more devices indicative of the authentication status of the one or more energy storage units. The one or more devices are configured to notify a user of the authentication status of the one or more energy storage units. The one or more devices may comprise at least one of: a display device, a personal mobile device, one or more illuminating devices, and one or more audio units.
[00029] It is another objective of the present subject matter to provide an authentication system for a battery charging apparatus that ensures safety, and security of the battery charging apparatuses by allowing the charging operation only upon successful authentication of the one or more energy storage units.
[00030] In view of addressing the same, the present subject matter, in an embodiment, provides control unit, whereupon the authentication status of the one or more energy storage units being successful, being configured to transmit a first output to the external server indicative of the successful authentication of the one or more energy storage units; and initiate high pre-set threshold charging of the battery charging apparatus. Alternatively, the control unit, upon the authentication status of the one or more energy storage units being unsuccessful, is configured to transmit the first output to the external server indicative of the unsuccessful authentication of the one or more energy storage units; and initiate a low pre-set threshold charging of the battery charging apparatus. In an embodiment, upon the authentication status being unsuccessful, the control unit may transmit a signal to the external server to notify the user of unsuccessful authentication and may not initiate electric supply to the energy storage unit for charging. Therefore, to this end, in the present configuration of the authentication system the charging of the battery pack is enabled once user authentication is successful.
[00031] The present subject matter along with all the accompanying embodiments and their other advantages would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures in the following paragraphs.
[00032] The present subject matter is further described with reference to accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[00033] The present subject matter may be implemented in any form of battery authentication systems. However, for the purpose of explanation and by no limitation, the present invention, and corresponding additional advantages and features are described through the following embodiments depicting in the illustrated scope of battery charging authentication systems.
[00034] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram illustrating the one or more components of the system for authenticating access to battery charging in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00035] With reference to Figure 1, 100 denotes a charging apparatus, 102 denotes a control unit, 104 denotes one or more energy storage units, 106 denotes an external server, and 108 denotes one or more devices.
[00036] The system comprises the charging apparatus 100, the control unit 102, the one or more energy storage units 104, the external server 106, and the one or more devices 108.
[00037] The control unit 102 is communicatively coupled with the one or more energy storage units 104, and the external server 106. The external server 106 is communicatively coupled with the one or more devices 108.
[00038] In an aspect, the control unit 102 may be coupled with the one or more energy storage units 104, and the external server 106 by means of any one of: copper wires, aluminium wires, printed circuit boards (PCBs), busbars, flexible flat cables (FFC), fiber optic cables, braided cables, ribbon cables, conductive adhesives and inks, and shielded cables. Alternately a CAN or LIN communication or any other wireless communication mediums such as Bluetooth, NFC (Near Field Communication), Wi-Fi communication, cellular network communication, voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Wi-MAX. etc. may exist between the control unit 102 and the one or more energy storage units 104, and the external server 106. The external server 106 is communicatively coupled with the one or more devices 108 by way of any wireless communication mediums as already described.
[00039] In an aspect, the control unit 102 is configured to receive a first input from one or more energy storage units 104, and a second input from an external server 106. The output of the control unit 102 comprises control a charging operation of the one or more energy storage units 104. In an embodiment, the control unit may be an intelligent telematics control unit.
[00040] The control unit 102 is configured to receive a first input from one or more energy storage units 104. The first input is indicative of a first set of parameters being associated with the one or more energy storage units 104. The one or more energy storage units 104 may include Lithium-Ion Batteries, Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries, Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) batteries, Nickel-Metal Hydride Batteries, Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd) Batteries, Lead-Acid Batteries, Lithium Polymer (Li-Po) Batteries, Nickel-Iron (Ni-Fe) Batteries, Zinc-Air Batteries, Solid-State Batteries, Ultracapacitors, and any other electrical energy storing units. In a preferred embodiment, the one or more energy storage units 104 may be a swappable and dockable battery pack that may be charged by the battery charging apparatus 100.
[00041] The first set of parameters being associated with the one or more energy storage units 104 may comprise any one of a CAN ID, a QR code, a bar code, an electronic serial number, a RFID tag, a MAC address, and any other unique identification code for the one or more energy storage units 104. Additionally, the first set of parameters being associated with the one or more energy storage units 104 may also comprise the battery charge level, the battery temperature, the battery voltage, SOC, and any other operational parameters of the one or more energy storage units 104.
[00042] In an aspect, the battery charging apparatus 100 comprising the control unit 102 is a master for controlling and monitoring the charging of battery packs when the batteries are kept in a cradle structure and the battery charging apparatus 100 is powered ON. The control unit also powers ON and starts detecting the batteries. Once the batteries are detected, control unit 102 enables the switching units between high voltage power lines from charger to the battery packs. The battery charging apparatus 100 shall provide the charging voltage and charging current to batteries based on the input demand to the control unit 102.
[00043] In an aspect, the control unit 102 wakes up the battery packs through CAN message transmission and sends CAN decryption message to battery pack for broadcasting readable format messages from Battery Management Systems. In an aspect, the battery management system and the control unit are connected in single CAN communication line. The control unit reads the parameters from individual batteries such as SOC, Voltages, Charge and Discharge currents which will be used for controlling the batteries charging through the battery charging apparatus 100.
[00044] In an aspect, a one-time authentication is enabled for new battery packs interacting with the battery charging apparatus 100 upon the user loading the battery pack in the battery charging apparatus 100 for the first time.
[00045] In an aspect, the control unit 102 upon detection of presence of a battery pack in a cradle structure of the battery charging apparatus 100 transmits an acknowledgement of battery pack loading and charging status on a display unit of the battery charging apparatus 100 or a personal digital assistant of the registered user. In an embodiment, once the battery packs are placed on the cradle the control unit senses a 3.7V input from the battery pack disposed in either slot of the cradle structure. Post the slot detection, the control unit 102 drives the switching units with 12V output supply to permit dc output power to flow to the battery packs.
[00046] The control unit 102 is configured to receive a second input from an external server 106, the external server 106 being communicatively coupled with the control unit 102. The external server may comprise at least one of: telematics servers, diagnostics servers, Over-The-Air (OTA) update servers, cloud data platforms/systems, infotainment servers, Vehicle-To-Everything (V2X) servers, fleet management servers, and any other servers or platforms that can be a part of modern automotive ecosystems and support services like diagnostics, updates, telematics, and navigation. In a preferred embodiment, the external server 106 may be a P360 Connected Data Platform (CoDP) server in the azure cloud system for receiving data from the control unit 102.
[00047] In an aspect, the control unit 102 reads the charge current required for batteries from the battery management system 100 and demands the battery charging apparatus 100 to provide the demand voltage and demand current. The control unit 102 publishes the complete charging data to CoDP server from starting to ending of the charging operation. It will monitor the alerts and faults raised from battery charging apparatus 100 and battery pack and notifies the user about the fault detected.
[00048] In another aspect, the external server is communicatively connected to one or more devices 108. The one or more devices 108 may comprise at least one of: a display device, a personal mobile device, one or more illuminating devices, and one or more audio units. The external server 106 is configured to transmit a second output to one or more devices 108 indicative of the authentication of the one or more devices 108.
[00049] The control unit 102 is configured to receive a second input from the external server 106. The second input is indicative of a second set of parameters being associated with a pre-defined set of authorized energy storage units. The second set of parameters being associated with a pre-defined set of authorized energy storage units may comprise any one of a CAN ID, a QR code, a bar code, an electronic serial number, battery identification number (BIN), a RFID tag, a MAC address, and any other unique identification code for the pre-defined set of authorized energy storage units. The pre-defined set of authorized energy storage units includes all battery packs, batteries, and other energy storage units that are authorized, verified, and validated, that may be charged with the battery charging apparatus 100.
[00050] In an aspect, the pre-defined set of energy storage units refer to energy storage modules associated with a verified original equipment manufacturer (OEM), or an electrically and/or mechanically compatible energy storage unit with the concerned charging apparatus. For instance, if the requisite power of the energy storage unit is beyond the capacity of the concerned charging apparatus, the control unit may receive a second input from the external server and deem the same unauthorized. In another aspect, the pre-defined set of energy storage units may be stored in a memory module, or cloud server, or data management system communicatively coupled to the external server and/or the control unit.
[00051] An alternate embodiment may involve local storage of the second set of parameters being associated with a pre-defined set of authorized energy storage units within the control unit 102, reducing dependency on external servers and enhancing system reliability.
[00052] The control unit 102 is configured to authenticate the one or more energy storage units 104. The authentication comprises mapping the first input with the second input, wherein the control unit 102 determines whether an identification code associated with the one or more energy storage units 104 matches with at least one of an identification code associated with the pre-defined set of authorized energy storage units. The control unit 102 control a charging operation of the one or more energy storage units 104 based on the authentication of the one or more energy storage units 104.
[00053] The control unit 102 is configured to, upon successful authentication of the one or more energy storage units 104, transmit a first output to the external server 106 indicative of the successful authentication of the one or more energy storage units 104, and initiate high pre-set threshold charging of the battery charging apparatus 100. A successful authentication of the one or more energy storage units 104 is a complete matching of the identification code associated with the one or more energy storage units 104 with at least one of an identification code associated with the pre-defined set of authorized energy storage units.
[00054] High pre-set threshold charging is the active charging operation of the battery charging apparatus 100 operating at full working condition, whereby the battery charging apparatus 100 transfers the maximum capacity of charge to the one or more energy storage units 104. In an embodiment, the control unit 102 of the battery charging apparatus 100 may receive the pre-set threshold of charging from a user. In another embodiment, the high pre-set threshold charging is computed based on the voltage of the energy storage unit, the charging duration permissible and the peak current rating of the one or more energy storage units 104.
[00055] The control unit 102 is configured to, upon unsuccessful authentication of the one or more energy storage units 104, transmit the first output to the external server 106 indicative of the unsuccessful authentication of the one or more energy storage units 104, and initiate a low pre-set threshold charging of the battery charging apparatus 100. An unsuccessful authentication of the one or more energy storage units 104 is an incomplete/incorrect matching of the identification code associated with the one or more energy storage units 104 with at least one of an identification code associated with the pre-defined set of authorized energy storage units.
[00056] Low pre-set threshold charging of the battery charging apparatus 100 is the sleep/hibernate state, whereby the battery charging apparatus 100 transfers a negligible/minimal back voltage to the one or more energy storage units 104. This low pre-set threshold charging of the battery charging apparatus 100 would ensure that non-authenticated and non-verified energy storage units 104 do not operatively couple with the battery charging apparatus 100 and undergo charging operation.
[00057] The external server 106 is configured to transmit a second output to one or more devices 108 indicative of the authentication of the one or more devices 108. The one or more devices 108 are configured to notify a user of the authentication of the one or more energy storage units 104.
[00058] The one or more devices 108 may comprise at least one of: a display device, a personal mobile device, one or more illuminating devices, and one or more audio units. The one or more devices 108 may be wirelessly connected to the control unit 102 by at least one of Controller Area Network (CAN), Local Interconnect Network (LIN), any other wireless communication mediums. The wireless communication may use any of a plurality of communication standards, protocols and technologies, such as: Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), wideband code division 10 multiple access (W-CDMA), code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), Bluetooth, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) (e,g., IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g and/or IEEE 802.11n), voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Wi-MAX.
[00059] The one or more devices 108 may include display devices such as the instrument cluster, head-up displays (HUD), infotainment displays, etc. mounted on the battery charging apparatus 100 or a personal mobile device of the user, or also vehicular displays such as navigation displays, rear-view camera displays, rear seat entertainment displays, climate control displays, digital rearview mirrors, instrument panel displays, side mirror displays, and any other screens located within a vehicle of the user. The display device may notify the user of the status of the authentication of the one or more energy storage units 104. Upon receiving the second output from the external server 106, indicative of the authentication of the one or more energy storage units 104, the display device may be configured to display an alert to the user displayed prominently in bold letters and contrasting colours to properly alert and notify the user of the status of the authentication of the one or more energy storage units 104. In an embodiment, the alert may be displayed in a flashing frequency to catch the attention of the user.
[00060] The personal mobile devices such as mobile phones, personal computers, personal digital assistants, tablets, smart watches, smart glasses, and any other personal device of the user that is capable of issuing an notification or alert to a vehicle user. Upon receiving the second output from the external server 106, indicative of the authentication of the one or more energy storage units 104, the personal mobile device may be configured to display an alert to the user displayed prominently in bold letters and contrasting colours to properly alert and notify the user of the status of the authentication of the one or more energy storage units 104.
[00061] The one or more devices 108 may also include one or more illuminating devices such as lamps and indicators mounted on the battery charging apparatus 100, and vehicular lights of the vehicle of the user such as head lamps, tail lamps, turn signal lamps, hazard lamps, fog lamps, cabin lights, instrument cluster lights, telltale indicators, displays, screens, and any source of light located within the vehicle of the user. Upon receiving the second output from the external server 106, indicative of the authentication of the one or more energy storage units 104, the one or more illuminating devices may be configured to display an alert to the user by flashing a light. In an embodiment, the one or more illuminating devices may emit a light of a wavelength of 500 nm and frequency of 530 hertz (green light) to indicate a successful authentication of the one or more energy storage units 104, and the light may be of a wavelength of 600 nm and frequency of 400 hertz (red light) to indicate an unsuccessful authentication of the one or more energy storage units 104.
[00062] The one or more devices 108 may also include one or more audio units such as any audio system, a horn, a siren, a beeping device, and any other audio device located on the battery charging apparatus 100, within the vehicle of the user, capable of producing an output in sound. The one or more audio units may also include the personal mobile device of the user. The one or more audio units, upon receiving the second output from the external server 106, indicative of the authentication of the one or more energy storage units 104, are configured to output an alert which may be audibly heard by the user. The alert may be a pre-loaded audio file, beeping noise, a buzzing noise, a warning message, a sharp sound, or any other noise capable of catching the attention of the user. Upon hearing the alert, the user would be properly alerted and notified of the status of the authentication of the one or more energy storage units 104.
[00063] Figure 2 illustrates a method for authenticating access to battery charging apparatus in accordance with some other embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00064] With reference to Figure 2, the method 200 begins at step 202 and proceeds to step 204. At step 204, the method 200 comprises receiving, by a control unit 102, a first input from one or more energy storage units 104, the first input being indicative of a first set of parameters being associated with the one or more energy storage units 104. The method 200 then proceeds to step 206.
[00065] At step 206, the method 200 comprises receiving, by the control unit 102, a second input from an external server 106, the external server 106 being communicatively coupled with the control unit 102, the second input being indicative of a second set of parameters being associated with a pre-defined set of authorized energy storage units. The method 200 then proceeds to step 208.
[00066] At step 208, the method 200 comprises authenticating, by the control unit 102, the one or more energy storage units 104, the authentication comprising mapping the first input with the second input. The control unit 102 determines whether an identification code associated with the one or more energy storage units 104 matches with at least one of an identification code associated with the pre-defined set of authorized energy storage units. The method 200 then proceeds to step 210.
[00067] At step 210, the method 200 comprises transmitting, by the control unit 102, a first output to the external server 106 indicative of the authentication of the one or more energy storage units 104. The external server 106 is configured to transmit a second output to one or more devices 108 indicative of the authentication of the one or more devices 108. The one or more devices 108 are configured to notify a user of the authentication of the one or more energy storage units 104. The method 200 then proceeds to step 212.
[00068] At step 212, the method 200 comprises controlling, by the control unit 102, a charging operation of the one or more energy storage units 104 based on the authentication of the one or more energy storage units 104. Upon successful authentication of the one or more energy storage units 104, the control unit 102 is configured to transmit a first output to the external server 106 indicative of the successful authentication of the one or more energy storage units 104, and initiate high pre-set threshold charging of the battery charging apparatus 100. Upon unsuccessful authentication of the one or more energy storage units 104, the control unit 102 is configured to transmit a first output to the external server 106 indicative of the unsuccessful authentication of the one or more energy storage units 104, and initiate low pre-set threshold charging of the battery charging apparatus 100. The method 200 ends at step 212.
[00069] Figure 3 exemplarily illustrates a process flow of the control unit, in accordance with some other embodiments of the invention.
[00070] With reference to Figure 3, the process flow 300 starts at step 302 and proceeds to step 304.
[00071] At step 304, a control unit 102 receives a first input from one or more energy storage units 104 indicative of a first set of parameters being associated with the one or more energy storage units 104. The process 300 then flows to step 306.
[00072] At step 306, the control unit 102 receives a second input from an external server 106 being indicative of a second set of parameters being associated with a pre-defined set of authorized energy storage units. The process 300 then flows to step 308.
[00073] At step 308, the control unit 102 authenticates the one or more energy storage units 104, wherein the authentication comprises mapping the first input with the second input. The control unit 102 determines whether an identification code associated with the one or more energy storage units 104 is matching with at least one of an identification code associated with the pre-defined set of authorized energy storage units. In the event the control unit 102 successfully authenticates the one or more energy storage units 104, the process 300 flows to step 310. In the event the control unit 102 unsuccessfully authenticates the one or more energy storage units 104, the process 300 flows to step 314.
[00074] At step 310, the control unit 102 transmits a first output to an external server 106 indicative of the successful authentication of the one or more energy storage units 104. The process 300 then flows to step 312.
[00075] At step 312, the control unit 102 initiates a high pre-set threshold charging of the charging station 100. The process 300 then flows to step 318, where the process ends.
[00076] At step 314, the control unit 102 transmits a first output to an external server 106 indicative of the unsuccessful authentication of the one or more energy storage units 104. The process 300 then flows to step 316.
[00077] At step 316, the control unit 102 initiates a low pre-set threshold charging of the charging station 100. The process 300 then flows to step 318, where the process ends.
[00078] Figure 4 exemplarily illustrates one or more components of the battery charging apparatus in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00079] With reference to Figure 4, Battery 1 and Battery 2 denote the one or more energy storage units 104, CODP control unit denotes the control unit 102, the components including Chagori input from charger, W/H, and the plurality of relays denote the battery charging apparatus 100.
[00080] In a non-limiting illustration of an embodiment of the present subject matter, the method for authentication access to battery charging apparatus 100 to initiate charging of the battery pack comprises reception of a battery identification number (BIN) from the battery management system of the battery pack to the control unit 102 of the battery charging apparatus 100. The BIN is sent to the external server 106 by the control unit 102. In an aspect, upon the BIN received matching with a pre-set list of BINs the control unit is configured to transmit a signal of authorization for initiating battery charging. The pre-set list of BINs may comprise authenticated battery IDs uploaded from a dealer side.
[00081] In the event, the received BIN doesn’t match the pre-set list of BINs, the control unit 102 is configured to transmit the battery pack parameters via the external server 106 to the registered manufacturer of the vehicle for authentication. Further, the BIN against the user profile is matched to authenticate legitimate usage of the battery pack. In an embodiment, where the battery charging apparatus is not for public usage but belonging to a private sector, upon the received BIN not matching a pre-set list, the owner of the battery charging apparatus may receive an alert on the user’s personal digital assistant for authentication.
[00082] Once the BIN is authenticated, the battery pack placed in the cradle of the charging apparatus is charged via triggering one or more control switches.
[00083] In an embodiment, QR code-based scanning for user validation and payment is provided post BIN authentication. Once the QR code is scanned, the user is to enter the BIN and select the charging rate. In an aspect, based on the charging rate selected the payable amount of using the battery charging apparatus may be updated. In an aspect, a QR based scanning for user validation and payment provides exploration of the disclosed authentication system in public locations such as tea stalls, malls, vendor locations and public highways.
[00084] In this aspect, the disclosed configuration of the authentication system provides an enhance pay and use battery charging infrastructure. The control unit of the charging station is configured to control the charging of the battery pack. For instance, the battery identification number uniquely identifies the vehicle as well as the registered user to enable accurate billing and tracking. The SOC indicates the current battery charge level, allows the station to adjust charging rates accordingly to avoid overcharging or undercharging. The charging voltage and current provide information on the electrical requirements of the vehicle, enabling the station to deliver the appropriate power levels. Additionally, monitoring the temperature of the power unit helps prevent overheating during charging, ensuring safety and battery longevity. Finally, the charging history provides insights into past charging patterns, enabling the station to optimize future charging sessions based on user preferences and usage patterns. Additionally, the charging history is retrieved from the vehicle, the station module can identify charging patterns and preferences. For example, if the vehicle typically charges during off-peak hours, the station module can schedule future charging sessions accordingly to take advantage of lower electricity rates.
[00085] In light of the above-mentioned advantages and the technical advancements provided by the disclosed subject matter as discussed above are not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed vehicle enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Further, the claimed system clearly brings an improvement in the durability of the signal control unit disposed of the vehicle as the claimed location and vehicle and constructional features provide a technical solution to a technical problem.
[00086] Finally, the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter, and is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based here on. Accordingly, the embodiments of the present invention are intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
[00087] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. A person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the systems, modules, and sub-modules have been illustrated and explained to serve as examples and should not be considered limiting in any manner. It will be further appreciated that the variants of the above disclosed system elements, modules, and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined to create other different systems or applications. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any of the aforementioned system modules may be suitably replaced, reordered, or removed, and additional steps and/or system modules may be inserted, depending on the needs of a particular application.
[00088] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. ,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. An authentication system for a charging apparatus (100), the authentication system comprising:
a control unit (102), the control unit (102) being configured to:
receive a first input from one or more energy storage units (104), the first input being indicative of a first set of parameters being associated with the one or more energy storage units (104);
receive a second input from an external server (106), the external server (106) being communicatively coupled with the control unit (102), the second input being indicative of a second set of parameters being associated with a pre-defined set of energy storage units;
determine an authentication status of the one or more energy storage units (104) by comparing the first input with the second input; and
control a charging operation of the one or more energy storage units (104) based on the authentication status of the one or more energy storage units (104).

2. The authentication system for the charging apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the authentication status of one or more energy storage units (104) being successful when:
an identification code associated with the one or more energy storage units (104) being matched with an identification code associated with the pre-defined set of energy storage units.

3. The authentication system for the charging apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein control of the charging operation of the one or more energy storage units (104) upon the authentication status of the one or more energy storage units (104) being successful, comprises:
transmittal of a first output to the external server (106) indicative of the authentication status of the one or more energy storage units (104); and
initiation of a high pre-set threshold charging of the charging apparatus (100).

4. The authentication system for the charging apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein upon the authentication status of the one or more energy storage units (104) being unsuccessful, the control unit (102) being configured to:
transmit a first output to the external server (106) indicative of the authentication status of the one or more energy storage units (104); and
initiate a low pre-set threshold charging of the charging apparatus (100).

5. The authentication system for the charging apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the external server (106) being configured to transmit a second output to one or more devices (108) communicatively coupled with the external server (106), the second output being indicative of an authentication status of the one or more energy storage units (104).

6. The authentication system for the charging apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the one or more devices (108) being configured to notify the authentication status of the one or more energy storage units (104) to a user; and
wherein the one or more devices (108) comprise at least one of:
a display device,
a personal mobile device,
one or more illuminating devices, and
one or more audio units.

7. A method for authenticating one or more energy storage units (104) for a charging apparatus (100), the method comprising :
receiving, by a control unit (102), a first input from one or more energy storage units (104), the first input being indicative of a first set of parameters being associated with the one or more energy storage units (104);
receiving, by the control unit (102), a second input from an external server (106) communicatively coupled with the control unit (102), the second input being indicative of a second set of parameters being associated with a pre-defined set of authorized energy storage units;
determining an authentication status, by the control unit (102), of the one or more energy storage units (104) by comparing the first input with the second input; and
controlling, by the control unit (102), a charging operation of the one or more energy storage units (104) based on the authentication status of the one or more energy storage units (104).

8. The method for authenticating one or more energy storage units (104) for the charging apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the authentication status of one or more energy storage units (104) being successful when: :
an identification code associated with the one or more energy storage units (104) being matched with an identification code associated with the pre-defined set of energy storage units.

9. The method for authenticating one or more energy storage units (104) for a battery charging apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein controlling of the charging operation upon the authentication status of the one or more energy storage units (104) being successful comprises:
transmittal of a first output to the external server (106) indicative of the authentication status of the one or more energy storage units (104); and
initiation of a high pre-set threshold charging of the charging apparatus (100).

10. The method for authenticating one or more energy storage units (104) for the charging apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein upon the authentication status of the one or more energy storage units (104) being unsuccessful, the control unit (102) being configured to:
transmit a first output to the external server (106) indicative of the authentication status of the one or more energy storage units (104); and
initiate a low pre-set threshold charging of the charging apparatus (100).

11. The method for authenticating one or more energy storage units (104) for the charging apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 7 comprising transmittal of a second input from the external server (106) to one or more devices (108) communicatively coupled with the external server (106), the second output being indicative of the authentication of the one or more energy storage units (104).
12. The method for authenticating one or more energy storage units (104) for the charging apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the one or more devices (108) being configured to notify a user of the authentication of the one or more energy storage units (104); and
wherein the one or more devices (108) comprising at least one of:
a display device (112),
a personal mobile device (114)
one or more illuminating devices (116), and
one or more audio units (118).