Description:Complete Specification:
The following specification describes and ascertains the nature of this invention and the manner in which it is to be performed

Field of the invention
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a distributed ledger system (DLS) to manage charging operations in plurality of electric vehicles.

Background of the invention

[0002] In order to charge electric vehicles, the present charging infrastructures use a unilateral pricing strategy which does not factor into account dynamic changes in the electricity grid. The momentous changes in harmonics can be logged in real-time and the aggregate of the deviations corresponding to each weight can be calculated. The charging and associated billing process of electric vehicles can be automated with the integration of smart contracts in the blockchain network.

[0003] An object of the present disclosure is to identify and integrate home charging stations, owned by EV owners, into an interconnected network of public charging infrastructure. Homeowners can be provided with incentives and options to participate in the program voluntarily, allowing their charging stations to be accessible for public use. The transformed network will offer a higher density of charging stations, enabling EV owners to charge their vehicles conveniently, thus extending the overall range and reducing range anxiety. In the present disclosure, a distributed ledger is used to store the information pertaining to the accessible charging stations.

[0004] Distributed Ledgers (DL) are a consensus of replicated, shared, peer-to-peer and synchronized digital data spread across multiple sites, countries, or institutions. Every participant of these DLs spread across forms a node (network node where each participant replicates and saves an identical copy of the ledger and updates itself independently. When a ledger update happens, majority of the nodes in the participating network verifies and validates the proposed update. The nodes then agree to accept the update using the underlying consensus algorithm. Blockchain is a type of DLT where transactions are recorded via the consensus algorithm that comprises an immutable cryptographic signature called a hash. The transactions are then grouped in blocks and each new block includes a hash of the previous one, chaining them together, hence why distributed ledgers are often called blockchains.

[0005] In the present invention, a smart contract platform is used that facilitates the creation and execution of power quality assessment of electric vehicle charging sessions. The immutable and distributed ledger feature of a blockchain is used to store detailed attributes related to charging of an electric vehicle . Smart contracts are pieces of code on a DL or blockchain that define the relationship and actions between parties. Smart contracts have predefined conditions, so they can automatically trigger actions if these conditions are fulfilled. Smart Contracts form an integral part of DLT and via the code running on top of a DL, it contains a set of rules or preconditions under which the parties mutually agree, thereby eliminating the need for third parties.

[0006] The prior art US2022405743 AA discloses a vehicle service and a process to pay for the vehicle service. A data connection is established between a service point and an electronic control unit of a vehicle. Initial vehicle service data is gathered that includes a timestamp of establishing the data connection, identification data of the vehicle, and, at the time of the timestamp, at least one value of a state of the vehicle indicating a quantity which is to be altered by the provision of the vehicle service. Service provider service data of the completed vehicle service is stored on the blockchain network. The validity of the provision of the vehicle service is checked by comparing the initial and final vehicle service data and the provider service data of the completed vehicle service. When the validity is confirmed, the process to pay for the vehicle service is triggered on the blockchain network.

[0007] The prior art compares values to ensure that both parties are not deceiving each other. In the present invention complex power quality parameters are assessed to establish fair pricing for consumers. It is a contested fact that not all electric vehicle charging stations offer the same power quality, even though the price point remains consistent across all outlets. This disparity brings the consumers at the receiving end. The distinctive feature of a smart contract disclosed in the present invention is ascertaining the chargeable amount based on but not limited to individual factors like voltage harmonics, frequency deviations, voltage sag/swell duration and depth, power factor and total harmonic distortion (THD). The amount computed would have a percentage of each of these factors thereby challenging the fixed-inflated electric vehicle charging rates.

[0008] Further, the present invention entails the creation of a peer-to-peer network that includes but not limited to home-owned and autonomous charging stations. These otherwise idle home charging stations can become a part of a massively linked system which downsizes range anxiety in electric vehicle owners. This network is further equipped with enhanced capabilities to map to the nearest charging stations based on power quality and to redirect to nearby individually available charging stations/slots.

Brief description of the accompanying drawings
[0009] An embodiment of the invention is described with reference to the following accompanying drawings:
[0010] Figure 1 depicts a distributed ledger system (DLS) to manage charging operations in plurality of electric vehicles.
[0011] Figure 2 depicts a flowchart for a method to manage charging operations in plurality of electric vehicles.
Detailed description of the drawings

[0012] It is to be understood that when subjected to the present disclosure, a person skilled in the art is presumed to have an understanding of distributed ledger technology and smart contracts along with their implementation through a computer or a computing device.
[0013] In the present disclosure, a distributed ledger (DL) ensures equal access among plurality of participant nodes in the server. Each of the authenticated stakeholder can view the metadata stored in the DL (blockchain). Rather than making all data visible, the levels of abstraction may be processed to communicate effectively between the participating stakeholders in the charging infrastructure. The exemplary embodiments in the present disclosure are directed to a private blockchain network (a private distributed ledger system) to preserve the security of the ledger using Zero Knowledge Proof, wherein, one stakeholder (the prover) can prove to another party (the verifier) that a given statement is true, while avoiding conveying to the verifier any information beyond the mere fact of the statement's truth.

[0001] The present invention will now be described by way of example, with reference to accompanying drawings. Throughout all the figures, same or corresponding elements may generally be indicated by same reference numerals. These depicted embodiments are to be understood as illustrative of the invention and not as limiting in any way. It should also be understood that the figures are not necessarily to scale and that the embodiments are sometimes illustrated by graphic symbols, phantom lines, diagrammatic representations, and fragmentary views. In predetermined instances, details which are not necessary for an understanding of the present invention, or which render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted.

[0002] Referring to Figure 1, the same depicts a distributed ledger system (DLS) (10) to manage charging operations in plurality of electric vehicles. The DLS comprises plurality of nodes (1a, 2a) as participants to the DLS.

[0003] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the node in said plurality of node comprises processors (not shown) and interfaces (not shown) (input/output/network interfaces) as modules that comprise the node. A module with respect to this disclosure can be defined as a self-contained hardware or software component that interacts with the larger system. A module can either be a logic circuitry or a software programs that respond to and processes logical instructions to get a meaningful result. A module may be implemented in the system as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or as any or a combination of one or more microchips or integrated circuits interconnected using a parent board, hardwired logic, software stored by a memory device and executed by a microprocessor, firmware, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and/or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). Terms like "logic", "module", "component", "engine", "circuitry", "element", and "mechanism" may include, by way of example, software, hardware, firmware, and/or a combination thereof. Further, these various modules can either be a software embedded in a single chip or a combination of software and hardware where each module and its functionality is executed by separate independent chips connected to each other to function as the system.

[0004] Said plurality of nodes comprise at least one service node (2a) and at least one vehicle node (1a). It is to be understood that said at least one service and vehicle nodes are termed to be so (either termed as a service node or a vehicle node) based on a purpose of a stakeholder accessing said at least one service and vehicle nodes. In an example, a stakeholder interested in charging their vehicle will access the vehicle node and the stakeholder providing the charging service will access the service node.
[0005] Said DLS is configured to store and execute at least one smart contract (5). A smart contract is a computer-based transaction protocol which implements conditions of a contract. The smart contract is an executable computer program which can make decisions when particular conditions are satisfied. For example, external data which causes a particular action via predefined implemented contract rules (the conditions) can be used as an input. In a blockchain, a smart contract can be stored as executable script at a particular address of the blockchain. If the conditions stipulated in the smart contract occur, a transaction is transmitted to this particular address of the blockchain. The smart contract checks the conditions and can cause or perform the particular action if the check is successful. In one example, a smart contract can also be certified by a digital signature from a particular provider in order to increase the trustworthiness even further.

[0006] Said DLS(10) is configured to store a set of power-parameters(3) received from the at least one service node(2a) and store a set of charging-parameters (4) received from the at least one vehicle node(1a). A person skilled in the art will appreciate that these power and vehicle parameters are hashed and stored on a distributed ledger (6) of the DLS (blockchain network).

[0007] Characteristically, in the present disclosure, said DLS is configured to obtain a charging price based on said set of power- parameters (3) and charging-parameters(4) by means of said at least one smart contract(5), and record a transaction in a distributed ledger (6) of the DLS when said at least one smart contract (5) is executed. These power-parameters (3) and charging parameters (4) are received through interfaces which are logic circuitry inside the plurality of nodes responsible for self-verified data from the stakeholders.

[0008] According to the present invention, the set of power-parameters comprises at least a Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) factor, a Total Demand Distortion (TDD) factor, an Under and Over Voltage factor, a Sags and Swells factor, a Voltage Unbalance factor, a harmonics factor, a time of Charge factor, and a Demand-Supply Constraints factor.
[0009] The THD measures the level of distortion in a waveform compared to its fundamental frequency. In power systems, it indicates the extent to which harmonic frequencies are present in the electrical signal. The TDD refers to the total distortion in the demand of power over a period of time. It's a measure of how much harmonic distortion affects the overall power demand. Under and Over Voltage indicate when the voltage supplied to a system or device falls below (under voltage) or rises above (over voltage) the standard operating levels, which can lead to equipment damage or malfunction. Sags are short-term reductions in voltage levels, while swells are short-term increases. They can occur due to various factors such as sudden changes in load or faults in the power system. Voltage unbalance occurs when the voltages in a three-phase power system are not equal. This can lead to inefficient operation of equipment and increased losses. Harmonics are frequencies that are integer multiples of the fundamental frequency in a power system. They can cause distortion in voltage and current waveforms, leading to issues such as overheating of equipment and interference with communication systems.
[0010] Voltage and Current Unbalance Factors quantify the extent of unbalance in voltage and current in a three-phase power system. They are typically expressed as percentages. Time of Charge refers to the time it takes to charge a battery or an electric vehicle. It can be influenced by factors such as the charging technology used and the capacity of the battery. Demand-Supply Constraints refer to limitations on the amount of power that can be supplied to meet the demand in a given area. They can arise due to various factors such as insufficient generation capacity or limitations in transmission infrastructure.

[0011] Any irregularities, distortions, or abnormalities in the power parameters and the charging-parameters that can affect power quality are flagged and charging price is determined accordingly. According to an example, the same may be achieved by storing a hash of initial and final values of these charging and power parameters on the DLS. The hash will be signed by the modules of the at least one vehicle and service nodes. A person skilled in the art will understand that the same may be done by asymmetric cryptographic algorithms The process involves generating digital signatures by using a private key of the node to encrypt the hash value. This signature can later be verified by the public key.

[0012] According to the present invention, the set of charging-parameters (3) comprises at least a state of charge of at least one electrical vehicle (1), a power consumption by the at least one electrical vehicle(1), a location information of the at least one electrical vehicle(1) and an identity information of the at least one electrical vehicle.

[0013] Apart from the aforementioned power-parameters (3) and charging parameters(4), it is to be understood that all such parameters capable of determining the power quality and charging quality may be received in order to implement a fair charging system. The list is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.

[0014] According to the present invention, the plurality of nodes are accessed by a plurality of stakeholders. Said plurality of stakeholders comprises at least one charging service provider (2), and at least one user of the at least one electrical vehicle (1). It is to be understood that said at least one service and vehicle nodes (1a, 2a) are termed to be so (either termed as a service node or a vehicle node) based on a purpose of a stakeholder accessing said at least one service and vehicle nodes. In an example, a stakeholder interested in charging their vehicle will access the vehicle node and the stakeholder providing the charging service will access the service node. In a working example, home charging stations may be integrated into the network of available public charging spots wherein consumers (EV owners) can charge, and the service provider can settle for an undisputed amount which will uphold the benefits of the concerned parties involved. Even in the absence of the service provider, the self executable smart contract will acutely quantify the settlement amount based on the various parameters of the energy consumed.

[0015] According to the present invention, the at least one user of the at least one electrical vehicle (1) is directed to the at least one charging service provider (2) based on said set of power parameters (3). According to an implementation example, an interface (such as a mobile application) may be used between the charging station (of the charging service provider) and electric-vehicle. A peer-to-peer network comprising of home charging stations (as charging service providers) and EV users would be logged in to the server. The data from these can help identify those charging stations of superior power quality. The disclosed DLS will hence allow mapping to the nearest charging stations based on power quality. It will further allow the users of EV to redirect to nearby individually available charging stations/slots of the charging service providers. Further, in an example, tokens (created equivalent to FIAT currencies) may be used to create a reward-based charging ecosystem. The same also suggests of possibilities to stabilize the grid system using vehicle-to-grid technology in place.

[0016] The at least one smart contract determines the charging price based on a comparison between said set of power- parameters(3) and charging-parameters (4). It is to be understood that the distributed ledger ensures equal access among all the nodes in the server. The power-parameters may be periodically recorded with an average cumulated over the charging span. In addition to this, mathematical algorithms of Fast Fourier Transform may be used in analyzing and quantifying power parameters such as Total Harmonic Distortion. The power-parameters as power quality factors may be calculated as a pre-work to the smart contract. A set threshold may be used to calculate the deviations between the power-parameters and the expected values of the charging-parameters. These comparisons may be used to set terms for contractual execution of the smart contract. That is, the thresholds/differences deviations observed between the charging operation and the power provided and the quality of power provided may set the terms of determining the charging price. Any irregularities, distortions, or abnormalities in the power parameters and the charging-parameters that can affect power quality are flagged and charging price is determined accordingly.

[0017] The at least one smart contract (5) is executed when the at least one vehicle is charged at the determined charging price.

[0018] Figure 2 illustrates method steps (100) to manage charging operations in plurality of electric vehicles. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the DLS system explained in accordance with figure 1 is the DL framework used for implementation of method steps (100). Method step (101) comprises obtaining a charging price based on said set of power- parameters and charging-parameters by means of said at least one smart contract. The Method step (102) is recording a transaction in a distributed ledger of the DLS when said at least one smart contract is executed. The plurality of nodes are accessed by a plurality of stakeholders, said plurality of stakeholders comprising at least one charging service provider, and at least one user of the at least one electrical vehicle. Further, the at least one user of the at least one electrical vehicle is directed to the at least one charging service provider based on said set of power parameters.

[0019] The system, methods herein facilitate in the creation of a smart contract to dynamically assess power quality factors and subsequently automate the billing of charging stations. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in response to detecting an establishment of an electrical connection between the electric vehicle (1) and the charging station (2), attributes of the electrical grid power supply are assed. A set threshold may used to calculate the deviations between the power-parameters and the expected values of the charging-parameters. These comparisons may be used to set terms for contractual execution of the smart contract. That is, the thresholds/differences deviations observed between the charging operation and the power provided and the quality of power provided may set the terms of determining the charging price. Any irregularities, distortions, or abnormalities in the power parameters and the charging-parameters that can affect power quality are flagged and charging price is determined accordingly.

, Claims:We Claim:
1. A distributed ledger system (DLS) (10) to manage charging operations in plurality of electric vehicles, the DLS comprises plurality of nodes as participants to the DLS, said plurality of nodes comprise at least one service (2a) node and at least one vehicle node (1a), said DLS configured to:
-store and execute at least one smart contract (5),
-store a set of power-parameters (3) received from the at least one service node (2a),
-store a set of charging-parameters(4) received from the at least one vehicle node (1a),
characterized in that, said DLS configured to :
-obtain a charging price based on said set of power- parameters(3) and charging-parameters(4) by means of said at least one smart contract (5), and
-record a transaction in a distributed ledger(6) of the DLS when said at least one smart contract(5) is executed.

2. The DLS (10) as claimed in Claim 1, wherein, the set of power-parameters (3) comprises at least:
- Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) factor,
-a Total Demand Distortion (TDD) factor,
- an Under and Over Voltage factor,
-a Sags and Swells factor, a Voltage Unbalance factor,
-a harmonics factor, a time of Charge factor, and
-a Demand-Supply Constraints factor.
.

3. The DLS (10) as claimed in Claim 1, wherein, the set of charging-parameters (4) comprises at least :
-a state of charge of at least one electrical vehicle,
-a power consumption by the at least one electrical vehicle,
-a location information of the at least one electrical vehicle and
-an identity information of the at least one electrical vehicle.

4. The DLS (10) as claimed in Claim 1, wherein, the plurality of nodes are accessed by a plurality of stakeholders, said plurality of stakeholders comprising:
-at least one charging service provider (2) , and
-at least one user of the at least one electrical vehicle (1) .

5. The DLS (10) as claimed in Claim 4, wherein, the at least one user of the at least one electrical vehicle (1) is directed to the at least one charging service provider based on said set of power parameters (3).

6. The DLS (10) as claimed in Claim 1, wherein, the at least one smart contract (5) determines the charging price based on a comparison between said set of power- parameters (3) and charging-parameters (4).

7. The DLS(10) as claimed in Claim 1, wherein, the smart contract is executed when the at least one vehicle is charged at the determined charging price.

8. A method(100) to manage charging operations in plurality of electric vehicles by means of a distributed ledger system (DLS), the DLS comprising plurality of nodes as participants to the DLS, said plurality of nodes comprise at least one service node and at least one vehicle node, said DLS configured to:
-store and execute at least one smart contract,
-store a set of power-parameters received from the at least one service node,
-store a set of charging-parameters received from the at least one vehicle node,
the method comprising the steps of :
-obtaining a charging price based on said set of power- parameters and charging-parameters by means of said at least one smart contract (101), and
-recording a transaction in a distributed ledger of the DLS when said at least one smart contract is executed (102).
9. The method (100) as claimed in Claim 8, wherein, accessing the plurality of nodes by a plurality of stakeholders, said plurality of stakeholders comprising:
-at least one charging service provider, and
-at least one user of the at least one electrical vehicle.

10. The method (100) as claimed in Claim 8, wherein, directing the at least one user of the at least one electrical vehicle to the at least one charging service provider based on said set of power parameters.