DESC:DEVICE FOR CALCULATING ELECTRICAL ENERGY CONSUMED BY ELECTRIC VEHICLE DURING CHARGING EVENT
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICTIONS
The present application claims priority from Indian Provisional Patent Application No. 202221074287 filed on 21/12/2022, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by a reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure generally relates to a system for calculating electrical energy consumed for charging an electric vehicle. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to a portable device for calculating electrical energy consumed by an electric vehicle during a charging event and communicating the same to a user. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to a method for calculating electrical energy consumed by an electric vehicle during a charging event.
BACKGROUND
Recently, there have been a rapid development in electric vehicles because of their ability to resolve pollution related problems and serve as a clean mode of transportation. Generally, electric vehicles include a battery pack, powerpack and/or combination of electric cells for storing electricity required for propulsion of the vehicles. The electrical power required for charging the battery pack of the electric vehicle may be given by an on-board charger included in the vehicle or by connecting the battery pack of the electric vehicle to an external charger available at charging stations.
As known in the art, the battery technology has evolved in the recent past. In the recent past some battery technologies have been established as reliable source of power for electric vehicles such as Lithium-ion batteries due to their energy density and weight characteristics. Furthermore, some of the newer technologies are under development such as solid-state batteries and zinc-air batteries. However, the range of the electric vehicle is limited due to the battery capacity constraints. There exists a need for regular charging of the battery pack of the electric vehicle, to keep the vehicle in operation.
With the development of DC fast charging, the charging speeds of electric vehicles have been drastically improved. DC fast charging is the fastest method of charging an electric vehicle and is typically used for long-distance travel. DC fast chargers use a direct current (DC) to charge the battery, which is faster than using an alternating current (AC). DC fast charging can provide a charge up to 350 kW, which can charge a vehicle to 80% in 20-30 minutes, depending on the characteristics of the battery.
However, DC fast chargers require significant infrastructure, including high-capacity electrical lines and transformers. Such infrastructure is expensive to install and maintain, especially in remote or rural areas. Due to the above, the DC fast charging is costly compared to domestic and/or commercial electrical charging. Furthermore, the biggest limitation with the DC fast chargers is the availability of the charging stations. As the number of installed DC fast chargers is limited, the availability of DC fast chargers open for service is even more limited due to maintenance and other outages. Such limited availability increases congestion on the DC charging network and affects the availability of the charger at the required time. In other words, it is highly likely that the DC fast charger is occupied by another vehicle at the required time.
The electric vehicle users are reluctant to charge their electric vehicles at regular domestic or commercial outlet, via the on-board charger, as it is difficult to determine the amount of electrical energy consumed by the battery pack during the charging event. Generally, the regular domestic or commercial outlets are unmetered (at the outlet/socket level) and does not have required components associated with the outlet to determine the power supplied from the outlet at a specific instance. Furthermore, in a situation where the battery pack of the electric vehicle is charged using the on-board charger, wherein the on-board charger is connected to an electrical outlet of which is not owned by the user of the electric vehicle, the calculation of cost for the amount of electrical energy consumed by the battery pack is even more difficult. The cost of per unit of electrical energy consumed by the battery pack may vary from outlet to outlet and depend upon different parameters. Therefore, the electric vehicle user is always hesitant to use unmetered outlets for charging the battery pack, during a journey. Furthermore, due to the such limitation, the owners of such outlets are reluctant to provide charging to electric vehicle users, as it is not possible to determine the power consumed during the specific charging event. Furthermore, it is even more difficult to determine the external factors associated with the cost of power consumed during the charging event. Moreover, it is difficult to determine whether the vehicle being charged is a personal mobility electric vehicle or a commercial electric vehicle. Such difficulty in determining vehicle type result in improper billing and cost allocation, improper load management, and regulatory in-compliance such as commercial use of electricity meant for domestic use.
Presently, the electricity regulatory/electricity supply/government authorities lack techniques and/or solutions to monitor and regulate the usage of electricity via the domestic or commercial electrical outlet for the purpose of charging personal mobility electric vehicles and/or commercial electric vehicles.
Therefore, there exists a need of system and method for calculating electrical energy consumed by an electric vehicle during a charging event that overcomes the one or more problems associated as set forth above.
SUMMARY
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a portable device for calculating electrical energy consumed by an electric vehicle during a charging event done from an unmetered outlet.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a method for calculating electrical energy consumed by an electric vehicle during a charging event done from an unmetered outlet.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable instructions stored thereon, being executable by a computerized device comprising processing hardware to execute method for calculating electrical energy consumed by an electric vehicle during a charging event done from an unmetered outlet.
In accordance with first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a portable device for calculating electrical energy consumed by an electric vehicle during a charging event, wherein the portable device comprises a male connector, a female connector, a sensor arrangement, a communication module, a data processing arrangement and a display unit. The male connector electrically connects the portable device to a power source. The female connector receives a charger plug of the electric vehicle for establishing electrical connection between the electric vehicle and the power source. The sensor arrangement is configured to detect at least one connection parameter associated with the established electrical connection between the electric vehicle and the power source. The communication module communicably couples the electric vehicle and a server arrangement with the portable device. The data processing arrangement is configured to receive the at least one connection parameter detected by the sensor arrangement, receive at least one charging event parameter, determine an amount of electrical energy consumed by the electric vehicle during the charging event, and calculate a cost associated with the consumed electrical energy based on the at least one connection parameter, at least one charging event parameter and the amount of electrical energy consumed. The display unit is communicably coupled to the data processing arrangement, configured to display the amount of electrical energy consumed by the electric vehicle and the associated cost incurred during the charging event.
The present disclosure provides a portable device for calculating electrical energy consumed by an electric vehicle during a charging event. The portable device, as disclosed in the present disclosure, is advantageous in terms of accurately determining the amount of electrical energy consumed during the charging event of the electric vehicle. Furthermore, the portable device of the present disclosure is advantageous in terms of providing cost associated with the charging event of the electric vehicle. Furthermore, the portable device of the present disclosure enables the calculation of cost associated with the charging event in a real-time manner. Furthermore, the portable device of the present disclosure enables the electric vehicle owner to charge the electric vehicle at any unmetered domestic or commercial electrical outlet which is not specifically meant for charging electric vehicles. Furthermore, the portable device of the present disclosure enables the domestic households and small commercial units to provide charging to the electric vehicle users as per their requirements, even in the remote areas. Moreover, the portable device of the present disclosure enables the identification whether the electric vehicle being charged is a personal mobility vehicle or a commercial vehicle which would in turn result in better billing and cost allocation, load management, and regulatory compliance. Furthermore, the portable device of the present invention allows the electricity regulatory/electricity supply/government authorities to maintain a regulatory oversight over the usage pattern of the electricity. Advantageously, a user can carry the portable device while traveling and use the same for charging the electric vehicle at any unmetered domestic or commercial electrical outlet.
In accordance with second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for calculating electrical energy consumed by an electric vehicle during a charging event. The method comprises receiving at least one connection parameter, receiving at least one charging event parameter, determining an amount of electrical energy consumed by the electric vehicle during the charging event, calculating a cost associated with the consumed electrical energy based on the at least one connection parameter, at least one charging event parameter and the amount of electrical energy consumed, and displaying the amount of electrical energy consumed by the electric vehicle and the associated cost incurred during the charging event.
In accordance with third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable instructions stored thereon, being executable by a computerized device comprising processing hardware to execute method, as disclosed in the second aspect of the present disclosure.
Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the present disclosure would be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments constructed in conjunction with the appended claims that follow.
It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.
Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:
FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a portable device for calculating electrical energy consumed by an electric vehicle during a charging event, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2a illustrates a block diagram of an arrangement between the portable device and a server arrangement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2b illustrates a block diagram of an arrangement between the portable device, the server arrangement and a user device, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary representation of the portable device for calculating electrical energy consumed by an electric vehicle during a charging event, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 4a illustrates a block diagram of the portable device for calculating electrical energy consumed by an electric vehicle during a charging event, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 4b illustrates a block diagram of the portable device for calculating electrical energy consumed by an electric vehicle during a charging event, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 4c illustrates a block diagram of the portable device for calculating electrical energy consumed by an electric vehicle during a charging event, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart of a method for calculating electrical energy consumed by an electric vehicle during a charging event, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure.
In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and ways in which they can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognise that other embodiments for carrying out or practising the present disclosure are also possible.
The description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of certain embodiments of a motor of an electric vehicle and is not intended to represent the only forms that may be developed or utilised. The description sets forth the various structures and/or functions in connection with the illustrated embodiments; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the disclosure that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimised to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.
While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.
The terms “comprise”, “comprises”, “comprising”, “include(s)”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, system that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or system. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus preceded by “comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.
In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings and which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.
The present disclosure will be described herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, well known functions or constructions are not described in detail since they would obscure the description with unnecessary detail.
As used herein, the terms ‘electric vehicle’, ‘EV’, and ‘EVs’ are used interchangeably and refer to any vehicle having stored electrical energy, including the vehicle capable of being charged from an external electrical power source. This may include vehicles having batteries which are exclusively charged from an external power source, as well as hybrid-vehicles which may include batteries capable of being at least partially recharged via an external power source. Additionally, it is to be understood that the ‘electric vehicle’ as used herein includes electric two-wheeler, electric three-wheeler, electric four-wheeler, electric pickup trucks, electric trucks and so forth.
As used herein, the terms ‘portable device’, and ‘smart meter’ are used interchangeably and refer to an electronic device capable of measuring at least one of: consumption of electrical energy, voltage levels, current and power factor. The portable device records usage of the electrical energy in real time manner and report the same at regular and short intervals.
As used herein, the terms ‘male connector’, ‘plug’ and ‘connector pins’ are used interchangeably and refer to one or more exposed or unshielded pieces of metal conductors capable of establishing an electrical connection when inserted into a jack (female connector). Advantageously, the male connector may be of various shapes, sizes, and designs, depending on local regulations and connector types used in a specific geographical area.
As used herein, the terms ‘female connector’, ‘jack’, ‘receptacle’ and ‘connector wells’ are used interchangeably and refer to one or more recessed terminals capable of receiving and holding connector pins for establishing an electrical connection. Advantageously, the female connector may be of various shapes, sizes, and designs, depending on local regulations and connector types used in a specific geographical area.
As used herein, the terms ‘data processing arrangement’ and ‘processor’ are used interchangeably and refer to a computational element that is operable to respond to and processes instructions that drive the system. Optionally, the data processing arrangement includes, but is not limited to, a microprocessor, a micro-controller, a complex instruction set computing (CISC) microprocessor, a reduced instruction set (RISC) microprocessor, a very long instruction word (VLIW) microprocessor, or any other type of processing circuit. Furthermore, the term “processor” may refer to one or more individual processors, processing devices and various elements associated with a processing device that may be shared by other processing devices. Furthermore, the data processing arrangement may comprise ARM Cortex-M series processors, such as the Cortex-M4 or Cortex-M7, or any similar processor designed to handle real-time tasks with high performance and low power consumption. Furthermore, the data processing arrangement may comprise custom and/or proprietary processors.
As used herein, the term ‘communicably coupled’ refers to a bi-directional connection between the various components of the system. The bi-directional connection between the various components of the system enables exchange of data between two or more components of the system. Similarly, bi-directional connection between the system and other elements/modules enables exchange of data between system and the other elements/modules.
As used herein, the term “communication module” relates to an arrangement of interconnected programmable and/or non-programmable components that are configured to facilitate data communication between one or more electronic devices and/or databases, whether available or known at the time of filing or as later developed. Furthermore, the communication module may utilise, but is not limited to, a public network such as the global computer network known as the Internet, a private network, Wi-Fi, a cellular network including 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G LTE etc. and any other communication system or systems at one or more locations. Additionally, the communication module utilise wired or wireless communication that can be carried out via any number of known protocols, including, but not limited to, Internet Protocol (IP), Wireless Access Protocol (WAP), Frame Relay, or Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM). Moreover, any other suitable protocols using voice, video, data, or combinations thereof, can also be employed. Moreover, although the communication module described herein as being implemented with TCP/IP communications protocols, the communication module may also be implemented using IPX, Appletalk, IP-6, NetBIOS, OSI, any tunnelling protocol (e.g., IPsec, SSH), or any number of existing or future protocols. It would be appreciated that internal components of the portable device would utilise communication methods including Controller Area Network, Local Interconnect Network, FlexRay, Ethernet, Modbus, Profibus, DeviceNet, Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP/IP, Profinet and so forth, via the communication module. Similarly, it would be appreciated that the portable device would utilise communication methods including Wi-Fi, cellular network, Bluetooth for communication with external modules/units/components, via the communication module.
As used herein, the term “server arrangement, and “server”” are used interchangeably and refer to a remote computing unit with organization of one or more CPUs, memory, databases, network interfaces etc. to provide required information via network-based communication.
As used herein, the term “electric vehicle server” refers to a remote computing unit with organization of one or more CPUs, memory, databases, network interfaces etc. to provide required information via network-based communication to the electric vehicle. The electric vehicle server is configured to receive and provide any required information related to the electric vehicle. It would be appreciated that the electric vehicle server is in a two-way communication with the electric vehicle.
As used herein, the term “external server”, “third-party server” and “government server” are used interchangeably and refers to a remote computing unit with organization of one or more CPUs, memory, databases, network interfaces etc. to provide required information via network-based communication. The external server belongs to an organization or government body responsible for overseeing and regulating the electricity sector within a particular jurisdiction or geographical area. Furthermore, the external server may belong to a government body overseeing vehicle registration and transport. In particular, the external server is owned by electricity regulatory/electricity supply/government authorities.
As used herein, the term “sensor arrangement” and “sensors” are used interchangeably and refers to a configuration of sensors in the system to measure, monitor or detect specific parameters, conditions and/or events.
As used herein, the term “power source”, “electrical outlet”, “outlet” and “power outlet” are used interchangeably and refers to source of electricity supply for charging of the electric vehicle. The power source may include wired AC power sources, wired DC power sources, wireless power sources, renewable energy-based power sources, non-renewable energy-based power sources and so forth.
As used herein, the term “user” refers to an owner of the electric vehicle and/or an owner of the domestic or commercial electrical outlet.
As used herein, the term “user device” refers to a handheld computing unit comprising processing, networking and storage capabilities. The user device may include a smartphone, a tablet, a handheld terminal and so forth. It would be appreciated that the user device is associated/owned by the user (owner of the electric vehicle or the owner of the domestic or commercial electrical outlet).
As used herein, the term “user input” refers to an input of the information provided by the user.
As used herein, the term “display unit”, and “display” are used interchangeably and refers to a digital display capable of displaying various information related to the charging event. Furthermore, the display unit may be a combination of displays and analog gauges.
As used herein, the term “connection parameters” refers to the parameters associated with the electrical connection established between the power source and the electric vehicle via the portable device. It would be appreciated that the connection parameters comprise at least one of: a load rating of the electrical connection between the electric vehicle and the power source, an actual current received from the power source during the charging event and a voltage received from the power source during the charging event.
As used herein, the term “load rating of the electrical connection between the electric vehicle and the power source” refers to a maximum amount of electrical power that can be safely and reliably withdrawn from the power source by the electric vehicle. Furthermore, it would be appreciated that the load rating of the electrical connection is an important factor in determining the cost of the power delivered as cost of the power increases with increased load rating of the electrical connection.
As used herein, the term “actual current received from the power source during the charging event” refers to the amount of current being received by the electric vehicle in the real time from the power source during the charging event. It would be appreciated that the current received during the charging event may fluctuate with time, thus, the determination of the same would enable accurate calculation of the cost of power consumed during the charging event.
As used herein, the term “actual voltage received from the power source during the charging event” refers to the amount of voltage being received by the electric vehicle in the real time from the power source during the charging event. It would be appreciated that the voltage received during the charging event may fluctuate with time, thus, the determination of the same would enable accurate calculation of the cost of power consumed during the charging event.
As used herein, the term “charging event parameter” refers to a parameter applicable for charging of the electric vehicle. The charging event parameter comprises cost per unit of electrical energy consumed during the charging event of the electric vehicle and a type of vehicle being charged in a specific charging event. As used herein, the term “cost per unit of electrical energy” refers to the price/rate of electricity measured per kilowatt-hour. It would be appreciated that the cost per unit of power varies depending on factors such as the time of day, the day of the week, and the season. Furthermore, the cost per unit of power may also vary during off-peak and on-peak hours. Thus, obtaining cost per unit of power enable accurate calculation of the cost of power consumed during the charging event. As used herein, the term “type of vehicle” refers to electric vehicles categorized as per their purpose or usage. Specifically, the type of vehicle refers to the registration of vehicle as personal mobility vehicle or commercial vehicle. It would be appreciated that the type of vehicle is detected by sensor arrangement and/or by obtaining the registration data of the electric vehicle from Regional Transport Office.
As used herein, the term “memory module” refers to components or storage device that is integrated into the portable device to store data and information related to energy consumption and portable device operations. The memory module plays a crucial role in recording and retaining important information associated with the charging events for various purposes. The memory module store data related to energy usage. This data is typically stored in the memory module, allowing for accurate billing and analysis of energy usage patterns over time. Furthermore, the memory module performs historical data logging beyond the immediate billing cycle. This enables utilities and consumers to access and analyse historical usage patterns for energy management, efficiency evaluation, or auditing purposes. Furthermore, the memory module may also store event logs or error records related to the portable device operations. This can include power outages, tampering attempts, communication failures, or other relevant events. Event logs help utilities diagnose issues, track meter performance, and investigate anomalies. Furthermore, the memory module may store firmware and software updates. This allows for remote updates and upgrades, ensuring that the portable device operates with the latest features, security patches, and performance improvements.
As used herein, the term “digital security module” refers to a combination of processing unit and memory unit capable of encrypting the communication originating from the communication module. The digital security module ensures the security of communication and data transmission, and may store encryption keys, security certificates, or other authentication information. Furthermore, the digital security module safeguards sensitive information and protect against unauthorized access or tampering in a digital manner. Furthermore, the digital security module ensures cybersecurity of the portable device against hacking attempts.
As used herein, the term “anti-tampering module” refers to a set of specialized components and/or features designed to detect and prevent unauthorized access, tampering, or manipulation of the portable device’s physical or operational integrity. Advantageously, the anti-tampering module ensure the accuracy, reliability, and protection of energy consumption data. The anti-tampering module is configured to detect and prevent physical tampering as it comprises sensors and mechanisms that can detect physical tampering attempts, such as opening the portable device’s enclosure, removing the device cover, or cutting the device seal. These sensors trigger alerts or record events to indicate potential tampering. Furthermore, the anti-tampering module cut-off the electrical energy supply to the electrical vehicle in case of tampering attempt. Furthermore, the anti-tampering module alerts the external server in case of tampering attempt. Furthermore, the anti-tampering module may comprise seals to indicate if the portable device has been accessed or tampered and further comprises mechanisms to detect if the seals have been broken or compromised. Furthermore, the anti-tampering module may monitor the connection parameters, such as current and voltage, to detect abnormal patterns or deviations that may indicate tampering, such as bypassing the potable device or manipulating the electrical connections. Furthermore, the anti-tampering module may comprise magnetic field sensors which can be utilized to detect the presence of external magnetic fields, which could be an indication of attempts to manipulate the portable device’s measurements or data.
Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment describes a portable device 100 for calculating electrical energy consumed by an electric vehicle during a charging event. The portable device 100 comprises a male connector 102, a female connector 104, a sensor arrangement 106, a communication module 108, a data processing arrangement 110, and a display unit 112. The male connector 102 electrically connects the portable device to a power source. The female connector 104 receives a charger plug of the electric vehicle for establishing electrical connection between the electric vehicle and the power source. The sensor arrangement 106 is configured to detect at least one connection parameter associated with the established electrical connection between the electric vehicle and the power source. The communication module 108 is communicably couples the electric vehicle and a server arrangement 202 with the portable device 100. The data processing arrangement 110 configured to receive the at least one connection parameter detected by the sensor arrangement 106, receive at least one charging event parameter, determine an amount of electrical energy consumed by the electric vehicle during the charging event, and calculate a cost associated with the consumed electrical energy based on the at least one connection parameter, at least one charging event parameter and the amount of electrical energy consumed. The display unit 112 is communicably coupled to the data processing arrangement 110 and configured to display the amount of electrical energy consumed by the electric vehicle and the associated cost incurred during the charging event.
The portable device 100, as disclosed in the present disclosure, is advantageous in terms of accurately determining the amount of electrical energy consumed during the charging event of the electric vehicle. Furthermore, the portable device 100 of the present disclosure is advantageous in terms of providing cost associated with the charging event of the electric vehicle. Furthermore, the portable device 100 of the present disclosure enables the calculation of cost associated with the charging event in a real-time manner. Furthermore, the portable device 100 of the present disclosure enables the electric vehicle owner to charge the electric vehicle at any unmetered domestic or commercial electrical outlet which is not specifically meant for charging electric vehicles. Furthermore, the portable device 100 of the present disclosure enables the domestic households and small commercial units to provide charging to the electric vehicle users as per their requirements, even in the remote areas. Moreover, the portable device 100 of the present disclosure enables the identification whether the electric vehicle being charged is a personal mobility vehicle or a commercial vehicle which would in turn result in better billing and cost allocation, load management, and regulatory compliance. Furthermore, the portable device 100 of the present invention allows the electricity regulatory/electricity supply/government authorities to maintain a regulatory oversight over the usage pattern of the electricity. It would be appreciated that the identification of the type of electric vehicle would enable differential billing for different type of the vehicle. In an example, a commercial electric vehicle would be billed higher as compared to a personal mobility electric vehicle. Furthermore, based on the detection of the type of electric vehicle being charged, the load in a certain geographical area can be managed accordingly by power-grid controlling entity. In an example, when multiple commercial electric vehicles are being charged at a charging station, the load on the power-grid can be managed accordingly to prevent the power-grid failure. Furthermore, based on the detection of the type of vehicle, regulatory compliance can be ensured in terms of avoiding commercial use of the electricity meant for the purpose of domestic use. Moreover, the portable device 100 of the present invention would enable the infrastructure providers to identify the need of charging infrastructure based on the type of vehicle being charged in a particular geographical area. Advantageously, a user can carry the portable device 100 while traveling and use the same for charging the electric vehicle at any unmetered domestic or commercial electrical outlet.
In an embodiment, the at least one connection parameter comprises at least one of: a load rating of the electrical connection between the electric vehicle and the power source, an actual current received from the power source during the charging event and a voltage received from the power source during the charging event.
In an embodiment, type of power source comprises: a domestic electrical outlet or a commercial electrical outlet. Specifically, the power source comprises the domestic electrical outlets which are unmetered and are not particularly designed for the purpose of charging the electric vehicles. Alternatively, the power source comprises commercial electrical outlets which are unmetered and are not particularly designed for the purpose of charging electric vehicles. The type of power source may be determined by the portable device 100 based on the at least one connection parameter such as voltage and current received. It would be appreciated that the determination of type of the power source would enable the system to account for differential pricing model of different type of electrical outlets based on the usage category such as domestic connection, commercial connection etc.
In an embodiment, the sensor arrangement 106 may comprise a combination of voltage sensors, current sensors, hall effect sensors and so forth. In yet another embodiment, the sensor arrangement 106 may comprise a combination of voltage sensors, current sensors, hall effect sensors and so forth for detecting the at least one connection parameter.
In an embodiment, the at least one charging event parameter comprises: a cost per unit of electrical energy consumed during the charging event and a type of electric vehicle.
Figure 2a, in accordance to an embodiment describes that the portable device 100 is communicably coupled to the server arrangement 202. In an embodiment, the server arrangement 202 comprises an electric vehicle server 202a and an external server 202b. The portable device 100 receives the at least one charging event parameter from the electric vehicle server 202a and/or the external server 202b. In an embodiment, the portable device 100 receives the at least one charging event parameter from the electric vehicle server 202a. In another embodiment, the portable device 100 receives the at least one charging event parameter from external server 202b. In yet another embodiment, the portable device 100 receives the at least one charging event parameter from both the electric vehicle server 202a and the external server 202b.
In an embodiment, the type of vehicle is identified using registration data of the electric vehicle. It would be appreciated that the external server would comprise the registration data records of the electric vehicle. In an example, when the electric vehicle is connected to the power source via the portable device 100, the electric vehicle is identified and the registration data of the electric vehicle is fetched from the electric vehicle server 202a and/or the external server 202b.
In an embodiment, the portable device 100 comprises anti-tampering module 308 configured to detect and communicate a tampering attempt of the portable device 100. The anti-tampering module 308 is configured communicate any tampering attempt of the portable device 100 to the external server 202a. Furthermore, the anti-tampering module 308 may cut-off the electrical connection between the electric vehicle and the power source when the tampering attempt is detected.
Figure 2b, in accordance to another embodiment describes that the portable device 100 is communicably coupled to a user device 204 and the server arrangement 202. In an embodiment, the portable device 100 is configured to receive the at least one charging event parameter from the at least one user device 204 when the at least one charging event parameter is not available from the server arrangement 202. Furthermore, the portable device 100 may utilize the communication module 108 to communicate with the user device 204. The user device 204 is configured to receive at least one charging event parameter as a user input from a user if the charging event parameter is not available from the server arrangement 202. In an embodiment, the user device 204 may be associated with user of the electric vehicle and/or the owner of the power source. In an example the user device 204 is a smartphone of electric vehicle owner. In another example, the user device 204 is a smartphone of electrical outlet owner.
In an embodiment, the portable device 100 may be associated with user of the electric vehicle and/or the owner of the power source. In an example the portable device 100 is owned by the electric vehicle owner. In another example, the portable device 100 is owned by the electrical outlet owner.
In an embodiment, the portable device 100 is configured to communicate information associated with each charging event to the external server 202b. In an example, the portable device 100 communicates all the charging event parameter, connection parameters, energy consumed in each charging event to the the external server 202b. It would be appreciated that such transfer of information from the portable device 100 to the external server 202b enables monitoring of the usage patterns and ensures better regulatory compliance.
Figure 3, illustrates an exemplary portable device 300 for calculating electrical energy consumed by an electric vehicle during a charging event. A male connector 302 is located at one face of the device to plug the device 300 in the power source. A female connector 304 located at another face of the device 300 to receive the plug of the charger of the electric vehicle. The device 300 comprises a display unit 306 configured to display the amount of electrical energy consumed by the electric vehicle and the associated cost incurred during the charging event. In an embodiment, the portable device 300 comprises anti-tampering module 308 configured to detect and communicate a tampering attempt of the portable device 300.
Figure 4a, illustrates an embodiment of the portable device 400, wherein the portable device 400 comprises a memory module 414 configured to store at least one of: the at least one connection parameter, the at least one charging event parameter and the information associated with each charging event. The memory module 414 may store the information for sending the same to the external server 202b.
Figure 4b, illustrates an embodiment of the portable device 400, wherein the portable device 400 comprises a digital security module 416 configured to secure the communication of the portable device 400 with the at least one of: the electric vehicle, the server arrangement 202 and the at least one user device 204. Advantageously, the digital security module 416 ensures the digital security of the portable device 400 along with the security of the communication with the electric vehicle, the server arrangement 202 and the at least one user device 204. It would be appreciated that the digital security module 416 may employ security techniques such as encryption to achieve the digital security of the communication of the portable device 400.
Figure 4c, illustrates an embodiment of the portable device 400, wherein the portable device 400 comprises the memory module 414 and the digital security module 416.
In an embodiment, the portable device 100 is configured to display the cost associated with the charging event on the at least one user device 204. Advantageously, the user device 204 displays the calculated cost associated with the charging event to the user for their information. It would be appreciated that the term “user” herein refers to user of the electric vehicle and/or owner of the power source.
In an embodiment, the portable device 100 is configured to determine the amount of electrical energy consumed by the electric vehicle in a real-time manner.
In an exemplary embodiment, the electric vehicle owner or the domestic/commercial electrical outlet owner owns the portable device 100. When the electric vehicle is required to be charged, the male connector 102 of the portable device 100 is plugged into the domestic/commercial electrical outlet and the plug of the charger of the electric vehicle is inserted into the female connector 104 of the portable device 100. The sensor arrangement 106 detects the at least one connection parameter associated with the established electrical connection between the electric vehicle and the power source. The identity of the electric vehicle is obtained using CAN (Controller Area Network) communication with the vehicle. The identity of the vehicle is sent to the server arrangement 202. The server arrangement 202 confirms the identity of the connected vehicle and provides the at least one charging event parameter including the type of vehicle to the portable device 100. Once the vehicle starts charging, the data processing arrangement 110 of the portable device 100 determine an amount of electrical energy consumed by the electric vehicle, during the charging event and calculate a cost associated with the consumed electrical energy based on the at least one connection parameter, at least one charging event parameter and the amount of electrical energy consumed. The amount of electrical energy consumed by the electric vehicle and the associated cost incurred during the charging event is displayed on the display unit 112 and the user device 204. During the charging event, the portable device 100 sends all the information associated with the charging event to the server arrangement 202.
Figure 5, describes a method 500 for calculating electrical energy consumed by an electric vehicle during a charging event. The method 500 starts at step 502 and completes at step 510. At step 502, the method 500 comprises receiving at least one connection parameter. At step 504, the method 500 comprises receiving at least one charging event parameter. At step 506, the method 500 comprises determining an amount of electrical energy consumed by the electric vehicle, during the charging event. At step 508, the method 500 comprises calculating a cost associated with the consumed electrical energy based on the at least one connection parameter, at least one charging event parameter and the amount of electrical energy consumed. At step 510, the method 500 comprises displaying the amount of electrical energy consumed by the electric vehicle and the associated cost incurred during the charging event.
It would be appreciated that all the explanations and embodiments of the portable device 100 also applies mutatis-mutandis to the method 500.
In another aspect of the present disclosure, there is disclosed a computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable instructions stored thereon, the computer-readable instructions being executable by a computerized device comprising processing hardware to execute method 500.
In the description of the present invention, it is also to be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified or limited, the terms “disposed,” “mounted,” and “connected” are to be construed broadly, and may for example be fixedly connected, detachably connected, or integrally connected, either mechanically or electrically. They may be connected directly or indirectly through intervening media, or they may be interconnected between two elements. The specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention can be understood in specific cases to those skilled in the art.
Modifications to embodiments and combination of different embodiments of the present disclosure described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as “including”, “comprising”, “incorporating”, “have”, “is” used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non- exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural where appropriate.
Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the present disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. A portable device (100) for calculating electrical energy consumed by an electric vehicle during a charging event, wherein the portable device (100) comprises:
- a male connector (102) for electrically connecting the portable device (100) to a power source;
- a female connector (104) for receiving a charger plug of the electric vehicle for establishing electrical connection between the electric vehicle and the power source;
- a sensor arrangement (106) configured to detect at least one connection parameter associated with the established electrical connection between the electric vehicle and the power source;
- a communication module (108) for communicably coupling the electric vehicle and a server arrangement (202) with the portable device (100);
- a data processing arrangement (110) configured to:
- receive the at least one connection parameter detected by the sensor arrangement (106);
- receive at least one charging event parameter;
- determine an amount of electrical energy consumed by the electric vehicle, during the charging event; and
- calculate a cost associated with the consumed electrical energy based on the at least one connection parameter, at least one charging event parameter and the amount of electrical energy consumed; and
- a display unit (112), communicably coupled to the data processing arrangement (110), configured to display the amount of electrical energy consumed by the electric vehicle and the associated cost incurred during the charging event.
2. The portable device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one connection parameter comprises at least one of: a load rating of the electrical connection between the electric vehicle and the power source, an actual current received from the power source during the charging event and a voltage received from the power source during the charging event.
3. The portable device (100) as claimed in claim 1 and 2, wherein the at least one charging event parameter comprises: a cost per unit of electrical energy consumed during the charging event and a type of electric vehicle.
4. The portable device (100) as claimed in claim 1 to 3, wherein the server arrangement (202) comprises an electric vehicle server (202a) and an external server (202b).
5. The portable device (100) as claimed in claim 1 to 4, wherein the portable device (100) is configured to receive the at least one charging event parameter from the electric vehicle server (202a).
6. The portable device (100) as claimed in claim 1 to 4, wherein the portable device (100) is configured to receive the at least one charging event parameter from the external server (202b).
7. The portable device (100) as claimed in claim 1 to 6, wherein the type of vehicle is identified using registration data of the electric vehicle.
8. The portable device (100) as claimed in claim 1 to 7, wherein the portable device (100) is communicably coupled to at least one user device (204) and configured to receive the at least one charging event parameter from the at least one user device (204).
9. The portable device (100) as claimed in claim 1 to 8, wherein the portable device (100) is configured to communicate information associated with each charging event to the external server (202b).
10. The portable device (100) as claimed in claim 1 to 9, wherein the portable device (100) comprises a memory module (414) configured to store at least one of: the at least one connection parameter, the at least one charging event parameter and the information associated with each charging event.
11. The portable device (100) as claimed in claim 1 to 10, wherein the portable device (100) comprises a digital security module (416) configured to secure the communication of the portable device (100) with the at least one of: the electric vehicle, the server arrangement (202) and the at least one user device (204).
12. The portable device (100) as claimed in claim 1 to 11, wherein the portable device (100) comprises anti-tampering module (308) configured to detect and communicate a tampering attempt of the portable device (100).
13. The portable device (100) as claimed in claim 1 to 12, wherein the portable device (100) is configured to display the cost associated with the charging event on the at least one user device (204).
14. The portable device (100) as claimed in claim 1 to 13, wherein the portable device (100) is configured to determine the amount of electrical energy consumed by the electric vehicle in a real-time manner.
15. A method (500) for calculating electrical energy consumed by an electric vehicle during a charging event, wherein the method (500) comprises:
- receiving at least one connection parameter;
- receiving at least one charging event parameter;
- determining an amount of electrical energy consumed by the electric vehicle, during the charging event;
- calculating a cost associated with the consumed electrical energy based on the at least one connection parameter, at least one charging event parameter and the amount of electrical energy consumed; and
- displaying the amount of electrical energy consumed by the electric vehicle and the associated cost incurred during the charging event.
16. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable instructions stored thereon, the computer-readable instructions being executable by a computerized device comprising processing hardware to execute method (500) of claim 15.