Modularized interface and related method for connecting plug-in electric vehicles to the energy grid
This invention is directed to a modularized interface for connecting a plug-in electric vehicle to the energy grid. For use with public or semi-public outlets, the modularized interface comprises a module and a smart socket, where the module is integrated within or capable of being connected to, the vehicle's charging interface. The module is normally disabled, but is enabled only after the end user is authenticated, the smart socket and its associated meter have been identified, and the module and the end user's account with the local utility are validated. The module meters the energy consumption, and, when the module is disconnected from the smart socket, indicating termination of the charging session, the metered data is communicated to the utility for updating the end user's account, and the module is disabled. The module is also capable of use with conventional outlets located, for example, in private residences.
1. A modularized interface for connecting a plug-in electric vehicle to the energy grid comprising:
a module integrated within or configured to be connected to a charging interface on the vehicle and connectable to a smart socket connected to the energy grid, the module comprising:
a security authentication device for authenticating and authorizing an end user;
a communication interface for forming a connection with a utility center;
a processor within the module for controlling operation of the module;
a switch that, when open, disables the module from delivering power to the vehicle, and, when closed, enables the module to deliver power to the vehicle;
wherein the processor within the module controls the module so that the module is normally disabled, and is enabled only after the module is authenticated using the security authentication device, the utility center authorizes the module, and an end user's account, billing, credit, payment provision or combinations thereof using the connection is established via the communications interface with the utility center;
the smart socket comprising:
a processor within the smart socket for controlling operation of the smart socket;
at least one switch that, when open, disables the smart socket from delivering power to the vehicle, and, when closed, enables the smart socket to deliver power to the vehicle through the module;
wherein the processor within the smart socket controls the smart socket so that the smart socket is normally disabled, and is enabled only after the module, after being connected to the smart socket, identifies the smart socket and its associated meter, and user preferences, if any, regarding energy pricing or charging scheduling, pre-programmed into the module, are satisfied;
wherein the processor within the module meters energy consumption or discharge while energy flows to or from the vehicle through the modularized interface; and
wherein, when the module is disconnected from the smart socket, the processor within the smart socket disables the smart socket, and the processor within the module, after communicating the metered data to the utility center, disables the module.
2. The modularized interface of claim 1 , wherein the processor in the module receives periodic price signals from the utility center over the communication interface and adjusts charging or discharging according to preferences defined by the user.
3. The modularized interface of claim 2 , wherein the utility center disables or enables charging or discharging by the module by sending a signal over the communication interface.
4. The modularized interface of claim 1 , further comprising a locking mechanism for preventing unauthorized disconnection between the module and the smart socket when the smart socket and module are enabled.
5. The modularized interface of claim 4 , wherein the security authentication device triggers and disengages the locking mechanism between the module and the smart socket.
6. The modularized interface of claim 1 , further comprising a securing bracket for preventing a vehicle plug from being disconnected from the module.
7. The modularized interface of claim 1 , wherein the user preferences include a cost per kilowatt hour value.
8. The modularized interface of claim 1 , wherein the user preferences include a time of day to charge the plug-in electric vehicle.
9. The modularized interface of claim 1 , wherein the user preferences are not defined.
10. A modularized interface for connecting a plug-in electric vehicle to the energy grid comprising:
a module integrated within or configured to be connected to a charging interface on the vehicle and connectable to a socket connected to the energy grid, said module comprising:
a security authentication device for authenticating and authorizing an end user;
a communication interface for downlink or bi-directional communication with a utility center;
a processor within the module for controlling operation of the module;
a switch that, when open, disables the module from delivering power to the vehicle, and, when closed, enables the module to deliver power to the vehicle;
wherein the processor within the module controls the module so that the module is normally disabled, is enabled only after the module is connected to the socket, and the end user is authenticated and authorized using the security authentication device;
wherein the processor within the module meters energy consumption while energy flows to the vehicle through the modularized interface; and
wherein, when the module is disconnected from the socket, the processor within the module, after communicating the metered data to the utility center over the connection established via the communication interface, disables the module.
11. The modularized interface of claim 10 , further comprising a locking mechanism for preventing unauthorized disconnection between the module and the smart socket when the smart socket and module are enabled.
12. The modularized interface of claim 11 , wherein the security authentication device triggers and disengages the locking mechanism.
13. The modularized interface of claim 10 , wherein the communication interface within the module is a wireless communication device.
14. The modularized interface of claim 10 , wherein said module is plugged into a smart socket comprising a processor.
15. The modularized interface of claim 14 , wherein the smart socket further comprises:
at least one switch that, when open, disables the smart socket from delivering power to the vehicle, and, when closed, enables the smart socket to deliver power to the vehicle through the module;
wherein the processor within the smart socket controls the smart socket so that the smart socket is normally disabled, and is enabled only after the module, after being connected to the smart socket, identifies the smart socket and its associated meter, and user preferences, if any, are satisfied.
16. The modularized interface of claim 15 , wherein the user preferences are not defined by the user.
17. The modularized interface of claim 16 , wherein the user preferences include at least one of a time of day to charge, a price per kilowatt hour, and a total not to exceed dollar amount.
18. The modularized interface of claim 15 , wherein the processor within the module meters energy consumption or discharge while energy flows to or from the vehicle through the modularized interface; and
wherein, when the module is disconnected from the smart socket, the processor within the smart socket disables the smart socket, and the processor within the module, after communicating the metered data to the utility center, disables the module.
19. The modularized interface of claim 10 , wherein a user is authenticated by typing in a password or satisfying a biometric scan.
20. A process for connecting a plug-in electric vehicle to the energy grid through an off-vehicle modularized interface, comprising a module and a smart socket that is connected to the energy grid, the module configured to be connected to a charging interface on the vehicle and to the smart socket, the process comprising the steps of:
authenticating and authorizing an end user's account using a security authentication device within the modularized interface;
forming a connection to a utility center through a communication interface;
enabling the module only after the module is connected to the smart socket, the end user is authenticated and authorized using the security authentication device, and the module and the end user's account using the connection established via the communication interface;
enabling the smart socket, and enabling energy to flow to the vehicle, only after the module, after being connected to the smart socket, identifies the smart socket and its associated meter, and any user preferences regarding energy pricing or charging scheduling, pre-programmed into the module, are satisfied;
metering energy consumption by the module while energy flows to the vehicle through the modularized interface;
when the module is disconnected from the smart socket, disabling the smart socket, communicating the metered data to the utility center over the connection established via the communication interface, and disabling the module.
21. The process of claim 20 , further comprising locking the module to the smart socket when the smart socket and module are enabled.
22. The process of claim 21 , further comprising disengaging the locking mechanism only after the end user is authenticated.
23. The process of claim 20 , further comprising receiving periodic price signals from the utility center over the communication interface and adjusting charging or discharging according to preferences defined by the user.
24. A process for connecting a plug-in electric vehicle to the energy grid through an off-vehicle modularized interface, comprising a module and a socket that is connected to the energy grid, comprising the following steps:
authenticating and authorizing an end user using a security authentication device within the modularized interface;
enabling the module only after the module is connected to the socket and the end user is authenticated and authorized using the security authentication device;
enabling energy to flow to the vehicle through the modularized interface only after the end user is authenticated and authorized and any user preferences regarding energy pricing or charging scheduling, pre-programmed into the module, are satisfied;
metering energy consumption with the module while energy flows to the vehicle through the modularized interface;
forming a communication interface with a utility center; and
when the module is disconnected from the socket, communicating the metered data to the utility center over the connection established via the communication interface, and disabling the module.
25. The process of claim 24 , further comprising locking the module to the smart socket when the smart socket and module are enabled.
26. The process of claim 25 , further comprising receiving authorization from the utility center via the communication interface.
27. The process of claim 24 , further comprising receiving periodic price signals from the utility center over the communication interface and adjusting charging or discharging according to preferences defined by the user.
28. The process of claim 24 , further comprising disabling or enabling charging or discharging by the module by sending a signal over the communications interface.
29. The process of claim 24 , further comprising closing a switch in the socket to enable the socket before the enabling energy step.