CONTROLLING POWER SUPPLY TO VEHICLES THROUGH A SERIES OF ELECTRICAL OUTLETS

• US 20110202213A1
• Filed: 02/12/2010
• Published: 08/18/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 02/12/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Glenn Rosendahl
• Original Assignee: Glenn Rosendahl
• Inventors: Rosendahl, Glenn
• Granted Patent: US 9,738,165 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/22
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/14 Conductive energy transfer
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/305 Communication interfaces
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/62 in response to charging parameters, e.g. current, voltage or electrical charge
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/66 Data transfer between charging stations and vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 1/08 Three-wire systems; Systems having more than three wires
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 1/082 Plural DC voltage, e.g. DC supply voltage with at least two different DC voltage levels
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 3/02 using a single network for simultaneous distribution of power at different frequencies; using a single network for simultaneous distribution of ac power and of dc power
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/007 Regulation of charging or discharging current or voltage
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/04 Regulation of charging current or voltage
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/62 Hybrid vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/70 Energy storage systems for electromobility, e.g. batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/7072 Electromobility specific charging systems or methods for batteries, ultracapacitors, supercapacitors or double-layer capacitors
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/12 Electric charging stations
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/14 Plug-in electric vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/16 Information or communication technologies improving the operation of electric vehicles

Abstract

A system for supplying electrical power to a plurality of vehicles from a central power supply through a plurality of electrical outlets includes an outlet control unit for each of the outlets and a vehicle control unit for each of the vehicles. The outlet microprocessor switches the supply of power to the outlet to communicate data to the vehicle. The vehicle microprocessor communicates data by switching a load across the power supply to provide interaction between the microprocessors to manage requirement and availability of power. The data includes whether the power plant of the vehicle is gasoline powered, diesel powered, hybrid or electric battery powered. The microprocessor of the vehicle control unit is arranged to control switches which supply power to selected loads in the vehicle and includes an interface which is arranged to connect to a Canbus communication system of the vehicle.

Claims

1. Apparatus for supplying electrical power to a vehicle from an electrical outlet to which the vehicle is brought and at which it remains stationary for a period during which the power is supplied through an electrical connection cable connected from the vehicle to the electrical outlet, the apparatus comprising:

an outlet control unit for mounting at the electrical outlet;

and a vehicle control unit for mounting in the vehicle;

the outlet control unit comprising;

at least one electrical outlet;

a microprocessor;

and a switch operable by the microprocessor for selectively supplying power from a central power supply to said at least one electrical outlet;

the vehicle control unit comprising;

an input cable for connection to the electrical outlet;

a power supply connection for supplying power from the outlet to one or more loads in the vehicle;

a microprocessor;

the microprocessor of the vehicle control unit being arranged to communicate data to the outlet control unit;

wherein the outlet control unit comprises a power supply system arranged to supply power at a plurality of different power supply characteristics including a plurality of different voltage values and including voltages with DC supply and AC supply;

wherein the switch is arranged to select from the different power supply characteristics;

and wherein the microprocessor of the vehicle control unit has a data storage containing data relating to the characteristics of the power required for the vehicle for communication to the outlet control unit.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the characteristics include a plurality of DC voltages at different voltage values.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the characteristics of the power are selected by the vehicle control unit so as to provide direct charging of a battery system without the necessity for voltage transforming or conversion between AC and DC at the vehicle.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the vehicle control unit includes a load connected by a switch so as to apply the load across the power supply from the outlet control unit and wherein the microprocessor of the vehicle control unit is arranged to operate the switch so as to communicate data along the cable to the outlet control unit.

5. Apparatus for supplying electrical power to a vehicle from an electrical outlet to which the vehicle is brought and at which it remains stationary for a period during which the power is supplied through an electrical connection cable connected from the vehicle to the electrical outlet, the apparatus comprising:

an outlet control unit for mounting at the electrical outlet;

and a vehicle control unit for mounting in the vehicle;

the outlet control unit comprising;

at least one electrical outlet;

a microprocessor;

and a switch operable by the microprocessor for selectively supplying power from a central power supply to said at least one electrical outlet;

the vehicle control unit comprising;

an input cable for connection to the electrical outlet;

a power supply connection for supplying power from the outlet to one or more loads in the vehicle;

a microprocessor;

the microprocessor of the vehicle control unit being arranged to communicate data to the outlet control unit;

wherein the microprocessor of the vehicle control unit includes an interface which is arranged to connect to a Canbus communication system of the vehicle;

and wherein the outlet control unit and the vehicle control unit are arranged to communicate from a central source download data for the Canbus communication system.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the download data includes software upgrades.

7. The apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the vehicle control unit includes a load connected by a switch so as to apply the load across the power supply from the outlet control unit and wherein the microprocessor of the vehicle control unit is arranged to operate the switch so as to communicate data along the cable to the outlet control unit.

8. Apparatus for supplying electrical power to a vehicle from an electrical outlet to which the vehicle is brought and at which it remains stationary for a period during which the power is supplied through an electrical connection cable connected from the vehicle to the electrical outlet, the apparatus comprising:

an outlet control unit for mounting at the electrical outlet;

and a vehicle control unit for mounting in the vehicle;

the outlet control unit comprising;

at least one electrical outlet;

a microprocessor;

and a switch operable by the microprocessor for selectively supplying power from a central power supply to said at least one electrical outlet;

the vehicle control unit comprising;

an input cable for connection to the electrical outlet;

a power supply connection for supplying power from the outlet to one or more loads in the vehicle;

a microprocessor;

the microprocessor of the vehicle control unit being arranged to communicate data to the outlet control unit;

wherein the microprocessor of the vehicle control unit includes an interface which is arranged to connect to a Canbus communication system of the vehicle;

and wherein the vehicle control unit and the Canbus communication system are arranged to prevent driving motion of the vehicle while the input cable remains connected.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the vehicle control unit is arranged to detect the connection of the input cable and to provide to the Canbus communication system a signal locking against engagement of drive power to the vehicle.

10. The apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the vehicle control unit includes a load connected by a switch so as to apply the load across the power supply from the outlet control unit and wherein the microprocessor of the vehicle control unit is arranged to operate the switch so as to communicate data along the cable to the outlet control unit.

11. Apparatus for supplying electrical power to a vehicle from an electrical outlet to which the vehicle is brought and at which it remains stationary for a period during which the power is supplied through an electrical connection cable connected from the vehicle to the electrical outlet, the apparatus comprising:

an outlet control unit for mounting at the electrical outlet;

and a vehicle control unit for mounting in the vehicle;

the outlet control unit comprising;

at least one electrical outlet;

a microprocessor;

and a switch operable by the microprocessor for selectively supplying power from a central power supply to said at least one electrical outlet;

the vehicle control unit comprising;

an input cable for connection to the electrical outlet;

a power supply connection for supplying power from the outlet to one or more loads in the vehicle;

a microprocessor;

the microprocessor of the vehicle control unit being arranged to communicate data to the outlet control unit;

wherein the outlet control unit is arranged to receive and store data relating to the amount of total power received by the vehicle and to transmit that data to a remote location.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the outlet control unit is arranged to detect power transfer to the vehicle and to measure a time over which the power is supplied and to store data relating thereto.

13. The apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the vehicle control unit is arranged to detect power transfer to the vehicle and to measure a time over which the power is supplied and to transmit data relating thereto to the vehicle control unit.

14. The apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the vehicle control unit includes a load connected by a switch so as to apply the load across the power supply from the outlet control unit and wherein the microprocessor of the vehicle control unit is arranged to operate the switch so as to communicate data along the cable to the outlet control unit.

30. The apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the outlet monitoring unit is arranged to detect power transfer to the device and to measure a time over which the power is supplied and to store data relating thereto.

31. The apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the device communication unit is arranged to detect power transfer to the device and to measure a time over which the power is supplied and to transmit data relating thereto to the outlet monitoring unit.

15. Apparatus for supplying electrical power to a vehicle from an electrical outlet to which the vehicle is brought and at which it remains stationary for a period during which the power is supplied through an electrical connection cable connected from the vehicle to the electrical outlet, the apparatus comprising:

an outlet control unit for mounting at the electrical outlet;

and a vehicle control unit for mounting in the vehicle;

the outlet control unit comprising;

at least one electrical outlet;

a microprocessor;

and a switch operable by the microprocessor for selectively supplying power from a central power supply to said at least one electrical outlet;

the vehicle control unit comprising;

an input cable for connection to the electrical outlet;

a power supply connection for supplying power from the outlet to one or more loads in the vehicle;

a microprocessor;

the microprocessor of the vehicle control unit being arranged to communicate data to the outlet control unit;

wherein the outlet control unit is arranged to control supply of power to predetermined hours of supply which are outside of peak hours.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the outlet control unit includes a input allowing over-ride of the hours of supply.

17. The apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the outlet control unit includes a input providing an indication of a next expected time of use of the vehicle and is arranged to select for the supply of power those hours which are best for supply efficiency.

18. The apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the outlet control unit includes a input providing an indication of a next expected time of use of the vehicle and is arranged to receive from the vehicle control unit an indication of power requirement for the vehicle and is arranged to select from the requirement and the number of hours before next use for the supply of power those hours which are best for supply efficiency.

19. The apparatus according to claim 18 wherein the hours are selected on the basis of least cost to the vehicle user.

20. The apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the vehicle control unit includes a load connected by a switch so as to apply the load across the power supply from the outlet control unit and wherein the microprocessor of the vehicle control unit is arranged to operate the switch so as to communicate data along the cable to the outlet control unit.

21. Apparatus for supplying electrical power to a device requiring power from an electrical outlet to which the device is brought and at which it remains stationary for a period during which the power is supplied through an electrical connection cable connected from the device to the electrical outlet, the apparatus comprising:

an outlet monitoring unit for mounting at the electrical outlet;

and a device communication unit for mounting in the device;

the outlet monitoring unit comprising;

a microprocessor;

and a sensor for monitoring current or power supplied by the electrical outlet to the device;

the device communication unit comprising;

an input cable for connection to the electrical outlet;

a microprocessor;

the microprocessor of the vehicle control unit being arranged to communicate data to the outlet control unit;

wherein the device communication unit includes a load connected by a switch so as to apply the load across the power supply from the electrical outlet and wherein the microprocessor of the device communication unit is arranged to operate the switch so as to communicate data along the cable to the outlet monitoring unit.

22. The apparatus according to claim 21 wherein the outlet monitoring unit is a separate unit from the electrical outlet and is arranged to be connected by taps onto the conductors at the electrical outlet.

23. The apparatus according to claim 21 wherein the outlet monitoring unit includes a switch for controlling the supply of power at the electrical outlet to the device.

24. The apparatus according to claim 23 wherein the outlet monitoring unit is arranged to recognize an ID signal communicated from the device communication unit and to allow power if approved.

25. The apparatus according to claim 23 wherein the outlet monitoring unit comprises a power supply system arranged to supply power at a plurality of different power supply characteristics, wherein the switch is arranged to select from the different power supply characteristics and wherein the microprocessor of the device communication unit has a data storage containing data relating to the characteristics of the power required for the device for communication to the outlet monitoring unit.

26. The apparatus according to claim 25 wherein the power supply characteristics include a plurality of different voltage values and include voltages with DC supply and AC supply.

27. The apparatus according to claim 26 wherein the characteristics include a plurality of DC voltages at different voltage values.

28. The apparatus according to claim 27 wherein the characteristics of the power are selected by the outlet monitoring unit so as to provide direct charging of a battery system without the necessity for voltage transforming or conversion between AC and DC at the device.

29. The apparatus according to claim 21 wherein the outlet monitoring unit is arranged to receive and store data relating to the amount of total power received by the device and to transmit that data to a remote location.

32. The apparatus according to claim 27 wherein the outlet monitoring unit is arranged to control supply of power to predetermined hours of supply which are outside of peak hours.

33. The apparatus according to claim 21 wherein the outlet monitoring unit includes a input allowing over-ride of the hours of supply.

34. The apparatus according to claim 21 wherein the outlet monitoring unit includes a input providing an indication of a next expected time of use of the device and is arranged to select for the supply of power those hours which are best for supply efficiency.

35. The apparatus according to claim 21 wherein the outlet monitoring unit includes a input providing an indication of a next expected time of use of the vehicle and is arranged to receive from the vehicle control unit an indication of power requirement for the vehicle and is arranged to select from the requirement and the number of hours before next use for the supply of power those hours which are best for supply efficiency.

36. The apparatus according to claim 35 wherein the hours are selected on the basis of least cost to the vehicle user.

37. Apparatus for supplying electrical power to a device requiring power from an electrical outlet to which the device is brought and at which it remains stationary for a period during which the power is supplied through an electrical connection cable connected from the device to the electrical outlet, the apparatus comprising:

an outlet control unit for mounting at the electrical outlet;

and a device control unit for mounting in the device;

the outlet control unit comprising;

at least one electrical outlet;

a microprocessor;

and a switch operable by the microprocessor for selectively supplying power from a central power supply to said at least one electrical outlet;

the device control unit comprising;

an input cable for connection to the electrical outlet;

a power supply connection for supplying power from the outlet to one or more loads in the device;

a microprocessor;

the microprocessor of the device control unit being arranged to communicate data to the outlet control unit;

wherein the device control unit includes a load connected by a switch so as to apply the load across the power supply from the electrical outlet and wherein the microprocessor of the device control unit is arranged to operate the switch so as to communicate data along the cable to the outlet control unit.

38. The apparatus according to claim 37 wherein the outlet control unit is arranged to recognize an ID signal communicated from the device control unit and to allow power if approved.

39. The apparatus according to claim 37 wherein the outlet control unit comprises a power supply system arranged to supply power at a plurality of different power supply characteristics, wherein the switch is arranged to select from the different power supply characteristics and wherein the microprocessor of the device control unit has a data storage containing data relating to the characteristics of the power required for the device for communication to the outlet control unit.

40. The apparatus according to claim 39 wherein the power supply characteristics include a plurality of different voltage values and include voltages with DC supply and AC supply.

41. The apparatus according to claim 39 wherein the characteristics include a plurality of DC voltages at different voltage values.

42. The apparatus according to claim 39 wherein the characteristics of the power are selected by the outlet control unit so as to provide direct charging of a battery system without the necessity for voltage transforming or conversion between AC and DC at the device.

43. The apparatus according to claim 37 wherein the outlet control unit is arranged to receive and store data relating to the amount of total power received by the vehicle and to transmit that data to a remote location.

44. The apparatus according to claim 37 wherein the outlet control unit is arranged to detect power transfer to the device and to measure a time over which the power is supplied and to store data relating thereto.

45. The apparatus according to claim 37 wherein the device control unit is arranged to detect power transfer to the device and to measure a time over which the power is supplied and to transmit data relating thereto to the device control unit.

46. The apparatus according to claim 37 wherein the outlet control unit is arranged to control supply of power to predetermined hours of supply which are outside of peak hours.

47. The apparatus according to claim 46 wherein the outlet control unit includes an input allowing over-ride of the hours of supply.

48. The apparatus according to claim 46 wherein the outlet control unit includes an input providing an indication of a next expected time of use of the device and is arranged to select for the supply of power those hours which are best for supply efficiency.

49. The apparatus according to claim 46 wherein the outlet control unit includes a input providing an indication of a next expected time of use of the device and is arranged to receive from the device control unit an indication of power requirement for the device and is arranged to select from the requirement and the number of hours before next use for the supply of power those hours which are best for supply efficiency.

50. The apparatus according to claim 49 wherein the hours are selected on the basis of least cost to the device user.