GB2597066A - Unobtrusive charge points for electric vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

A charging station for an electric vehicle (EV) having a fixed base unit B1 with a wireless power transmitter (B2, fig 1) and a portable unit D1 with a wireless power receiver (D2, fig 3) and a socket for connecting the charging station to an EV via a separate EV connector cable. The charging station has communication means and sensors to allow a use to operate and monitor the station remotely user via a computer, tablet or smartphone for example. The base unit can be fixed to the ground or underground and connected to wired power B8. Both units may have magnets (B7, fig 1; D7, fig 3) that aid the alignment of two units. The user may increase the magnetic coupling force to lock the units together and preventing unauthorised removal. The charging station prevents a user from having to make modifications to a plug-in EV to allow the vehicle to be charged wirelessly. The portable unit may a single unit or compactable for storage means, and have a handle (D9, fig 4), lights (D11, fig 4) and reflective materials (D10, fig 4).

Description

Intellectual Property Office Application No G1320107199 RTM Date:13 October 2021 The following terms are registered trade marks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document: WiFi WiTricity Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk/ipo Unobtrusive Charge Points for Electric Vehicles

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a Charge Point Device for Electric Vehicles. Background of the Invention Electric Vehicles ('EVs') use on-board rechargeable batteries to provide the power necessary to drive electric motors that move the vehicle. As the vehicle is used, these batteries need to be charged regularly through charge points connected to an external electrical energy source.

To date, the majority of EV charge points that have been installed in the UK have been 'wired' directly to an electricity network. These are referred to here as 'conventional charge points'.

Each conventional charge point can be connected to an electricity network on a standalone basis. This has enabled a range of different commercial parties to install conventional charge points. Without adequate co-ordination, this type of approach to making connections to an electricity network can lead to locational constraints that limit the: * number of charge points that can be accommodated without requiring substantial reinforcement of the electricity network, and * adequacy of the geographic coverage achieved.

The ownership boundary for public, conventional charge points can be at a: * socket on the charge point that a user can connect to using a detachable car charger connector cable, or * vehicle interface point of a charge point that includes a permanently fixed connector cable (a 'tethered charge point').

Stakeholder concerns continue to be raised in respect of the: * inconsistent distribution of reliable public EV charge points throughout the UK ('destination charging availability'); * accessibility and security of the locations chosen for EV charge point installations; * increasing levels of street clutter in the public footpath and of noise and light pollution, and * risk to EV charge points of malicious or accidental third-party damage.

Wireless power transfer is a generic term that refers to the transfer of energy through time-varying electric, magnetic or electromagnetic fields without the use of physical electrical conductors.

There are a number of different technologies' that transfer energy wirelessly from a transmitter (connected to a power source) to a separate receiver (where energy is converted to electrical current for use).

A large number of patents throughout the world have been granted to WiTricity Corp (US), for technology developments relating to wireless energy transfer. The WiTricity wireless energy transfer technique that uses coupled electromagnetic resonators to transfer power from a power supply to an EV battery load, is described in Patent Number EP3059875 (Wireless Energy Transfer Systems). For that patented system: * the source resonator has a wired connection to a power supply; * the receiver has a wired connection to an EV battery charger, and * there can be a separation of up to a 25 cm between the source resonator and the receiver.

Patents have also been granted in the US to Evatran Group Inc (US) for technology developments relating to inductive power transfer. The Evatran technique for AC inductive power transfer is described in Patent Number U52015311724(A1) (AC Inductive Power Transfer System). For that patented system: * a primary coil is connected to an AC power supply; * a modulated waveform is transferred wirelessly to a secondary coil where it is converted to an AC voltage across a connected demand such as an EV battery charger, * there can be a separation of 10 cm between the primary circuit transmitter and the secondary circuit receiver.

Patented2 wireless EV charge point solution options are currently available that require: * buried or ground mounted inductive charging, transmitter base units each of which has a wired connection to an electricity source; 1 Technology solutions can be based on magnetic inductive, magnetic resonance, radio frequency energy harvesting or any other future form of wireless power transfer technology that may become suitable for wireless charging of larger scale batteries such as EV.

2 Products using WiTricity patented solutions can be obtained via 1.vwv:hwitricii.coln. Products based on Evatran patents are commercially available from Plugless Power and can be obtained via,,,f,,,,noi.r):uQiessoov,,,er.corn.

* vehicle mounted receiver hardware with an in-vehicle wired connection to an EV battery; * customer agreement for a vehicle modification that may void manufacturer vehicle warranty cover, and * base units being installed immediately below vehicle parking areas (which for on-street parking areas, requires the installation of electrical hardware in road ways rather than the footpath).

A specific power capability limit was not explicitly defined as part of the patents that have been granted for wireless power transfer technology solutions. Based on a review of current technology solutions, wireless EV charge point solution options that transfer up to 11kW of single phase, low voltage, AC power are commercially available3.

Public EV charge point solution options that are based on wireless power transfer technology can offer a new type of ownership boundary point. With this type of ownership boundary change, EV charging services can be offered from a fixed base unit.

Availability of charging services from an unobtrusive base unit can promote the development of EV charging infrastructure by reducing the: * level of upfront capital investment required for permanently installed charging network infrastructure on a per charging station basis, and * volume of charging point infrastructure that is permanently, visible above ground when not in use.

Statement of Invention

The invention introduces a new customer focussed design that can introduce wireless power transfer technology solutions suitable for electric vehicle charging without requiring: * vehicle modification, or * the installation of new power network infrastructure in the roadway.

This new invention can reduce the volume of visible EV charge point equipment that needs to be permanently installed in public and private areas. A reduced volume of visible equipment improves safety and can lower the risk of vandalism or other types of third-party damage.

3 Commercially available via WI-1W. COM.

This new EV charge point design requires two separate components which are: * a portable device that can be connected to an existing manufacturer provided charging point socket that forms part of the EV, and * a fixed base unit that has a wired connection to a power supply.

For this wireless power transfer system design: * each fixed base unit has a transmitter that is connected to a power supply, and * each portable device has a receiver that can be connected to a battery charger.

Charging service providers can operate one or more fixed base units that have been installed as standalone facilities or as connected arrays. A fixed base unit can be owned by a charging service provider or another party.

Arrays of unobtrusive base units can be installed underground, at locations adjacent to each individual vehicle parking space. The lid of a buried fixed base unit can be installed level with the ground to minimise tripping hazard risks.

This solution is suitable for a wide range of parking facilities including on-street parking options as well as both public and private land areas that are dedicated to or commonly utilised for vehicle parking. This approach can significantly increase the numbers of and availability of EV charge point facilities without requiring substantial volumes of permanently installed, visible footpath clutter. Improved proximity of charge point facilities to vehicle parking areas can reduce personal security risks that are perceived by EV drivers.

The invention's portable device provides an innovative interface between the wireless power transmitter in a fixed base unit and existing designs for a wired connection to an EV battery charger. Use of the invention's portable device does not require vehicle modification and a portable device can be owned by any party.

The transmitter and receiver technology designs are matched so that the components can be coupled to enable wireless power transfer. The casing of a portable device can be aligned with the design fixed base unit lid, so that it is stable when placed on a fixed base unit. When aligned, the separation distance between a transmitter in a fixed base unit and a receiver in a portable device is controlled and can be minimal. Improved alignment and reduced separation distances can improve wireless power transfer efficiency.

When instructed by the user, the portable device and fixed base unit can be coupled to form a charge point to facilitate wireless power transfer. The charge point ownership boundary point can be between a portable device and a fixed base unit, or at the portable device socket for a detachable EV charging connector cable.

As part of the process to form a charge point, the portable device can be: * guided to align the fixed base unit transmitter and the portable device receiver and minimise the separation distance between these component parts for improved power transfer process efficiency, and * securely clamped to a fixed base unit to prevent unauthorised removal of the portable device whilst in use.

Functional control of the charge point created can be managed via a computer-based user interface application that can be installed on portable technology products including smart phone, tablet and computer. By offering a consistent user interface, this system can alleviate driver concerns about ability to access available destination charging services.

Brief Description of the Figures

Figure 1: Top down, cross sectional view of an example buried base unit.

Figure 2: Cross sectional view of an example buried base unit underground cable connection to power supply.

Figure 3: A cross sectional view of the lower section of a simple cone shaped example portable device that identifies component parts.

Figure 4: A simple cone shaped example portable device showing external features.

Figure 5: Cross sectional view of a cone shaped example portable device coupled with a buried base unit with underground cable connection.

Figure 6: Cross sectional view of a cone shaped example portable device being lowered towards a buried base unit with underground cable connection.

Figure 7: Close up view of Type2 socket for EV charging connector on simple cone shaped example portable device.

Figure 8: Close up view of example portable device hand hold point on simple cone shaped example portable device.

Detailed Description

The new EV charge point design requires the combination of two separate components which are: * a fixed base unit that has a wired connection to a power supply, and * a portable device that can be connected to an existing manufacturer provided charging point that forms part of the EV.

The invention's fixed base unit can: * transmit power wirelessly; * offer secure, two-way communication links when instructed by the user, operator of the base unit or authorised third parties; * facilitate real-time and delayed-time communication with computer-based tools that can be remote from the fixed base unit; * be instructed via computer control and monitoring tools that are remote from each fixed base unit; * guide a portable device to the optimum connection point when a low-level magnetic coupling force is activated via the user interface tool; * securely hold a portable device in place to establish an EV charge point when an increased level of magnetic coupling force is instructed via a user interface tool; * offer a mechanism for the safe disconnection of a portable device when instructed by the user or by other authorised personnel (e.g. emergency services), and * be type tested, on a standalone basis, to demonstrate compliance with electromagnetic compatibility requirements in respect of levels of emissions generated and immunity from disturbance.

Figure 1 shows a cross sectional view that represents an example buried fixed base unit with labels identifying: * a transmitter that can continuously transfer power wirelessly to a matched receiver unit (reference B2); * a wired connection to a power supply (reference B8); * electronic equipment that can securely communicate with users, base unit operators, other fixed base units and portable devices via interface tools that can be remote from the base unit (reference B3); * electronic equipment that can electrically protect the fixed base unit and power supply under fault conditions (reference 64); * monitoring sensors that can used for electrical protection (reference B5); * measurement sensors that can intelligently meter electricity usage for commercial charging purposes (reference 66); * magnetic coupling materials that can pull at forces of up to 10N that can be used to align the portable device (reference 67); * magnetic coupling materials that can pull at forces greater than 800N that can hold the portable device securely when a charge point is formed (reference 67); * sealable vessel that can protect the fixed base unit's electrical and electronic components (reference B1), and * base unit cover lid that is visible when laid flush with the footpath (reference 69).

Sensitive electronic equipment within a fixed base unit can be shielded from electromagnetic interference transmitted when the fixed base unit is: * connected to an energised cable circuit; * coupled with a portable device for use as a charge point, or * activated for wireless power transfer.

Figure 2 is a cross sectional view that represents a buried fixed base unit with labels identifying: * an underground cable connection to a buried, fixed base unit (reference 138); * an underground joint connection to a low voltage network cable circuit (reference B11), and * a distribution network low voltage cable circuit (reference 610).

The novel solution can be used as part of a customer specific installation or as a wider private or public infrastructure solution. Fixed base units can be located in areas adjacent to parking areas, roadways and properties (commercial or residential) with parking facilities. More than one fixed base unit can be connected to a low voltage network power supply in array configuration to form a circuit or network of charge points.

The fixed base unit can be housed in a vessel (reference B1) with rigid sides that: * can accommodate a cable connection to a power supply (reference B8); * has a contact interface that can be fitted flush with a firm, horizontal or vertical surface (reference 69); * provides protection from environmental conditions for technology components within; * can withstand surface loads of at least 250 kN, and * can dissipate heat to control the temperature so that there is no adverse thermal interaction between any of the components within The base unit vessel can be sized and shaped to suit the installation location (e.g. buried, ground mounted, external parking area, covered parking area). The vessel can be constructed from any metallic or organic material or combination of materials or substrate and coatings that: * provides physical protection for the base unit from the risk of damage due to: o weather related environmental factors (e.g. rain, extreme temperatures, snow, ice), and o human actions (e.g. vehicle parking directly above base unit, vandalism).

* is resistant to: o UV degradation; o corrosion, and o fire.

The fixed base unit vessel can be electrically and thermally insulated so that any external facing surfaces are safe if touched accidentally or intentionally by any member of the public.

The lid of the fixed base unit vessel can be securely locked to mitigate risk of unauthorised access. A fixed base unit lid can be unlocked to provide controlled access (e.g. for maintenance purposes). The lid of an installed fixed base unit can have specific tools for it to be removed by authorised personnel for inspection, maintenance and repair purposes.

The lid of the vessel of the fixed base unit can form part of the physical contact interface with the portable device. The outer surface of the lid can have distinct or coloured markings and/or inset, status indicator lights to identify the location of a base unit that can be used for EV charging services.

As part of installation, secure communication links can be activated between each fixed base unit and control tools used by the installer and/or operator of that base unit. Once activated, each fixed base unit can communicate securely and provide delayed-time and real-time communication links with computer-based tools.

The secure communication link can be used by the base unit operator for: * base unit monitoring by allowing authorised personnel to acquire data on availability, reliability and usage, and * electrical protection and control purposes.

The fixed base unit's secure communication links can be available to a user of a portable device, via user interface computer-based tools.

The invention's portable device can: * receive power wirelessly from a matched transmitter within a fixed base unit; * offer two-way, secure communication links with the user's computer-based control and monitoring tools; * be attracted by a fixed base unit magnetic locking mechanism that has been activated, and * be type tested, on a standalone basis, to demonstrate compliance with electromagnetic compatibility requirements in respect of levels of emissions generated and immunity from disturbance.

Figure 3 shows an example cross sectional view that represents a simple form-factor portable device identifying: * a receiver which can be capable of continuous wireless power transfer (reference D2); * electronic equipment which can provide secure, wireless communications links (reference D3); * electronic equipment which can provide electrical protection for the portable device and EV connector cable (reference D4); * a cable which can connect between the portable device connecting the wireless power transfer receiver and the EV connector cable socket located on its exterior (reference D8); * monitoring sensors which can be used as part of electrical protection systems (reference D6); * measurement sensors which can be used for visible indication of operational status and functional alarms (reference D5); * magnetic materials that can be attracted to an activated base unit (reference D7), and * a sealable vessel that can protect the portable device electrical and electronic components against mechanical and fluid damage (reference D1).

Sensitive electronic equipment within a portable device can be shielded from electromagnetic interference when the portable device is: * being stored; * coupled with a fixed base unit for use as a charge point, or * activated for wireless power transfer.

The portable device can be housed in a vessel with rigid sides that can provide protection from environmental conditions, for technology components within.

The portable device's vessel can be constructed from any material or combination of materials or material substrate and coatings that: * is light weight * provides physical protection for the base unit from the risk of damage due to: o weather related environmental factors (e.g. rain, extreme temperatures, snow, ice), and o human actions (e.g. vehicle impact, vandalism).

* is resistant to: o UV degradation; o corrosion, and o fire.

A portable device can be comprised from sections, can be produced as a single unit or as component parts to be assembled by the user.

The portable device can be folding, retractable and sectioned to reduce its form-factor for storage purposes. The portable device can have robust storage and carrying-box options that can assist users to provide additional protection for a portable device when not in use.

The form of the invention's portable device can be: * easily moved by the user to and from a fixed base unit location when required; * used at different locations where fixed base units are installed and enabled; * conveniently and safely stored when not in use within a vehicle or at a fixed storage facility provided by the user of the device or another party; * electrically and thermally insulated such that the outer surface is safe if touched whilst in use; * visible to third parties when in use, and * easily cleaned.

The portable device vessel base can be shaped to provide stability so that the portable device is self-supporting under its own weight when upright. The size and shape of the portable device vessel base can be aligned with the fixed base unit lid design to enhance stability.

The portable device vessel can include hand-grips at the top and/or to the side to allow the device to be easily handled by the user when: * transporting to and from a designated storage point * being stored; * connecting to a fixed base unit to form a charge point for use, and * removing from a buried or ground mounted base unit when the user wishes to disconnect.

Figure 4 provides an illustration of an inset hand shaped hold point on a cone shaped vessel portable device example. Figure 8 provides a close-up view illustration use of the inset hold point.

When coupled with a fixed base unit, the portable device forms the above ground section of a charge point formed with a buried base unit. Figure 5 shows a cone shaped example portable device that has been coupled with a buried base unit to form an EV charge point.

The locking mechanism for this novel charge point solution can include options for: * assisting the user align the portable device with a fixed base unit; * securely locking the portable device with a fixed base unit, so that it cannot be easily moved by force when in use as part of a charge point; * unlocking of the portable device by the user on a scheduled or unscheduled basis which can be accessed via the computer-based user interface tool or by manual override with user identity confirmation, and * unlocking of the portable device by an authorised third party (e.g. emergency services personnel), when requested with both identity confirmation and reason for intervention.

Figure 6 provides an illustration of a user moving a cone-shaped example portable device towards a buried base unit.

The portable device can include a single socket for separate EV connector cables designed for a standard type charge point interface. Figure 4 provides an illustration of a cone shaped portable device design with a socket for a separate EV connector cable with a European Standard Type2 charge point interface. Figure 7 provides a close-up view of the example shown in Figure 4.

The exterior surface of a portable device vessel can include features to improve visibility when in use that are suitable for varying light conditions. Figure 4 provides an illustration of a cone-shaped example portable device design with: * lights to provide warning and status indicators in the middle section when coupled with a fixed base unit to form an EV charge point (reference D11); * reflective materials in a striped pattern to improve visibility of upper section (reference D12), and * reflective materials to improve visibility of lower section (reference D10).

When activated by a user, secure communication links can be established between a portable device and computer-based control tools. The secure communication link can be activated via a user interface tool that can be located remotely from the portable device and can remain active until the EV charge point is unlocked.

When instructed via a computer-based user interface tool, a portable device can communicate wirelessly in real-time and delayed-time to access specific information.

The computer-based user interface tool can enable a device user to access specific information to: * identify fixed base units that are available for use in the locality of the user or at user specified geographic areas; * inform the user of the range of EV charging and other associated services that can be made available at that fixed base unit; * provide secure payment mechanisms for purchase of EV charging and other associated services; * to activate a locking mechanism that can securely couple a user's portable device with a fixed base unit to form an EV charge point; * to activate a release mechanism that can safely disconnect a user's portable device from a fixed base unit, and * host other associated services that may be of interest to the EV user or third parties.

An EV charge point can be formed by coupling a portable device with a fixed base unit for wireless power transfer. This EV charge point design can accommodate new wireless power transfer charging technology design solutions, but can also make use of existing wireless power transfer charging solutions that are commercially available.

When both components are coupled, the charge point can be tested to demonstrate compliance with electromagnetic compatibility requirements in respect of levels of emissions generated and immunity from disturbance, when used as intended Secure computer-based control tools can provide interface facilities for users, base unit operators and other authorised third parties.

The invention can enable an additional range of services that can include: * local and wide area networking (LAN and WAN) capability for public service WiFi; * air and noise quality monitoring sensors for data collection; * security cameras to monitor the parked vehicle, footpath, or building frontage; * visible and audible security alarm features, and * tailored parking service packages.

Claims (9)

1. Claims 1. A charge point for electric vehicles ('EV') comprising a fixed base unit containing a transmitter for wireless power transfer and a portable device containing a matched receiver, that are operated via computer-based tools when the physical interface between a detachable portable device and a fixed base unit is securely held in place.
2. 2. The charge point according to claim 1, that achieves wireless power transfer via the coupling of a receiver in a portable device with a matched transmitter in a fixed base unit.
3. 3. A fixed base unit according to claim 1 in which the transmitter is permanently connected to a low voltage electricity distribution circuit as a standalone connection or as connected arrays as part of a circuit or network of charge points.C\I 4. A portable device according to claim 1, in which the receiver for wireless power transfer connects to a vehicle manufacturer provided battery charger socket of an electric vehicle without requiring vehicle modification.
4. CD
5. 5. The charge point according to claim 1, in which the functionality of the charge point CO is operated remotely via a computer-based user interface tool.
6. C\I 6. A fixed base unit according to claim 3, wherein each low-profile fixed base unit provides a magnetic guide to control positioning between the portable device receiver and the fixed base unit transmitter.
7. 7. A charge point according to claim 1, in which a portable device is securely held together with a fixed base unit by a magnetic force that can be activated via a computer-based user tool, to prevent unauthorised removal whilst in use as a charge point.
8. 8. A portable device according to claim 4 can be safely disconnected when instructed by the user interface tool or by other authorised personnel.
9. 9. The charge point according to claim 1, in which secure two-way communication links are established via computer-based control tools.