Description

Battery chargers are already built into most cars. Using a proper charging cable the chargers can be connected to the residential electrical network (230 V AC/Wechselstrom). This is cost efficient even though it takes more time. Alternatively, the three phase (AC, 400V) mains can be used to charge a car using just its in-built charger. For an underground garage, both these options are easy to implement, as no new electrical connection would be required. The only thing that would be required would be to install charging sockets for cars to be charged. Ideally, these sockets should be ceiling-mounted with an already available 'smart' charging cable. This offers a greater ease of use and requires less manouvering in the garage. Also, people won't trip over cable. The 'smart' cable with an in-built sensor and control module can detect the charging status of the battery and the load on the mains. In the event of an overloading of the mains or completed charging, the battery would be disconnected from the network. The 'smart' cable would also allow cars to share their charge, if that should be required (e.g. mains is fully on load). A wall unit - connected to each charging socket - could offer authentication and monitoring. This could be done using a scannable code which would be sent to a mobile device. The housing society could also offer ChargeCards - prepaid cards allowing people to charge for a prefixed capacity. This would open up the underground charging infrastructure to car owners outside the residential property. This would offer them greater choice and flexibility. The property owner in turn would utilise its capacity more efficiently and see greater returns on it.