Abstract: Universal electrical power conversion methods and systems which may provide the combined capabilities of symmetrical and asymmetrical conversion, bidirectionality, and simplicity are provided. In some cases, the converter charges an inductor connected in parallel between a regulated port and an unregulated port using energy stored by a capacitor positioned in parallel between the inductor and one of the ports until the inductor has a level of current stored that corresponds to the change in voltage desired at the regulated port, then discharges stored energy into the other port until a current cutoff threshold level is reached in the inductor. Creating an LC tank circuit during conversion allows conversion processes to traverse sinusoidal discharge patterns. In some embodiments, the inductor is precharged with current to affect the discharge of the inductor. Multiple ports can be connected and disconnected from the same inductor with these methods and systems.

Abstract: An electric vehicle charging station (EVCS) that includes an electric vehicle charger adapted to provide electrical power to a vehicle; a network device adapted to communicate with a wireless network; and a point of sale device coupled to the electric vehicle charger and the network device. The point of sale device is adapted to facilitate consumer purchases of the electrical power and items other than the electrical power. The point of sale device includes: a user interface including a touch screen display, a credit card reader, a bar code reader, and a magnetic card reader, and a printer; a processor; and an application for execution on the processor to implement a method. The method includes: receiving a request from a consumer via the user interface; processing the request; and outputting a status of the request via the user interface.

Abstract: Charging purchases to utility accounts including a computer program product that stores instructions for implementing a method. The method includes receiving a request from a consumer at an electric vehicle charging station to charge at least one of a purchase of electrical power for electric vehicle (EV) charging and an item other than electrical power to an electrical power utility account. The method also determines if the consumer is authorized to charge the purchase to the electrical power utility account. A transaction denied message is transmitted to the consumer in response to determining that the consumer is not authorized to charge the purchase to the electrical power utility account. The method further includes, in response to determining that the consumer is authorized to charge the purchase to the electrical power utility account: charging the purchase to the electrical power utility account; and transmitting a transaction completed message to the consumer.