An Architecture Vision for an Open Service Cloud for the Smart Car

Project Oscar (Open Service Cloud for the Smart Car, see: http://​www.​fir.​rwth-aachen.​de/​en/​research/​research-projects/​osc-ar-01-me1203), a 3-year collaborative project running from January 2012 to December 2014, introduces an open platform to reduce heterogeneity in tracking and fleet management systems as well as provides electric vehicle (EV) data to the smart grid. This includes various interfaces providing access to smart car data as well as interfaces for integrating services. Thus actors, developers, systems and various other components are connected. The basis for the open ICT innovation platform is the “Open Service Cloud” (OSC), offering generation of added value to a multitude of actors involved. Contrary to most existing solutions, the OSC is open to third parties, thus establishing a platform serving as gateway for additional services and applications. The Oscar architecture enables vehicles to closely interact with the OSC via wireless ICT solutions and the integration of in-car systems. Additional driver interaction is implemented through an “In-Car”-Tablet, enabling a framework for third-party applications. The server acts as an integrator between smart cars, smart traffic and a smart grid. This allows the development of a smart charging algorithm (SCA), which also provides an energy demand forecast for the whole EV fleet. Based on data provided by the OSC this not only benefits the supplier in the short term, but also allows accurate long-term developments of grid infrastructure.