System and method for charging electric vehicles in a facility

Abstract

The present invention relates to dynamic load management for electric vehicle charging. A system for charging electric vehicles in a facility includes a current sensor adapted to obtain an input current signal for a power source in the facility. Electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) is configured to charge electric vehicles through the power source based at least in part on a control pilot signal. A controller has a processor and a tangible non-transitory memory on which instructions are recorded for dynamically adjusting the control pilot signal based on the input current signal. The control pilot signal is set to a predefined maximum value when the input current signal is less than a main breaker rating of the facility. The controller is configured to reduce the control pilot signal from the predefined maximum value when the input current signal is at or above the main breaker rating.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] introduction This disclosure relates to dynamic load management for charging electric vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] The use of fully electric and partially electric vehicles (such as battery electric vehicles, range-extended electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, and fuel cell hybrid electric vehicles) has increased dramatically in recent years. Electric vehicles include rechargeable energy storage units that require periodic charging, such as high-voltage batteries with multiple individual cells. Charging can be done at public or private charging stations. Many locations, such as residences, may not be suitable for charging electric vehicles without extensive utility service upgrades. For example, utility service upgrades may involve costly and labor-intensive activities such as digging trenches and repairing uprooted lawns, cement, trees, and other items to install wires with higher rated current. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This document discloses a system for charging an electric vehicle in a facility. An Electric Vehicle Power Supply Equipment (EVSE) is configured to connect an electric vehicle to a power source in the facility. The EVSE is adapted to charge the electric vehicle, at least in part, based on a control pilot signal. The system includes a current sensor adapted to obtain an input current signal for the power source. A controller communicates with the EVSE. The controller has a processor and a tangible, non-transitory memory recording instructions for dynamically adjusting the control pilot signal based on the input current signal.

[0004] The controller is configured to take into account multiple factors, including the EVSE circuit breaker rating and the facility's main circuit breaker rating. When the input current signal is less than the facility's main circuit breaker rating, the control pilot signal is set to a predefined maximum value. The controller is configured to reduce the control pilot signal from the predefined maximum value when the input current signal is at or above the facility's main circuit breaker rating.

[0005] In some embodiments, the facility is a residence. Several factors include the available current carrying capacity of the EVSE. When an input current signal is unavailable, the controller may be adapted to adjust the control pilot signal to match the available current carrying capacity of the EVSE. In some embodiments, a predefined maximum value corresponds to approximately 80% of the EVSE circuit breaker rating. The controller may be embedded within the EVSE.

[0006] In one embodiment, when the input current signal is at or above the main circuit breaker's rated value, the controller is adapted to reduce the control pilot signal from a predefined maximum value in a curvilinear or exponential manner. In another embodiment, the controller is adapted to reduce the control pilot signal from a predefined maximum value in a stepwise manner. In yet another embodiment, the controller is adapted to reduce the control pilot signal from a predefined maximum value in a linear manner. The system may include a switchboard with multiple circuit breakers corresponding to respective branch circuits around the facility, with current sensors operatively connected to a portion of the switchboard.

[0007] This document discloses a method for charging an electric vehicle in a facility using a system having a controller with a processor and tangible non-transitory memory. The method includes connecting an Electric Vehicle Power Supply Equipment (EVSE) between the electric vehicle and a power source in the facility, the EVSE being adapted to charge the electric vehicle at least in part based on a control pilot signal. A current sensor is connected to the power source. The method includes obtaining an input current signal for the power source via the current sensor. Multiple factors, including the EVSE circuit breaker rating and the facility's main circuit breaker rating, are obtained via the controller. The method includes dynamically adjusting the control pilot signal via the controller based on the input current signal and the multiple factors, including setting the control pilot signal to a predefined maximum value when the input current signal is less than the facility's main circuit breaker rating, and reducing the control pilot signal below the predefined maximum value when the input current signal is at or above the facility's main circuit breaker rating.

[0008] The present invention provides the following technical solutions.

[0009] Technical Solution 1. A system for charging electric vehicles in a facility, the system comprising: Electric Vehicle Power Supply Equipment (EVSE) configured to connect the electric vehicle to a power source in the facility, the EVSE being adapted to charge the electric vehicle at least in part based on control pilot signals; A current sensor adapted to obtain an input current signal for the power source; A controller that communicates with the EVSE, the controller having a processor and a tangible non-transitory memory, on which instructions are recorded for dynamically adjusting the control pilot signal based on the input current signal; The controller is configured to: Multiple factors are obtained, including EVSE circuit breaker ratings and the main circuit breaker ratings of the facility; When the input current signal is less than the rated value of the main circuit breaker of the facility, the control pilot signal is set to a predefined maximum value; and When the input current signal is at or above the rated value of the main circuit breaker of the facility, the control pilot signal is reduced to below the predefined maximum value.

[0010] Technical Solution 2. The system according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the facility is a residence.

[0011] Technical Solution 3. The system according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the plurality of factors includes the available current carrying capacity of the EVSE.

[0012] Technical Solution 4. The system according to Technical Solution 3, wherein when the input current signal is unavailable, the controller is adapted to adjust the control pilot signal to match the available current carrying capacity of the EVSE.

[0013] Technical Solution 5. The system according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the predefined maximum value corresponds to approximately 80% of the rated value of the EVSE circuit breaker.

[0014] Technical Solution 6. The system according to Technical Solution 1, wherein when the input current signal is at or above the rated value of the main circuit breaker, the controller is adapted to reduce the control pilot signal from the predefined maximum value in a curved or exponential manner.

[0015] Technical Solution 7. The system according to Technical Solution 1, wherein when the input current signal is at or above the rated value of the main circuit breaker, the controller is adapted to reduce the control pilot signal in steps from the predefined maximum value.

[0016] Technical Solution 8. The system according to Technical Solution 1, wherein when the input current signal is at or above the rated value of the main circuit breaker, the controller is adapted to reduce the control pilot signal linearly from the predefined maximum value.

[0017] Technical Solution 9. The system according to Technical Solution 1 further includes: A distribution board having multiple circuit breakers corresponding to respective branch circuits around the facility, and a current sensor operatively connected to a portion of the distribution board.

[0018] Technical Solution 10. The system according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the controller is embedded within the EVSE.

[0019] Technical Solution 11. A method for charging an electric vehicle in a facility using a system, the system having a controller with a processor and tangible non-transitory memory, the method comprising: An electric vehicle power supply unit (EVSE) is connected between the electric vehicle and a power source in the facility, the EVSE being adapted to charge the electric vehicle at least in part based on control pilot signals; Connect the current sensor to the power source; The input current signal for the power source is obtained via the current sensor; The controller obtains multiple factors, including EVSE circuit breaker ratings and the main circuit breaker ratings of the facility. Based on the input current signal and the multiple factors, the controller dynamically adjusts the control pilot signal, including: When the input current signal is less than the rated value of the main circuit breaker of the facility, the control pilot signal is set to a predefined maximum value; and When the input current signal is at or above the rated value of the main circuit breaker of the facility, the control pilot signal is reduced to below the predefined maximum value.

[0020] Technical solution 12. The method according to technical solution 11 further includes: The available current carrying capacity of the EVSE among the plurality of factors is obtained via the controller; and When the input current signal is unavailable, the control pilot signal is adjusted to match the available current carrying capacity of the EVSE.

[0021] Technical solution 13. The method according to technical solution 11 further includes: The predefined maximum value is set to approximately 80% of the EVSE circuit breaker rating.

[0022] Technical solution 14. The method according to technical solution 11 further includes: The predefined maximum value is set to be between approximately 65% ​​and 80% of the EVSE circuit breaker rating.

[0023] Technical solution 15. The method according to technical solution 11 further includes: Choose a residential property as the facility.

[0024] Technical solution 16. The method according to technical solution 11 further includes: When the input current signal is at or above the rated value of the main circuit breaker, the control pilot signal is reduced from the predefined maximum value in a step manner.

[0025] Technical solution 17. The method according to technical solution 11 further includes: When the input current signal is at or above the rated value of the main circuit breaker, the control pilot signal is reduced linearly from the predefined maximum value.

[0026] Technical solution 18. The method according to technical solution 11 further includes: When the input current signal is at or above the rated value of the main circuit breaker, the control pilot signal is reduced from the predefined maximum value in a curved or exponential manner.

[0027] Technical Solution 19. The method according to Technical Solution 11, wherein the facility includes a power distribution board, and the method further includes: Multiple circuit breakers corresponding to the respective branch circuits around the facility are installed in the distribution board, and the current sensor is connected to a portion of the distribution board.

[0028] Technical Solution 20. A system for charging electric vehicles in a facility, the system comprising: Electric Vehicle Power Supply Equipment (EVSE) configured to connect the electric vehicle to a power source in the facility, the EVSE being adapted to charge the electric vehicle at least in part based on control pilot signals; A current sensor adapted to obtain an input current signal for the power source, wherein the facility is a residence; A controller that communicates with the EVSE, the controller having a processor and a tangible non-transitory memory, on which instructions are recorded for dynamically adjusting the control pilot signal based on the input current signal; The controller is configured to: Obtain multiple factors, including EVSE circuit breaker ratings, EVSE available current carrying capacity, and facility main circuit breaker ratings; When the input current signal is less than the rated value of the main circuit breaker of the facility, the control pilot signal is set to a predefined maximum value; When the input current signal is at or above the rated value of the main circuit breaker of the facility, the control pilot is reduced to below the predefined maximum value; and When the input current signal is unavailable, the control pilot signal is adjusted to match the available current carrying capacity of the EVSE.

[0029] The foregoing features and advantages of this disclosure, as well as other features and advantages, will become apparent from the following detailed description of the best mode for carrying out this disclosure when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a system for charging electric vehicles in a facility, the system having a controller; Figure 2 It is possible to be Figure 1 A schematic flowchart of the method executed by the controller; Figure 3 It is possible to be Figure 1 A schematic example of the distribution board used in the facility; and Figure 4 It is possible Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the example control pilot signal used in the system.

[0031] Representative embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings and are described in further detail below. However, it should be understood that the novel aspects of this disclosure are not limited to the specific forms illustrated in the drawings listed above. Rather, this disclosure covers modifications, equivalents, combinations, sub-combinations, arrangements, groupings, and alternatives that fall within the scope of this disclosure as defined, for example, by the appended claims. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Referring to the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals denote similar parts. Figure 1 A system 10 for charging an electric vehicle 12 is schematically illustrated. The electric vehicle 12 can be fully electric or partially electric. The electric vehicle 12 can be a mobile platform, such as, but not limited to, a passenger car, a sports utility vehicle, a light truck, a heavy vehicle, an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), a minivan, a bus, a transit vehicle, a bicycle, a robot, agricultural implements, sports-related equipment, a boat, an airplane, a train, or other equipment. It should be understood that the electric vehicle 12 can take many different forms and have additional components.

[0033] refer to Figure 1 The electric vehicle 12 includes a rechargeable energy storage unit 14, such as a high-voltage battery having multiple individual cells. The rechargeable energy storage unit 14 may include individual cells with different chemical compositions, including but not limited to lithium-ion batteries, lithium-iron batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and lead-acid batteries. The electric vehicle 12 may include an additional power source (not shown), such as, but not limited to, an internal combustion engine or a fuel cell.

[0034] Electric vehicle 12 can utilize an external power source, such as an outlet connected to a power source or the power grid, to store electrical energy in its rechargeable energy storage unit 14. Public charging stations are typically found on streets or in retail shopping centers, public facilities, and other parking areas. Charging stations are equipped with multiple connectors to power a wide variety of vehicles. However, locations such as residential and commercial buildings may not be suitable for charging electric vehicle 12 without widespread upgrades to utility services.

[0035] refer to Figure 1 System 10 includes a controller C having at least one processor P and at least one memory M (or a non-transitory tangible computer-readable storage medium) on which data for executing method 100 (hereinafter referred to as...) can be recorded. Figure 2 The instructions (described) are for dynamically adjusting the load supplied from power source 18 in facility 16 to electric vehicle 12. The facility can be a residential (e.g., detached house, apartment building, condominium, etc.) or commercial structure / building. Memory M can store a set of controller-executable instructions, and processor P can execute the set of controller-executable instructions stored in memory M.

[0036] System 10 allows electric vehicles 12 to be charged in facility 16 without requiring extensive utility service upgrades. Industry standards (e.g., NEC Clause 220, “Service Calculations”) provide calculations for determining the required utility service ratings (in amperes) based on the size of a residential or commercial building and the appliances / equipment installed within it. Upgrades (e.g., adding a high-power 19 kW EVSE) typically require replacing the wiring supplying the home and installing a switchboard with a higher current rating.

[0037] refer to Figure 1 The load is supplied via an electric vehicle power supply unit 20, referred to herein as EVSE 20. EVSE 20 may include various types of connection devices, accessories, and connectors, such as elements 22 and 24. In some embodiments, EVSE 20 may be fixedly attached or “hardwired” to facility 16, thereby eliminating the need for a plug-and-socket connection system, such as that for connecting to an AC power source in a home. EVSE 20 acts as a channel for supplying electrical power to charge the plug-in electric vehicle. Controller C may be embedded within EVSE 20. System 10 provides a method 100 for automatically and continuously adjusting the power of EVSE throughout the charging cycle.

[0038] EVSE 20 is configured to charge electric vehicle 12 at least in part based on a control pilot signal. The control pilot signal is a signal from EVSE 20 to electric vehicle 12 indicating how much current is allowed for electric vehicle 12 to draw from EVSE 20. In other words, the control pilot signal is a communication line between EVSE 20 and electric vehicle 12, and this communication line can be updated frequently (as frequently as once every 1 millisecond) for the purpose of transmitting the maximum current allowed for electric vehicle 12 to draw from EVSE 20.

[0039] refer to Figure 1 The power source 18 in facility 16 can be a distribution board 30 that receives power generated by the power grid or utility 26. Power from utility 26 is typically delivered via a network of power lines connected to the individual facility 16. Electricity first passes through meter 28 and then is delivered to distribution board 30. Meter 28 measures how much electricity facility 16 is using.

[0040] refer to Figure 1 System 10 includes a current sensor 40 (shown as the abbreviation "A" for ampere) configured to receive an input current signal from a power source 18 in facility 16. In the case of facility 16 being a home, the input current signal reflects the total household input current. The input current signal is sent to a controller C, where it is used to dynamically regulate the charging load of the electric vehicle 12. The current sensor 40 is operatively connected to a portion of the distribution panel 30.

[0041] Figure 3 Example switchboard 230 is shown. It should be understood that other forms and structures may be used in switchboard 230. Figure 3 The distribution board 230 includes a main circuit breaker 200, which may be a large two-pole circuit breaker, that limits the amount of electricity entering from the outside to protect the circuit to which the electricity is fed. The main circuit breaker 200 identifies the ampere capacity of the distribution board 230. (Reference) Figure 3 The distribution board 230 includes multiple circuit breakers 206 corresponding to respective branch circuits around facility 16. For example, the multiple circuit breakers 206 may be linked to the laundry room, kitchen, and main living space, respectively. The circuit breakers 206 are devices that automatically interrupt current flow when an excessive current is detected. Each circuit breaker 206 has a reset switch 208 to allow the user to restore power to the branch circuit after the circuit breaker 206 has automatically turned off.

[0042] refer to Figure 3 The current sensor 240 includes a first portion 242A and a second portion 242B, which are engaged with (e.g., by clamping onto) the inlet wires 202 and 204, respectively, from the meter 28 (see Figure 1Power is introduced. The first portion 242A and the second portion 242B of the current sensor 240 can be connected to the integrated processor 246 via wires 244A and 244B, respectively. (Reference) Figure 3 Multiple conductors or busbars 210 can be used to connect various parts of the distribution board 230. Some of the busbars 210 can be neutral points, and others can be grounded busbars. By continuously adjusting the EVSE power via controller C when other loads within facility 16 are switched on and off, the EVSE 20 can provide as much power as possible without tripping the main circuit breaker 200.

[0043] In some embodiments, current sensor 40 (via integrated processor 246) transmits data to controller C via wireless network 54 to enable real-time monitoring of household energy consumption. This data is sent to controller C to allow it to determine the current total load power in the household and to adjust EVSE power in real time as needed, for example, to prevent the total household load from exceeding the available utility power.

[0044] Now for reference Figure 2 This shows the storage Figure 1 A flowchart of method 100, which is executed by controller C. Method 100 can be embodied in a method stored in... Figure 1 The method 100 contains computer-readable code or instructions that are executed in part by the controller C. Method 100 does not need to be applied in the specific order described herein. Furthermore, it should be understood that some steps can be omitted. Method 100 can be executed dynamically. As used herein, the terms "dynamic" and "performed in real time" describe steps or processes executed in real time, and are characterized by monitoring or otherwise determining the state of parameters, and periodically or periodically updating the state of parameters during routine execution or between iterations of routine execution.

[0045] according to Figure 2 Box 102, method 100 includes obtaining multiple factors, including EVSE circuit breaker ratings (regarding EVSE 20 (see...)). Figure 1 EVSE circuit breaker 25 (see) Figure 3 The rated values ​​of the main circuit breaker and the rated values ​​of the main circuit breaker (see the rated values ​​of the main circuit breaker 200). Figure 1 The EVSE circuit breaker ratings and main circuit breaker ratings depend on the characteristics of the EVSE 20 and the details of the power source 18 and / or the main circuit breaker 200, and are generally fixed.

[0046] Several factors are considered, including the available current carrying capacity of the EVSE, which is the excess current carrying capacity. Controller C is programmed to calculate the excess current carrying capacity as the utility service rating minus the required facility current carrying capacity. The required facility (e.g., household) current carrying capacity is calculated according to industry standard rules (e.g., NEC Rule 220), without regard to the details of EVSE 20. Current carrying capacity is defined as the maximum current, in amperes, that a conductor can continuously carry under operating conditions without exceeding its temperature rating. The current carrying capacity of a conductor depends on its ability to dissipate heat to the surrounding environment and is a function of the insulation temperature rating, the resistivity of the conductor material, and the ambient temperature. Several factors are stored in controller C.

[0047] Advance to Figure 2 In block 104, controller C is programmed to determine whether an input current signal from current sensor 40 is available. If the input current signal is unavailable, for example due to sensor failure (block 104 = No), method 100 proceeds to block 106, where a control pilot signal ( Figure 2 The “CP” in the input signal is adjusted to match the available current carrying capacity of the EVSE 20 (from box 102). If the input signal is available (box 104 = Yes), method 100 proceeds to box 108.

[0048] according to Figure 2 In block 108, method 100 includes determining whether the input current signal is less than the main circuit breaker rating of facility 16 (from block 102). If yes (block 108 = yes), method 100 proceeds to block 110, where controller C is programmed to control the pilot signal ( Figure 2 The “CP” in the value is set to a predefined maximum value. In one embodiment, the predefined maximum value is set between approximately 65% ​​and 80% of the EVSE circuit breaker rating. For example, the predefined maximum value could be approximately 80% of the EVSE circuit breaker rating.

[0049] If the input current signal is at or above the rated value of the main circuit breaker (box 108 = No), then method 100 proceeds to box 112. According to... Figure 2 In box 112, controller C is programmed to reduce the control pilot signal to a value below a predefined maximum value. Figure 4 This is a schematic graph illustrating an example control pilot signal 300, where the vertical axis 304 indicates amplitude and the horizontal axis 302 indicates time. (Reference) Figure 4 When the input current signal is lower than the rated value of the main circuit breaker (at time t0), the control pilot signal 300 is set to a predefined maximum level 306. At time t1, the input current signal increases to at least the rated value of the main circuit breaker, causing the controller C to reduce the control pilot signal 300 to below the predefined maximum level 306.

[0050] refer to Figure 4 In one embodiment, by instantaneously reducing the control pilot signal 300 to at least an intermediate level 310 before reducing it to a lower level 308 at time t2, the controller C can reduce the control pilot signal 300 in steps from a predefined maximum level 306. In another embodiment, the controller C can reduce the control pilot signal 300 linearly (as indicated by line 312). In yet another embodiment, the reduction of the control pilot signal from the predefined maximum level 306 can be curvilinear or exponential (as indicated by line 314).

[0051] From boxes 106, 110, and 112, method 100 continues to box 114. According to... Figure 2 In box 114, controller C is programmed to determine whether charging has been completed to a satisfactory level. If yes, method 100 ends. If not, method 100 loops back to box 104, as indicated by line 116. If the current sensor signal is subsequently lost or unavailable during charging (box 104), controller C sets a control pilot signal to an available current-carrying capacity (e.g., according to NEC Clause 220). This is done to allow charging to continue at a slower rate without potentially causing the main circuit breaker 200 to trip.

[0052] refer to Figure 1 Data from controller C can be shared with mobile application 50 and / or the vehicle controller. Mobile application 50 can be embedded in a smartphone belonging to a user of electric vehicle 12. Mobile application 50 can be plugged into or otherwise linked to electric vehicle 12. Circuitry and components of mobile application 50 (“application”) available to those skilled in the art can be employed.

[0053] Figure 1 The controller C can access data or information from a remotely located or "off-vehicle" cloud computing service (referred to herein as cloud unit 52). Cloud unit 52 may include one or more servers hosted on the Internet to store, manage, and process data maintained by organizations such as, for example, research institutions or companies. Reference Figure 1 The controller C can be configured to communicate with the cloud unit 52 via the wireless network 54.

[0054] Figure 1 The wireless network 54 can be a short-range network or a long-range network. The wireless network 54 can be a communication bus, which can be in the form of a Serial Controller Area Network (CAN-BUS). The wireless network 54 may include Bluetooth. TMWireless local area networks (LANs) that connect and use wireless distribution methods to link multiple devices, wireless metropolitan area networks (MANs) that connect several wireless LANs, or wireless wide area networks (WANs). Other types of connections can also be used.

[0055] In summary, system 10 (via execution of method 100) provides the ability to continuously monitor total input load (e.g., total household load) and dynamically adjust the charging power of EVSE 20, thereby operating at a higher average power without tripping the main circuit breaker 200 of facility 16. System 10 enables electric vehicle 12 to charge faster without requiring utility service upgrades to existing residential or commercial buildings. For example, the owner of electric vehicle 12 can plug in a suitable EVSE 20 at home, and electric vehicle 12 can charge overnight.

[0056] Figure 1 The controller C can be an integral part of other controllers of the vehicle 12, or a separate module operatively connected to other controllers of the vehicle 12. Figure 1 The controller C includes a computer-readable medium (also called a processor-readable medium) that includes a non-transitory (e.g., tangible) medium involved in providing data (e.g., instructions) that can be read by a computer (e.g., a computer's processor). Such a medium can take many forms, including, but not limited to, non-volatile and volatile media. Non-volatile media can include, for example, optical discs or magnetic disks and other permanent storage. Volatile media can include, for example, dynamic random access memory (DRAM), which can constitute main memory. Such instructions can be transmitted by one or more transmission media, including coaxial cables, copper wires, and optical fibers, including lines containing a system bus connected to the computer's processor. Some forms of computer-readable media include, for example, floppy disks, floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tape, other magnetic media, CD-ROMs, DVDs, other optical media, physical media with perforated patterns, RAM, PROMs, EPROMs, FLASH-EEPROMs, other memory chips or cassette tapes, or other media that can be read by a computer.

[0057] The lookup tables, databases, data repositories, or other data stores described herein can include various types of mechanisms for storing, accessing, and retrieving various types of data, including hierarchical databases, a set of files in a file system, application databases in proprietary formats, relational database energy management systems (RDBMS), etc. Each such data store can be contained in a computing device employing a computer operating system such as one of the aforementioned operating systems and can be accessed via a network in one or more of a variety of ways. The file system can be accessible from the computer operating system and can include files stored in various formats. In addition to languages ​​used for creating, storing, editing, and executing stored programs, RDBMS can also use Structured Query Language (SQL), such as the PL / SQL language mentioned above.

[0058] Figure 2 The flowcharts illustrated illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagram may represent a portion of a module, segment, or code, including one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. It will also be noted that each block in the block diagram and / or flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagram and / or flowchart illustrations, may be implemented by a system based on dedicated hardware or a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions that performs the specified function or action. These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable medium that may instruct a controller or other programmable data processing means to operate in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable medium produce an article of art including instructions that implement the functions / actions specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram blocks.

[0059] Numerical values ​​of parameters (e.g., quantities or conditions) in this specification, including the appended claims, should be understood to be modified by the word “about” in each corresponding case, regardless of whether “about” actually appears before the numerical value. “About” indicates that the numerical value allows for some slight imprecision (approaching the exact value to a certain extent; approximately or reasonably close to the value; almost). If the imprecision provided by “about” is not understood in the art to have this common meaning, then “about” as used herein at least indicates variations that may arise from common methods of measuring and using such a parameter. Furthermore, the disclosure of ranges includes the disclosure of every value throughout the range and further subdivisions of the range. Each value within the range and the endpoints of the range are disclosed herein as separate embodiments.

[0060] The detailed description and accompanying drawings are supporting and descriptive of this disclosure, but the scope of this disclosure is defined only by the claims. While the best mode and some other embodiments for implementing the claimed disclosure have been described in detail, various alternative designs and embodiments exist for practicing the disclosure as defined in the appended claims. Furthermore, the features of the embodiments shown in the drawings or the various embodiments mentioned in this specification are not necessarily to be construed as independent embodiments. Rather, it is possible that each feature described in one example of an embodiment may be combined with one or more other desired features from other embodiments, resulting in other embodiments that are not described in words or by reference to the drawings. Therefore, these other embodiments fall within the framework of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system for charging an electric vehicle in a facility, the system comprising: Electric Vehicle Power Supply Equipment (EVSE) is configured to connect the electric vehicle to a power source in the facility, and the EVSE is adapted to charge the electric vehicle at least in part based on control pilot signals. A current sensor adapted to obtain an input current signal for the power source; A controller that communicates with the EVSE, the controller having a processor and a tangible non-transitory memory, on which instructions are recorded for dynamically adjusting the control pilot signal based on the input current signal; The controller is configured to: Multiple factors are obtained, including EVSE circuit breaker ratings and the main circuit breaker ratings of the facility; When the input current signal is less than the rated value of the main circuit breaker of the facility, the control pilot signal is set to a predefined maximum value; The predefined maximum value is set to between 65% and 80% of the EVSE circuit breaker rating; and When the input current signal is at or above the rated value of the main circuit breaker of the facility, the control pilot signal is reduced to below the predefined maximum value in either a curved or linear manner.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The facility in question is a residence.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The factors mentioned include the available carrying capacity of the EVSE.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein, When the input current signal is unavailable, the controller is adapted to adjust the control pilot signal to match the available current carrying capacity of the EVSE.

5. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: A distribution board having multiple circuit breakers corresponding to respective branch circuits around the facility, and a current sensor operatively connected to a portion of the distribution board.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is embedded within the EVSE.

7. A method for charging an electric vehicle in a facility using a system having a controller with a processor and tangible non-transitory memory, the method comprising: An electric vehicle power supply equipment (EVSE) is connected between the electric vehicle and a power source in the facility, the EVSE being adapted to charge the electric vehicle at least in part based on control pilot signals; Connect the current sensor to the power source; The input current signal for the power source is obtained via the current sensor; The controller obtains multiple factors, including EVSE circuit breaker ratings and the main circuit breaker ratings of the facility. Based on the input current signal and the multiple factors, the controller dynamically adjusts the control pilot signal, including: When the input current signal is less than the rated value of the main circuit breaker of the facility, the control pilot signal is set to a predefined maximum value; The predefined maximum value is set to between 65% and 80% of the EVSE circuit breaker rating; and When the input current signal is at or above the rated value of the main circuit breaker of the facility, the control pilot signal is reduced to below the predefined maximum value in either a curved or linear manner.

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: The available current carrying capacity of the EVSE among the plurality of factors is obtained via the controller; and When the input current signal is unavailable, the control pilot signal is adjusted to match the available current carrying capacity of the EVSE.

9. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: Choose a residential property as the facility.

10. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The facility includes a power distribution board, and the method further includes: Multiple circuit breakers corresponding to the respective branch circuits around the facility are installed in the distribution board, and the current sensor is connected to a portion of the distribution board.

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