Method for remotely performing self-fault diagnosis in electric vehicle charging system and apparatus for supporting same

Abstract

The present specification relates to an electric vehicle charger for remotely performing a self-fault diagnosis in an electric vehicle charging system, characterized by comprising: a communication control module for receiving, from a control system, an instruction message for instructing the execution of the self-fault diagnosis of the electric vehicle charger, setting a test mode for self-fault diagnosis based on the received indication message; and the self-fault diagnosis module is used for executing self-fault diagnosis related tests in a plurality of states of the set test mode so as to confirm the state of the electric vehicle charger and transmitting a report message containing the confirmed state related information of the electric vehicle charger to the communication control module. Thus, the present specification has an effect of performing self-fault diagnosis on the state of the electric vehicle charger by remote control.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present specification relates to an electric vehicle charging system, and more particularly to a method for remotely performing self-fault diagnosis and a device supporting the method. Background Art

[0002] Figure 1 This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a general electric vehicle charging system.

[0003] See also Figure 1 ,The electric vehicle charging system includes a control system, an electric vehicle charger and an electric vehicle.

[0004] The electric vehicle charging system includes an electric vehicle charger, an electric vehicle, and a control system connected to the electric vehicle charger to support charging of the electric vehicle.

[0005] The control system monitors the state of the electric vehicle and the state of the electric vehicle charger. Specifically, the control system can communicate with the electric vehicle charger via the OCPP protocol.

[0006] The electric vehicle charger includes a supply equipment communication controller (SECC) module. The SECC is a communication module provided in the electric vehicle charger, which can send / receive control information of the electric vehicle charger and status information of the electric vehicle charger based on OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) communication with the control system.

[0007] The SECC communicates with an Electric Vehicle Communication Controller (EVCC) included in the control system of the electric vehicle based on the ISO15118 protocol to send / receive information related to the charging of the electric vehicle.

[0008] However, for the existing electric vehicle charging system, OCPP only provides a message format for checking the status of the electric vehicle charger, but does not define a process and method for checking the status of the electric vehicle charger, especially a process and method for checking what kind of fault the electric vehicle charger has or to which part the fault belongs. Summary of the invention

[0009] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0010] Therefore, the purpose of this specification is to provide a self-fault diagnosis device and an operating system for remotely operating the self-fault diagnosis device, which can self-diagnose self-faults of internal functions of an electric vehicle charger (even when not connected to an electric vehicle).

[0011] In addition, another object of this specification is to provide a method for self-fault diagnosis of an electric vehicle charger and a method for determining an error state of an electric vehicle charger.

[0012] In addition, another object of the present specification is to define a new field related to self-fault diagnosis in a message for self-fault diagnosis defined in OCPP.

[0013] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned technical issues, and other technical issues not mentioned will become clear to those skilled in the art through the following contents.

[0014] Solutions to the problem

[0015] The present specification discloses an electric vehicle charger that remotely performs self-fault diagnosis in an electric vehicle charging system, comprising: a communication control module that receives an instruction message from a control system that instructs the execution of self-fault diagnosis of the electric vehicle charger, and sets a test mode for self-fault diagnosis based on the received instruction message; and a self-fault diagnosis module that performs self-fault diagnosis related tests in multiple states of the set test mode to confirm the status of the electric vehicle charger, and transmits a report message containing confirmed information related to the status of the electric vehicle charger to the communication control module.

[0016] In addition, in the present specification, the self-fault diagnosis module includes: a charging terminal installed in the self-fault diagnosis module and connected to a charging plug; an emulator to test the charging and discharging of an electric vehicle; a voltage and current measurement module to measure voltage and current during the charging test of the electric vehicle; and a variable load module to reflect changes in the charging mode of the electric vehicle.

[0017] Furthermore, in this specification, the charging terminal is the same as the charging terminal of the electric vehicle to which the charging plug is coupled.

[0018] In addition, in this specification, the variable load module is set to CC (Constant Current), CP (Constant Power) or CV (Constant Voltage) mode.

[0019] In addition, in this specification, the self-fault diagnosis module and the charging plug are connected through a control pilot (CP) line, a proximity pilot (PP) line, a protective earth (PE) line, an AC line and a DC line.

[0020] In addition, in this specification, the multiple states are respectively an unmated state, a mated state, an initialized state, a cable check state, a precharge state, a charge state, and a power down state.

[0021] Furthermore, in this specification, the state-related information of the electric vehicle charger includes normal state or error state-related information of the electric vehicle charger.

[0022] In addition, in this specification, the unmated state is a state used to set a test mode to test self-fault diagnosis; the setting of the test mode includes setting at least one of the following: whether to support upper layer communication, identification mode, authentication and approval mode, charging mode, maximum current and voltage acceptable for device safety, charging test time, charging energy or maximum current that can be provided.

[0023] Furthermore, in this specification, in the unmated state, whether or not there is an error is determined by confirming a setting value of the test mode or confirming a voltage of the CP line.

[0024] In addition, in this specification, the mated state is a state used to confirm the physical connection of the self-fault diagnosis module; in the mated state, whether an error occurs is determined by confirming the voltage of the CP line, confirming the voltage of the PE line, or confirming the voltage of the PP line.

[0025] In addition, in this specification, the initialization state is a state used to test the lower layer communication; in the initialization state, whether an error occurs is determined by whether a signal with a duty cycle of a certain ratio is transmitted, the comparison of the DC output voltage with the threshold voltage, and whether the PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) duty cycle matches the maximum allowable current.

[0026] Furthermore, in the present specification, in the cable check state, whether an error occurs is determined by checking the voltage of the CP line and the insulation test result during DC charging.

[0027] Furthermore, in this specification, in the precharge state, whether an error occurs is determined by comparing a DC voltage with a voltage requested by a self-fault diagnosis module, whether a precharge-related response signal is received or not.

[0028] In addition, in this specification, in the charging state, whether an error occurs is determined by whether a power transmission response signal is transmitted within a certain period of time, whether a charging state response signal is transmitted, or whether AC and DC are transmitted at a predetermined power amount.

[0029] Furthermore, in this specification, in the Power Down state, whether an error occurs is determined by whether a power transmission response signal is transmitted within a certain period of time, whether a session termination response signal is transmitted, or by checking the voltage of the CP line.

[0030] Furthermore, in this specification, the test result is included in a data transfer request message defined in OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol).

[0031] In addition, the present specification discloses an electric vehicle charger that remotely performs self-fault diagnosis in an electric vehicle charging system, comprising: a communication control module that communicates with a control system and sets a test mode for self-fault diagnosis; and a self-fault diagnosis module; wherein the self-fault diagnosis module periodically performs self-fault diagnosis related tests under multiple states of the set test mode to confirm the status of the self-fault diagnosis module, and reports an alive message containing information related to the confirmed status of the self-fault diagnosis module to the communication control module.

[0032] In addition, in this specification, the state confirmation of the self-fault diagnosis module performs a read (Read) and a write (Write) process on a register (register) included in the self-fault diagnosis module, and generates the alive (alive) message when the read (Read) and the write (Write) process are normal.

[0033] In addition, the present specification discloses a method for remotely performing self-fault diagnosis in an electric vehicle charger in an electric vehicle charging system, comprising: receiving an indication message from a control system to perform self-fault diagnosis of the electric vehicle charger; setting a test mode for self-fault diagnosis based on the received indication message; performing a test according to the set test mode to confirm the status of the electric vehicle charger; and transmitting a report message containing information related to the confirmed status of the electric vehicle charger.

[0034] Effects of the Invention

[0035] The present invention has the effect of enabling the self-diagnosis function inside the charger of an electric vehicle to be remotely controlled (even when not connected to the electric vehicle).

[0036] The effects that can be obtained by the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will become clear to those skilled in the art through the following contents. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, the accompanying drawings, as a part of the detailed description, provide embodiments of the present invention and describe the technical features of the present invention together with the detailed description.

[0038] Figure 1 A conceptual diagram showing an example of a general electric vehicle charging system;

[0039] Figure 2 This is an example of a conceptual diagram of an electric vehicle charging system proposed in this specification;

[0040] Figure 3 An internal block diagram of the electric vehicle charger proposed in this specification;

[0041] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of various types of connectors that can be used for self-fault diagnosis proposed in this specification;

[0042] Figure 5 An example of an internal block diagram of the self-fault diagnosis device proposed in this specification;

[0043] Figure 6 An example of an interface of the self-fault diagnosis device proposed in this specification;

[0044] Figure 7 An example of a circuit diagram of the self-fault diagnosis device proposed in this specification;

[0045] Figure 8 is an example of a guide line voltage that can be used for the method proposed in this specification;

[0046] Fig. 9 An example of an internal block diagram of an electric vehicle charger that performs self-fault diagnosis through remote control in the electric vehicle charging system proposed in this specification;

[0047] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram of a method for performing self-fault diagnosis in an electric vehicle charger through remote control in an electric vehicle charging system proposed in this specification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] It should be noted that the technical terms used in this specification are only used to describe specific embodiments, rather than to limit the technical ideas disclosed in this specification. In addition, the technical terms used in this specification should be interpreted according to the meanings commonly understood by ordinary technicians in the field to which the technology disclosed herein belongs, unless specifically defined as having different meanings in this specification, and should not be interpreted as overly generalized content, nor should they be interpreted as overly narrow content. In addition, if a technical term used in this specification is an incorrect technical term that cannot accurately express the idea of ​​the technology disclosed in this specification, it should be replaced with a technical term that can be correctly understood by ordinary technicians in the field to which the technology disclosed in this specification belongs. In addition, the general terms used in this specification should be interpreted according to their dictionary definitions or the context in which they appear, and should not be interpreted too narrowly.

[0049] As used in this specification, ordinal numbers such as first, second, etc., which indicate order, may be used to describe various structures, but structures are not limited by the above terms. The purpose of the above terms is to distinguish one structure from another structure. For example, a first structure may be named a second structure, and a second structure may be named a first structure without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0050] The embodiments disclosed in this specification are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or similar structures are given the same figure marks, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0051] In addition, in the process of describing the invention disclosed in this specification, if it is considered that the specific description of the relevant disclosed technology hinders the understanding of the present invention, its detailed description will be omitted. In addition, it should be noted that the purpose of the drawings is only to facilitate the understanding of the technical ideas disclosed in this specification, rather than to limit the technical ideas.

[0052] Figure 2 This is an example of a conceptual diagram of the electric vehicle charging system proposed in this specification.

[0053] That is, the present specification provides an electric vehicle charging system, which can remotely monitor the status of the electric vehicle charger and diagnose whether it is faulty through a control system.

[0054] See also Figure 2 The electric vehicle charging system 10 proposed in this specification may include an electric vehicle charger 200, which includes a control system 100 and a self-fault diagnosis device 230. The self-fault diagnosis device may be configured as an embedded system in the electric vehicle charger.

[0055] The self-fault diagnosis device 230 is an emulator for diagnosing whether the electric vehicle charger is faulty or not, which can be referred to as a simulator, an electric vehicle simulator, a self-fault diagnosis module, etc.

[0056] The self-fault diagnosis device can communicate with the SECC210 included in the electric vehicle charger, or can directly communicate with the control system. The self-fault diagnosis device can communicate with the SECC in various ways, such as CAN (Controller Area Network), RS-485, Modbus, etc.

[0057] Figure 3 This is another internal block diagram of the electric vehicle charger proposed in this specification.

[0058] See also Figure 3 , it can be seen that the self-fault diagnosis device and SECC are connected through communications such as CAN, RS-485 and Modbus, and SECC communicates with the control system and is connected to the electric vehicle through the electric vehicle charging plug.

[0059] The self-fault diagnosis device is an electric vehicle simulator for performing fault diagnosis of an electric vehicle charger, and the external terminal of the self-fault diagnosis device is composed of the same external terminal as the electric vehicle charging terminal 220, so that the electric vehicle charging plug can be connected or plugged or inserted into the external terminal. Figure 4 As shown, the external terminals of the self-fault diagnosis device can support various types of connectors.

[0060] Figure 4 The figure is a schematic diagram of an example of various types of connectors that can be used for the self-fault diagnosis proposed in this specification.

[0061] like Figure 4 As shown, it can be divided into slow charging connectors and fast charging connectors. Among them, the slow charging connector can be divided into single-phase Type 1 and three-phase Type 2, while the fast charging connector can be divided into DC Combo (Type 1), DC Combo (Type 2) and CHAdeMO.

[0062] Back to Figure 2 The control system monitors the electric vehicle charger status information and the electric vehicle status information through the OCPP protocol.

[0063] That is, the control system may receive the electric vehicle charger state information from the electric vehicle charger through the electric vehicle charger and transmission / reception of messages defined in the OCPP protocol.

[0064] Tables 1 to 3 below are tables showing an example of a newly defined message format for sending / receiving electric vehicle charger status information through the OCPP protocol between the control system and the electric vehicle charger proposed in this specification.

[0065] First, Table 1 shows an example of newly defining relevant fields in a status notification request (StatusNotification.Req) message defined in OCPP1.6 to support the status information of the electric vehicle charger proposed in this specification.

[0066] That is, in order to send / receive the status information of the electric vehicle charger between the control system and the electric vehicle charger, a status field (status field), a manufacturer identification field (vendorId field) and a manufacturer error code field (vendorErrorCode field) may be newly defined in the status notification request message defined in OCPP1.6, as shown in Table 1.

[0067] [Table 1]

[0068]

[0069] In Table 1, the vendorId field and the vendorErrorCode field are fields that have been defined and used by the charger manufacturer, and the fields can be used to transmit the diagnostic results of the electric vehicle charger to the CMS. Among them, because Card is 0..1, this field can carry at most one value for transmission.

[0070] Next, Table 2 shows an example of newly defining related fields in a data transmission request (StatusNotification.Req) message defined in OCPP1.6 to support the status information of the electric vehicle charger proposed in this specification.

[0071] That is, as shown in Table 2, a messageId and a data field according to the status diagnosis result of the electric vehicle charger may be newly defined in the data transfer request (StatusNotification.Req) message, and the DataTransfer.Req carrying the status diagnosis result of the electric vehicle charger may be transmitted to the CMS.

[0072] [Table 2]

[0073]

[0074] In addition, the status information of the electric vehicle charger can also be transmitted using the messages defined in OCPP2.0 and OCPP2.0.1. However, due to the change in the purpose of the status notification request message (StatusNotification.Req) defined in OCPP1.6, OCPP2.0 and OCPP2.0.1 cannot use the status notification request message as in OCPP1.6, but the status information of the electric vehicle charger can be transmitted through the data transfer request message (DataTransfer.Req) defined in OCPP2.0 and OCPP2.0.1.

[0075] That is, Table 3 shows an example of newly defining relevant fields in a data transmission request (StatusNotification.Req) message defined in OCPP2.0 and OCPP2.0.1 to support the status information of the electric vehicle charger proposed in this specification.

[0076] [Table 3]

[0077]

[0078] As shown in Tables 1 to 3, it is preferable to use a data transfer request (DataTransfer.Req) that can be used simultaneously in OCPP1.6, OCPP2.0, and OCPP2.0.1 to send / receive status information related to the normal operation of the electric vehicle charger.

[0079] Figure 5 This is an example of the internal block diagram of the self-fault diagnosis device proposed in this specification.

[0080] See also Figure 5 , the self-fault diagnosis device 230 may include a variable load module 231, a voltage / current measurement module 232, an electric vehicle simulator 233 and an electric vehicle charging terminal (or an electric vehicle charging socket 234).

[0081] As described above, the electric vehicle charging terminal or socket 234 is constructed in the same manner as an external terminal of the electric vehicle.

[0082] The electric vehicle simulator 233 is composed of an electric vehicle modeling system to test the charging and / or discharging of the electric vehicle. In particular, the electric vehicle simulator can virtually simulate the characteristics of 20%, 80% and the like of the remaining energy of the battery to simulate the state of the electric vehicle battery.

[0083] The voltage / current measurement module (or metering module) includes components for measuring voltage and current during an electric vehicle charging test.

[0084] The variable load module (or final load end) may be composed of a variable load to change to CC (Constant Current) / CP (Constant Power) / CV (Constant Voltage) mode, thereby reflecting the change of the charging mode of the electric vehicle.

[0085] Next, a method for performing diagnosis of an electric vehicle charger by a self-fault diagnosis device will be specifically introduced.

[0086] After using the electric vehicle charger, the electric vehicle charging terminal can be connected to the external terminal of the self-fault diagnosis device, or can be placed on a bracket connected to the electric vehicle charger.

[0087] Thereafter, the control system requests the electric vehicle charger to perform self-fault diagnosis periodically or according to user settings. At this time, the control system instructs the electric vehicle charger (or SECC) to perform self-fault diagnosis through a data transfer request (DataTransfer.Req) message defined in OCPP1.6, OCPP2.0, and OCPP2.01 as shown in Table 3 of Table 1. The SECC requests the self-fault diagnosis device and the electric vehicle charger for a preset for fault diagnosis according to the execution of the instructed fault diagnosis.

[0088] Thereafter, if the preset for the fault diagnosis has been completed, the electric vehicle charger applies a signal for charging and / or discharging the electric vehicle to the self fault diagnosis device.

[0089] Afterwards, the self-fault diagnosis device diagnoses the status of the electric vehicle charger according to a process to be described later.

[0090] Figure 6 is an example of an interface of the self-fault diagnosis device proposed in this specification, and Figure 7 This is an example of an internal block diagram or an external circuit diagram of the self-fault diagnosis device proposed in this specification.

[0091] See also Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the self-fault diagnosis device 230 is connected to the charging plug 220 and the SECC 210 .

[0092] That is, the self-fault diagnosis device completes upper layer communication and lower layer communication through a control pilot (CP), and a controller and a modem are connected to the CP line to control the CP state.

[0093] A module that can measure voltage / current is connected to the AC / DC line.

[0094] The controller sets and operates a self-fault diagnosis device according to a test mode set by the SECC through CAN communication. The controller reports the modem transmission / reception status and the voltage / current measurement values ​​of the AC / retention line to the SECC according to the test mode. Alternatively, the controller distinguishes between a normal state and an error state based on the measurement values ​​measured by the controller and reports to the SECC.

[0095] Table 4 below shows the Figure 7 An example of the vehicle status of the internal connection status of the self-fault diagnosis device.

[0096] [Table 4]

[0097] Car status Connected Car Rechargeable Lead line voltage state A no no 12V state B yes no 9V state C yes Car preparation 6V No ventilation required in the charging area state D yes Car preparation 3V The charging area needs ventilation state E yes no 0V state F yes no -12V Power supply unavailable

[0098] In Table 4, the charging area in state C that ventilation is not required or the charging area in state D that ventilation is required is set according to an instruction from an upper layer (or superior), and the self-fault diagnosis device changes the state based on the value of the upper layer instruction. Figure 8 is an example of a guide line voltage that can be used for the method proposed in this specification. Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the guide line voltages listed in Table 4.

[0099] The diagnosis of the self-fault diagnosis device can be performed corresponding to the charging sequence steps. Therefore, the diagnosis performed in the self-fault diagnosis device can be performed in an unmated state, a mated state, an initialized state, a cable check state, a precharge state, a charge state, and a power down state.

[0100] See below for Figure 7 The status of Table 4 is described in more detail.

[0101] State A is a state in which the charging plug is not connected to the self-fault diagnosis device or is not placed on the bracket, which is a state in which charging is impossible. The guide line voltage is 12V, which may be an unplugged state.

[0102] In addition, State B is Figure 7 In the case where switch No. 1 710 is closed, the charging plug is connected to the self-fault diagnosis device or the charging plug is placed on the bracket but cannot be charged. The guide line voltage is 9V, which is lower than 12V.

[0103] In addition, State C or State D is Figure 7When switch No. 1 710 and switch No. 2 720 are closed, it is a chargeable state, and the guide line voltage is further reduced to 6 V or 3 V. In State C, the charging area does not need ventilation, while in State D, the charging area needs ventilation.

[0104] In addition, State E or State F is a state where the charging plug is connected to the self-fault diagnosis device or the charging plug is placed on the bracket but cannot be charged, and the guide line voltage is 0V or -12V respectively. State F indicates that the power supply device is unavailable.

[0105] After detecting the connection of the charging plug, the self-fault diagnosis device can perform fault diagnosis on the status of the electric vehicle charger in the aforementioned unmated state, mated state, initialized state, cable check state, pre-charge state, charge state and power down state through test modes such as (1) communication path and register control test; (2) physical connection test; (3) low-level communication test; and (4) charging session test.

[0106] When the connection of the charging plug is detected, it may mean that the charging plug has been connected or coupled to the self-fault diagnosis device, or the charging plug has been connected or coupled to a bracket of the self-fault diagnosis device.

[0107] Next, we will refer to Figures 6 to 8 A method of performing self-fault diagnosis in each of a plurality of states according to a test mode in a self-fault diagnosis device is described in more detail.

[0108] Communication path and register control test.

[0109] First, a communication path and register control test (hereinafter referred to as "first test") performed in the self-fault diagnosis device is described.

[0110] The first test is a process of setting a test in an unmated state.

[0111] First, the control system sets the test mode to SECC through OCPP communication to perform electric vehicle charger diagnosis. The first test can be performed in State A of Table 4.

[0112] The setting of the test mode can be performed on the electric vehicle charger side and the self-fault diagnosis device side respectively.

[0113] Settings on the electric vehicle charger side

[0114] -Whether the superior communication supports it or not

[0115] - Identification, authentication / approval mode

[0116] -Charging mode: AC, DC (but if it does not support upper communication, only AC can be selected)

[0117] - Maximum power available

[0118] Setting of the self-fault diagnosis device on one side (i.e. the electric vehicle side)

[0119] -Whether the superior communication supports it or not

[0120] - Identification mode: PnC (Plug & Charge), EIM (External Identification)

[0121] Certification / approval mode: Executed on electric vehicle power supply units, can be executed with auxiliary drives

[0122] -Charging mode: AC, DC (but if it does not support upper communication, only AC can be selected)

[0123] -The maximum current / voltage that the device can safely accept

[0124] -Charging test time

[0125] -Amount of energy for charging: The amount of energy required by the electric vehicle before the departure time, or the amount of energy required for the battery's SOC (State Of Charge) value to reach 100%

[0126] - Maximum current that the power supply device can provide: used to determine whether there is an error in the boot duty cycle provided by the power supply device in AC charging mode.

[0127] Afterwards, through wired communication (such as CAN communication, RS-485, Modbus, etc.) between the SECC and the self-fault diagnosis device, the SECC sets a test mode of the self-fault diagnosis device for status diagnosis of the electric vehicle charger.

[0128] In the first test, since the switch No. 1 71 in the internal block diagram of the self-fault diagnosis device is in the disconnected state (see Figure 7 ), so the CP of the electric vehicle charger is in State A (lead line voltage: +12V) in Table 4.

[0129] Afterwards, the control system sends a command to the SECC of the self-fault diagnosis device to start diagnosis through OCPP communication. At this time, the corresponding messages and fields in Tables 1 to 3 can be used.

[0130] Next, a method for determining an error that occurred in the first test is introduced. If at least one of the following conditions is met, it can be determined that an error has occurred:

[0131] After setting the test mode in the SECC, the control system confirms the value of the set test mode, and if the check result content is inconsistent, it is determined to be an OCPP communication error.

[0132] Furthermore, the SECC confirms the set value after setting the test mode in the self fault diagnosis device, and if the check result contents are inconsistent, it is determined that there is a communication error between the SECC and the self fault diagnosis device.

[0133] In addition, if the CP controller state of the electric vehicle charger is not State A (pilot line voltage: +12V) in Table 4, the SECC determines that it is an error of the CP controller state.

[0134] Physical connection test.

[0135] Next, a physical connection test (hereinafter referred to as "second test") performed in the self fault diagnosis apparatus is described.

[0136] The second test is a process of confirming the connection status of the physical device in the aforementioned mated state.

[0137] First, after receiving the diagnosis start command from the control system, the self-fault diagnosis device closes Figure 7 Switch 1 in.

[0138] At this time, the voltage of the CP line of the SECC drops from 12V to 9V, and the state of the electric vehicle charger CP controller changes from State A in Table 4 to State B.

[0139] In addition, SECC checks the PE (Proximity Earth) grounding and PP (Proximity Pilot) voltage.

[0140] The method of determining an error that occurs in a physical connection test is as follows: If at least one of the following is met, it can be determined that an error has occurred:

[0141] First, if the CP controller state of the electric vehicle charger does not change to State B, the SECC determines the CP controller state as an error.

[0142] Furthermore, if 0V cannot be detected on the PE line, the SECC determines that there is a PE line error.

[0143] Furthermore, if no voltage is detected on the PP line, the SECC determines that there is a PP line error.

[0144] Lower level communication test.

[0145] Next, a method of a lower-level communication test (hereinafter referred to as a "third test") performed in the self-fault diagnosis device will be described.

[0146] The third test is performed in the aforementioned initialized state, and the matching process is started through the lower layer communication on the CP line. The specific process is as follows:

[0147] First, the CP controller of the electric vehicle charger starts communication with a 5% duty cycle.

[0148] Among them, the process of distinguishing the diagnostic mode according to whether the self-fault diagnosis device supports upper layer communication, when the upper layer communication is not supported (AC charging can be performed), the execution process of the diagnostic mode is as follows:

[0149] The self-diagnostic device does not respond to a 5% duty cycle.

[0150] Furthermore, during T_step_EF, the self-fault diagnosis device maintains the CP state as state E / state F.

[0151] In addition, in order to perform the status diagnosis of the electric vehicle charger according to the KS C IEC 61851-1 standard, the electric vehicle charger sets the effective duty ratio in the range of 10% to 96%.

[0152] Next, when upper layer communication is supported (AC and DC charging are possible), the execution process of the diagnostic mode is as follows:

[0153] First, a matching process of exchanging charging parameters is performed.

[0154] After that, the state of the electric vehicle charger is converted to "matching" (logical network connection is successful), and D-LINK_READY.indication (link setup completed) is passed to the upper layer to indicate that the matching is successful or the matching fails. After that, the state of the electric vehicle charger is converted to the "matched" state.

[0155] Additionally, in the case of DC charging, the EV charger can self-diagnose the voltage of the DC power line.

[0156] The third test, i.e., the method for determining an error that occurs in the lower-level communication test, is as follows: If at least one of the following is satisfied, it can be determined that an error has occurred:

[0157] First, if the electric vehicle charger does not transmit a signal with a duty cycle of 5% after a period of time, or the duty cycle of the signal exceeds (5±margin)%, the self-fault diagnosis device determines it as a PWM error with a duty cycle of 5%.

[0158] In addition, if during the matching process, the state of the electric vehicle charger is in an unmatched “Unmatched” state due to errors in both the self-fault diagnosis device and the SECC, it is determined that the matching process has failed.

[0159] Furthermore, in the case of DC charging, if the DC output voltage provided by the electric vehicle charger is greater than a certain voltage (eg, 60V), the SECC determines it as a DC maximum supply voltage error.

[0160] In addition, if the AC charging electric vehicle charger does not change the PWM duty cycle to 10% to 96%, or the PWM duty cycle does not match the maximum allowable current, the self-fault diagnosis device determines that the AC charging is wrong.

[0161] Charging session test.

[0162] Next, a charging session test (hereinafter referred to as a "fourth test") performed in the self fault diagnosis device is described.

[0163] The fourth test includes a cable check state, a precharge state, a charge state, and a power down state. The following describes the diagnostic process performed in each state.

[0164] The fourth test prepares the electric vehicle for charging and performs communication setting, identification / authentication / approval, target setting, and charging scheduling after completing the matching process of the third test in a cable check state.

[0165] Cable check status.

[0166] First, set up the communication. This means performing an IP-based access connection.

[0167] In addition, data link is set. This means that the identification, authentication, and approval processes are performed according to the set identification, authentication, and approval modes.

[0168] Additionally, a V2G Vehicle-to-Grid setup is performed to set charging targets and schedules.

[0169] The self-diagnostic device is turned off Figure 7 The switch No. 2 720 in the embodiment is switched to change the CP line state to state C (or state D) in Table 4. Both state C and state D are states capable of receiving energy in the self-fault diagnosis device.

[0170] In the state C, the CP line is +6V, and in the state D, the CP line is +3V.

[0171] In the case of DC charging, the self-fault diagnosis device transmits a CableCheckReq message to the electric vehicle charger to request a cable check.

[0172] After the electric vehicle charger checks the isolation with the electric vehicle HV System, the inspection result is set or included in a cable check response (CableCheckRes) message and transmitted to the self-fault diagnosis device.

[0173] The method to determine the error in the cable check state is as follows:

[0174] An error is determined to have occurred if at least one of the following is true:

[0175] If there is no correct association between the electric vehicle charger (or power supply device communication controller) and the self-fault diagnosis device, or a timeout occurs during the plugging process, the self-fault diagnosis device and SECC determine the upper layer communication setup failure as an error.

[0176] If the CP state does not change from state B to state C or state D, the SECC determines that it is a CP line error.

[0177] In the case where both the self-fault diagnosis device and the SECC are DC charged, if an insulation test error occurs, or a cable check (CableCheck) result included in a cable check invitation (CableCheckRes) message is not "Valid", it is determined to be an Isolation error.

[0178] Precharge (PreCharge) state.

[0179] The test process in the pre-charge (PreCharge) state (DC charging only) is as follows:

[0180] First, the emulator starts the precharge process by sending a precharge request (PreChargeReq) message.

[0181] In addition, connect the switch to allow the EV charger to supply power. That is, close the contactor on the EV charger side.

[0182] In addition, the DC power supply of the electric vehicle charger applies the voltage requested by the pre-charge request (PreChargeReq) message within the maximum allowed current range.

[0183] In addition, a self-fault diagnostic device monitors the voltage of the DC supply line.

[0184] In addition, when the difference between the battery voltage of the self-fault diagnosis device and the DC supply line voltage is less than 20V, the disconnecting device (disconnecting device) of the self-fault diagnosis device is turned off. Figure 7 3 switch 730).

[0185] The method to determine the error in the precharge state is as follows:

[0186] An error is determined to have occurred if at least one of the following is true:

[0187] The self-fault diagnostic device determines a reception error of a precharge response (PreChargeRes) signal.

[0188] In addition, if the DC voltage transmitted by the electric vehicle charger is not the voltage requested by the self-fault diagnosis device, the self-fault diagnosis device determines that it is a DC voltage error.

[0189] Charging status.

[0190] Next, we will introduce the method of testing in the charging state.

[0191] First, the self-fault diagnosis device transmits a power delivery request (PowerDeliveryReq) message.

[0192] In the case of AC charging, the self-fault diagnosis device turns off the disconnecting device ( Figure 7 The EV charger also closes the contactor on the EV charger side, i.e., the switch is connected to allow the EV charger to supply power.

[0193] When energy can be transferred, the electric vehicle charger transmits a power delivery response (PowerDeliveryRes) message.

[0194] If it is DC charging, the voltage / current provided by the electric vehicle charger is controlled through the CurrentDemandReq / Res message.

[0195] In the case of AC charging, charging control and scheduling are performed through charging status request / response (ChargingStatusReq / Res) messages.

[0196] The EV charger then transfers energy while the self-diagnostic device monitors the transferred voltage / current.

[0197] Charging status.

[0198] Next, a method for determining an error in the charging state is introduced. If at least one of the following conditions is met, it can be determined that an error has occurred:

[0199] If the electric vehicle charger does not transmit a power delivery response (PowerDeliveryRes) message within a prescribed time, the self-fault diagnosis device determines it as an error.

[0200] In addition, if the electric vehicle charger does not transmit the CurrentDemandRes / ChargingStatusRes message within a prescribed time, the self-fault diagnosis device determines it as an error.

[0201] Furthermore, if AC / DC is not transmitted at the agreed amount of power, the self-fault diagnostic device will determine it as an error.

[0202] Furthermore, if AC or DC is not transmitted due to a contactor failure, the self-fault diagnostic device will determine it as an error.

[0203] Power Down state.

[0204] Next, the method of testing in the power-down state is introduced.

[0205] First, after starting the charging test, the self-fault diagnosis device transmits a power delivery request (PowerDeliveryReq message) after the set "charging test time" has passed. That is, a message indicating an energy delivery completion invitation is transmitted.

[0206] In the case of AC charging, the self-diagnostic device changes the CP to state B and opens the disconnection device, while the electric vehicle charger opens the contactor.

[0207] In addition, the electric vehicle charger sets a “Not Ready” status value as a response to a power delivery response (PowerDeliveryRes) message.

[0208] In the case of DC charging, the EV charger reduces the current to less than 1A.

[0209] After the current is reduced to 1A, the self-fault diagnosis device will open the disconnection device.

[0210] In addition, the electric vehicle charger disables the output voltage and opens the contactor, and the electric vehicle charger sets a “Not Ready” status value as a response to the power delivery response (PowerDeliveryRes) message.

[0211] The self-diagnosis device is turned on Figure 7 Switch No. 2 720 in the circuit to change CP to state B.

[0212] In addition, the self-fault diagnosis device requests to terminate the PLC communication through a session termination request (SessiontStopReq) message.

[0213] In addition, the electric vehicle charger responds with a session termination response (SessionStopRes) message.

[0214] In addition, the self-diagnosis device opens Figure 7 Switch No. 1 710 in the circuit to change CP to state A.

[0215] The method of determining an error generated in the power down state is as follows: If at least one of the following is satisfied, it can be determined that an error has occurred:

[0216] If the electric vehicle charger does not transmit a power delivery response (PowerDeliveryRes) message within a prescribed time, the self-fault diagnosis device determines it as an error.

[0217] Furthermore, if the CP state does not change (or transition) to state B, the SECC is determined to be erroneous.

[0218] Furthermore, if the electric vehicle charger does not transmit a session termination response (SessionStopRes) message within a prescribed time, the self-fault diagnosis device determines it as an error.

[0219] Furthermore, if the CP state is not converted to state A, the SECC is determined to be erroneous.

[0220] Fig. 9 This is an example of an internal block diagram of an electric vehicle charger that performs self-fault diagnosis through remote control in the electric vehicle charging system proposed in this specification.

[0221] The electric vehicle charger 200 may include a communication control module 210 and a self-fault diagnosis module 220 to perform self-fault diagnosis through remote control.

[0222] The communication control module may be the aforementioned SECC.

[0223] The communication control module receives an instruction message from a control system, the instruction message instructing to perform self-fault diagnosis of the electric vehicle charger, and sets a test mode for self-fault diagnosis based on the received instruction message.

[0224] In addition, the self-fault diagnosis module performs self-fault diagnosis related tests in multiple states of the test mode set by the communication control module to confirm the state of the electric vehicle charger, and transmits a report message containing information related to the confirmed state of the electric vehicle charger to the communication control module.

[0225] The plurality of states may be an unmated state, a mated state, an initialized state, a cable check state, a precharge state, a charge state, and a power down state.

[0226] In addition, the state-related information of the electric vehicle charger may include normal state or error state-related information of the electric vehicle charger.

[0227] In addition, the test result may be included in a data transfer request message defined in OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol).

[0228] See also Figure 5 , the self-fault diagnosis module may include a charging terminal, a simulator, a voltage and current measurement module and a variable load module.

[0229] First, the charging terminal is installed in the self-fault diagnosis module and is combined with a charging plug, and can be the same as the charging terminal of the electric vehicle combined with the charging plug.

[0230] In addition, the emulator can test the charging and discharging of the electric vehicle.

[0231] In addition, the voltage and current measurement module measures voltage and current during a charging test of the electric vehicle.

[0232] In addition, the variable load module is used to reflect the change of the charging mode of the electric vehicle, and can be set to CC constant current (Constant Current), CP constant power (Constant Power) or CV constant voltage (Constant Voltage) mode.

[0233] See also Figure 6 The self-fault diagnosis module and the charging plug can be connected through a control pilot (CP) line, a proximity pilot (PP) line, a protective earth (PE) line, an AC line and a DC line.

[0234] The self-fault diagnosis module can perform tests in each state in the test mode, and determine whether the electric vehicle charger is in a normal state or an error state in each state.

[0235] First, the unmated state is a state for setting a test mode to test self-fault diagnosis.

[0236] Among them, the setting of the test mode includes setting at least one of the following: whether to support upper layer communication, identification mode, authentication and approval mode, charging mode, maximum current and voltage acceptable for device safety, charging test time, charging energy or maximum current that can be provided.

[0237] In the unmated state, whether an error occurs can be determined by confirming a setting value of the test mode or confirming a voltage of the CP line.

[0238] In addition, the mated state is a state for confirming the physical connection of the self-fault diagnosis module. In the mated state, whether an error occurs can be determined by confirming the voltage of the CP line, confirming the voltage of the PE line, or confirming the voltage of the PP line.

[0239] In addition, the initialization state is a state for testing lower layer communication. In the initialization state, whether an error occurs can be determined by whether a signal with a certain ratio of duty cycle is transmitted, the comparison between the DC output voltage and the threshold voltage, and whether the PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) duty cycle matches the maximum allowable current.

[0240] In addition, in the cable check state, whether there is an error or not can be determined by confirming the voltage of the CP line and the insulation test result during DC charging.

[0241] In addition, in the pre-charge (PreCharge) state, whether an error occurs can be determined by whether a pre-charge related response signal is received or not, and by comparing the DC voltage with the voltage requested by the self-fault diagnosis module.

[0242] In addition, in the charging state, whether there is an error can be determined by whether a power transmission response signal is transmitted within a certain period of time, whether a charging state response signal is transmitted, or whether AC and DC are transmitted at a predetermined power amount.

[0243] In addition, in the Power Down state, whether an error occurs can be determined by whether a power transmission response signal is transmitted within a certain period of time, whether a session termination response signal is transmitted, or by confirming the voltage of the CP line.

[0244] As another embodiment, in this specification, the self-fault diagnosis device can autonomously perform fault diagnosis, and the specific method is as follows:

[0245] The self-fault diagnosis module included in the electric vehicle charger periodically performs self-fault diagnosis related tests under multiple states of the test mode set by the communication control module to confirm the state of the self-fault diagnosis module, and can report an alive message containing information related to the state of the confirmed self-fault diagnosis module to the communication control module.

[0246] The status confirmation of the self-fault diagnosis module executes a read and write process on a register included in the self-fault diagnosis module, and when the read and write processes are normal, the alive message can be generated.

[0247] For the specific process of performing fault diagnosis in each state and determining whether there is an error as described above, please refer to the aforementioned content.

[0248] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram of a method for performing self-fault diagnosis in an electric vehicle charger through remote control in an electric vehicle charging system proposed in this specification.

[0249] First, the electric vehicle charger receives an instruction message from a control system, the instruction message instructing to perform self-fault diagnosis of the electric vehicle charger ( S1010 ).

[0250] Subsequently, the electric vehicle charger sets a test mode for self-fault diagnosis based on the received indication message ( S1020 ).

[0251] Then, the electric vehicle charger transmits a report message to the control system to report the test result measured according to the set test mode (S1030).

[0252] The test result includes status information of the electric vehicle charger, and the status information of the electric vehicle charger may include information related to a normal state or an error state of the electric vehicle charger.

[0253] The embodiments described above combine the components and features of the present invention in a predetermined form. Unless otherwise expressly stated, each component or function should be considered optional. Each component or function can be implemented without being combined with other components or functions. In addition, certain components and / or functions can also be combined to form an embodiment of the present invention. The order of operations described in the embodiments of the present invention can be changed. Certain components or features of any embodiment can be included in other embodiments, or interchangeable with corresponding components or features of other embodiments. Obviously, claims that do not have a clear narrative relationship in the patent claims can be combined into embodiments or as new claims by post-submission modifications.

[0254] The embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in various ways, such as hardware, firmware, software or a combination thereof. In the case of hardware implementation, the embodiments of the present invention may be implemented by one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, etc.

[0255] When implemented in firmware or software, an embodiment of the present invention may be implemented in the form of modules, programs, functions, etc. to perform the aforementioned functions or operations. The software code may be stored in a memory and driven by a processor. The memory may be located inside or outside the processor and may exchange data with the processor in various ways known in the art.

[0256] Those skilled in the art may implement the present invention in other specific forms without departing from the spirit and essential features of the present invention. Therefore, the above detailed description is not restrictive in all aspects but illustrative. The scope of the present invention should be determined by the reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the scope of the equivalent of the present invention belong to the present invention.

[0257] Industrial Applicability

[0258] The method for remotely performing self-fault diagnosis in an electric vehicle charging system of the present invention is described based on application to electric vehicles, but can also be applied to various systems.

Claims

1. An electric vehicle charger for remotely performing self-fault diagnosis in an electric vehicle charging system, characterized in that: include: a communication control module, receiving an instruction message from a control system, the instruction message instructing to perform self-fault diagnosis of the electric vehicle charger, and setting a test mode for self-fault diagnosis based on the received instruction message; and The self-fault diagnosis module performs self-fault diagnosis related tests in a plurality of states of the set test mode to confirm the state of the electric vehicle charger, and transmits a report message containing confirmed state-related information of the electric vehicle charger to the communication control module.

2. The electric vehicle charger for remotely performing self-fault diagnosis in an electric vehicle charging system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The self-fault diagnosis module comprises: A charging terminal, installed in the self-fault diagnosis module and coupled to a charging plug; simulator, to test the charging and discharging of electric vehicles; Voltage and current measurement modules to measure voltage and current during charging tests of electric vehicles; and Variable load module to reflect changes in EV charging patterns.

3. The electric vehicle charger for remotely performing self-fault diagnosis in an electric vehicle charging system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The charging terminal is the same as the charging terminal of the electric vehicle to which the charging plug is combined.

4. The electric vehicle charger for remotely performing self-fault diagnosis in an electric vehicle charging system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The variable load module is set to a constant current, constant power or constant voltage mode.

5. The electric vehicle charger for remotely performing self-fault diagnosis in an electric vehicle charging system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The self-fault diagnosis module and the charging plug are connected through a control guide CP line, a proximity guide PP line, a protective grounding PE line, an AC line and a DC line.

6. The electric vehicle charger for remotely performing self-fault diagnosis in an electric vehicle charging system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The multiple states are respectively an unplugged state, a plugged state, an initialization state, a cable check state, a pre-charge state, a charge state, and a power-off state.

7. The electric vehicle charger for remotely performing self-fault diagnosis in an electric vehicle charging system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The state-related information of the electric vehicle charger includes normal state or error state-related information of the electric vehicle charger.

8. The electric vehicle charger for remotely performing self-fault diagnosis in an electric vehicle charging system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The unplugged state is a state for setting a test mode to test self-fault diagnosis; the setting of the test mode includes setting at least one of the following: whether to support upper layer communication, identification mode, authentication and approval mode, charging mode, maximum current and voltage acceptable for device safety, charging test time, charging energy or maximum current that can be provided.

9. The electric vehicle charger for remotely performing self-fault diagnosis in an electric vehicle charging system according to claim 8, characterized in that: In the unplugged state, whether an error occurs is determined by confirming a setting value of the test mode or confirming a voltage of the CP line.

10. The electric vehicle charger for remotely performing self-fault diagnosis in an electric vehicle charging system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The plugged in state is a state for confirming the physical connection of the self-fault diagnosis module; in the plugged in state, whether an error occurs is determined by confirming the voltage of the CP line, confirming the voltage of the PE line, or confirming the voltage of the PP line.

11. The electric vehicle charger for remotely performing self-fault diagnosis in an electric vehicle charging system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The initialization state is a state for testing lower-layer communication; in the initialization state, whether an error occurs is determined by whether a signal with a duty cycle of a certain ratio is transmitted, the comparison of the DC output voltage with the threshold voltage, and whether the pulse width modulation PWM duty cycle matches the maximum allowable current.

12. The electric vehicle charger for remotely performing self-fault diagnosis in an electric vehicle charging system according to claim 7, characterized in that: In the cable inspection state, whether there is an error or not is determined by confirming the voltage of the CP line and the insulation test result during DC charging.

13. The electric vehicle charger for remotely performing self-fault diagnosis in an electric vehicle charging system according to claim 7, characterized in that: In the pre-charging state, whether an error occurs is determined by whether a pre-charging related response signal is received or not, and by comparing the DC voltage with the voltage requested by the self-fault diagnosis module.

14. The electric vehicle charger for remotely performing self-fault diagnosis in an electric vehicle charging system according to claim 7, characterized in that: In the charging state, the presence or absence of an error is determined by whether a power transmission response signal is transmitted within a certain time, whether a charging state response signal is transmitted, or whether AC and DC are transmitted at a predetermined power amount.

15. The electric vehicle charger for remotely performing self-fault diagnosis in an electric vehicle charging system according to claim 7, characterized in that: In the power-off state, whether an error occurs is determined by whether a power transmission response signal is transmitted within a certain period of time, whether a session termination response signal is transmitted, or by confirming the voltage of the CP line.

16. The electric vehicle charger for remotely performing self-fault diagnosis in an electric vehicle charging system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The test result is included in a data transfer request message defined in the Open Charge Point Protocol OCPP.

17. An electric vehicle charger for remotely performing self-fault diagnosis in an electric vehicle charging system, characterized in that: include: a communication control module that communicates with the control system and sets a test mode for self-fault diagnosis; and Self-fault diagnosis module; Among them, the self-fault diagnosis module regularly performs self-fault diagnosis related tests under multiple states of the set test mode to confirm the state of the self-fault diagnosis module, and reports a survival message containing information related to the state of the confirmed self-fault diagnosis module to the communication control module.

18. The electric vehicle charger according to claim 17, characterized in that: The status confirmation of the self-fault diagnosis module performs a read and write process on a register included in the self-fault diagnosis module, and generates the survival message when the read and write process is normal.

19. A method for remote self-fault diagnosis of an electric vehicle charger in an electric vehicle charging system, comprising: receiving an instruction message from a control system, the instruction message instructing to perform self-fault diagnosis of the electric vehicle charger; Setting a test mode for self-fault diagnosis based on the received indication message; Performing a test according to the set test mode to confirm the status of the electric vehicle charger; and A report message containing confirmed status-related information of the electric vehicle charger is transmitted.

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