System and method for monitoring electric vehicle charging station

Abstract

The invention relates to a system and method for monitoring an electric vehicle charging station. A system includes a monitoring unit coupled to an electric vehicle charging station, the monitoring unit including at least one processor; and an inertial sensor in communication with the monitoring unit and mechanically attached to the charging station. The inertial sensor is operative to generate a data-ready pulse signal representing a time at which the inertial sensor is sampled. The monitoring unit includes program instructions that perform a method including: measuring and subsequently subtracting inertial measurements generated by the inertial sensor when the monitoring unit is energized; determining whether the measured acceleration value generated by the inertial sensor exceeds a user-selected threshold value; when the measured acceleration value exceeds a threshold value selected by a user, changing a data ready pulse signal into a discrete voltage level; and de-energizing the charging station in response to changing the data ready pulse signal to the discrete voltage level.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Electric vehicle charging stations typically supply power to the batteries of various electric vehicles. For example, users can connect their electric vehicles via cables from the charging station, which then supplies current to the vehicle's battery. The cables and control systems of such charging stations can be housed in self-service terminals or other units at various locations, allowing drivers of electric vehicles to park near the charging station and begin the charging process.

[0002] Whether due to driver distraction or other events, charging stations sometimes experience collisions or impacts. Such events can occur when an external object, such as an electric vehicle, comes into contact with the charging station, potentially causing damage to the charging station or the external object.

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to detect collisions or impacts that occur at charging stations in order to mitigate any negative consequences of such events. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A system includes a monitoring unit configured to be coupled to an electric vehicle charging station, the monitoring unit including at least one processor; and one or more inertial sensors operatively connected to the monitoring unit and configured to be mechanically attached to the electric vehicle charging station. The one or more inertial sensors operatively generate a data-ready pulse signal representing the time of sampling by the one or more inertial sensors. The monitoring unit includes program instructions executable by the at least one processor to perform the following methods: when the monitoring unit is powered on, measuring and subsequently subtracting inertial measurement values ​​generated by the one or more inertial sensors; determining whether the measured acceleration value generated by the one or more inertial sensors exceeds a user-selected threshold; when the measured acceleration value exceeds the user-selected threshold, changing the data-ready pulse signal to a discrete voltage level; and de-energizing the electric vehicle charging station in response to changing the data-ready pulse signal to a discrete voltage level. Attached Figure Description

[0005] The features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the drawings illustrate only typical embodiments and are therefore not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The invention will be described with additional features and details using the drawings, wherein:

[0006] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a system for monitoring electric vehicle charging stations, based on an implementation plan.

[0007] Figure 2This is an example implementation of a collision detection algorithm that performs a method for monitoring electric vehicle charging stations;

[0008] Figure 3 This is a flowchart based on an example of an operational method for monitoring electric vehicle charging stations; and

[0009] Figures 4A to 4C This is an example simulation data graph used to monitor the operation of electric vehicle charging stations. Detailed Implementation

[0010] In the following detailed description, the embodiments are fully described to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be considered limiting.

[0011] This article describes a system and method for monitoring electric vehicle charging stations.

[0012] This system utilizes inertial sensor devices, such as inertial measurement units (IMUs), which provide discrete signals indicating that acceleration levels have been exceeded. These inertial sensor devices can be configured to monitor electric vehicle charging stations to ensure that vehicles do not collide with them.

[0013] The "data ready" signal is commonly used in various inertial measurement units (IMUs). The data ready signal indicates that the sensors in the IMU have been sampled and the data is ready for transmission. The IMU data ready signal can be used in conjunction with monitoring units in electric vehicle charging stations.

[0014] The data ready signal used is a pulse signal, which is already available for IMUs because it is the signal inherently used in the sensor sampling method for the gyroscopes and accelerometers within the IMU. In addition to indicating that the device is connected, the data ready signal also provides a directional indication of the IMU's operation.

[0015] In one implementation, the IMU used in this method may be an HGuidei300 microelectromechanical system (MEMS) IMU available from Honeywell. This IMU generates a 1800Hz data ready pulse. The data ready pulse reflects both a fixed offset from the sensor sampling time and an indication that the sensor's serial data is ready for transmission.

[0016] When the IMU is powered on, the monitoring device assumes it is static and subtracts any initial values. For example, if a particular axis is aligned with gravity (i.e., measured at approximately 9.8 m / s / s), the monitoring device subtracts that value. This feature allows the monitoring device to be mounted in any orientation. After initialization, the monitoring device compares the measured acceleration deviation, starting from "zero," to a user-selected threshold. When the threshold for any axis is exceeded, the data ready signal changes from a pulse to a discrete voltage level. The monitoring device monitors the permanent value of the discrete voltage level and then takes steps to shut down the charging station. In some implementations, the data ready pulse signal may correspond to the IMU's digital health signal, and the discrete voltage level may correspond to a user-selected logic high signal.

[0017] The monitoring software takes into account the known width of the data pulses. The software can also apply filtering only after initially changing from pulse to discrete levels and then waiting a certain amount of time. An up / down impact counter type strategy can be used to handle situations where the measured acceleration is close to an acceleration threshold. Filtering strategies can also be used to match the response to measurement data associated with a vehicle colliding with a charging station.

[0018] Further details of various embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a system 100 for monitoring an electric vehicle charging station 102 according to one embodiment. System 100 includes a monitoring unit 110 coupled to the electric vehicle charging station 102, wherein the monitoring unit 110 includes at least one processor 112. A collision detection algorithm 114 is stored in memory associated with the processor 112. The collision detection algorithm 114 is embodied by program instructions executable by the processor 112 to perform methods for monitoring the electric vehicle charging station 102 to detect collisions with vehicles or other objects, as further described below.

[0020] One or more inertial sensors 120 are operatively communicated with monitoring unit 110 and mechanically attached to electric vehicle charging station 102, such that movement of electric vehicle charging station 102 causes movement of the inertial sensors. Inertial sensor 120 may include one or more single-axis or multi-axis inertial sensors. For example, inertial sensor 120 may include an IMU comprising one or more gyroscopes and one or more accelerometers. Furthermore, multi-axis acceleration information generated by the IMU can be used to facilitate mounting monitoring unit 110 on any axis. Inertial sensor 120 operatively generates inertial measurement values ​​and data-ready pulse signals, which indicate the time of sampling for inertial sensor 120.

[0021] In addition, the power supply 130 is coupled to the electric vehicle charging station 102 and is operatively connected to the monitoring unit 110.

[0022] Figure 2 This is an example implementation of a collision detection algorithm, such as collision detection algorithm 114, that performs method 200 for monitoring an electric vehicle charging station (e.g., charging station 102). Method 200 includes measuring and subsequently subtracting inertial measurement values ​​generated by one or more inertial sensors (e.g., inertial sensor 120) when a monitoring unit (e.g., monitoring unit 110) is powered on (box 210). When the monitoring unit is powered on, method 200 determines whether the measured acceleration values ​​generated by the one or more inertial sensors exceed a user-selected threshold (box 220). When the measured acceleration value exceeds the user-selected threshold, method 200 changes a data-ready pulse signal (e.g., a digital pulse from inertial sensor 120) to a discrete voltage level (e.g., a logic high signal) (box 230). Method 200 de-energizes the electric vehicle charging station in response to changing the data-ready pulse signal to a discrete voltage level (box 240).

[0023] In one implementation, the electric vehicle charging station can be powered down after a preselected waiting period following the change of the data-ready pulse signal to a discrete voltage level. The waiting time can be within a range reflecting the inherent data rate of the low-end inertial sensor (e.g., approximately 552 microseconds for an i300 IMU) or a wider range that takes into account other system knowledge. For example, patterns of acceleration values ​​measured over 250 milliseconds (450 points) can be analyzed and evaluated to determine whether the pattern is related to known measurements associated with a vehicle that collided with the electric vehicle charging station.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operational method 300 for monitoring an electric vehicle charging station. Initially, method 300 includes receiving acceleration values ​​from two sources, including approximately 9.8 m / s². 2The acceleration values ​​are measured by the Earth's gravity (box 310) and acceleration values ​​from the IMU, caused by forces such as those resulting from a collision with the charging station (box 312). These acceleration values ​​are combined in adder 320 and sent to monitoring unit 324 for processing. The combined acceleration values ​​are compared to a predetermined threshold (box 330), and the IMU's health signal is modified based on this decision. For example, a G-force threshold may be provided for monitoring (box 334). If the combined acceleration value is determined to be greater than the threshold (box 330), the IMU's data-ready pulse signal is changed to a discrete voltage level (logic high signal) (box 340), and measures are taken to power off the charging station. If the combined acceleration value is determined not to be greater than the threshold (box 330), the data-ready pulse signal is maintained (box 344), and the charging station is not powered off.

[0025] Figures 4A to 4C This is an example simulation data graph used to monitor the operation of electric vehicle charging stations. Figures 4A to 4C Each of them shows the same time period.

[0026] Specifically, Figure 4A The simulated acceleration values ​​are shown relative to a time period (from 0 to 1 second). Curve 412 represents the inertial acceleration along a single axis. Vertical line 414 represents the time to impact the charging station. Horizontal line 416 represents the impact detection threshold. Figure 4B The analog standard health signal (data ready signal) of the IMU relative to time is shown. The pulse train 420 of the health signal indicates the health of the device before any external force is applied to the charging station (e.g., due to an impact event). Figure 4C The analog health / impact signal is shown relative to time. At the impact detection time, represented by the vertical line 414, the health signal changes from a pulse train 420 to a logic high signal 430 (discrete voltage).

[0027] For example, if at the impact time (line 414), the acceleration value is greater than the impact detection threshold ( Figure 4A If line 416 in the middle is used, the health signal changes from pulse train 420 to logic high signal 430, such as... Figure 4C As shown, measures are taken to disconnect the charging station from power. In contrast, if the acceleration value is not greater than the impact detection threshold, the health signal is maintained as shown. Figure 4B The pulse train 420 shown does not power off the charging station.

[0028] The processing units and / or other computing devices used in the systems and methods described herein can be implemented using software, firmware, hardware, or appropriate combinations thereof. The processing units and / or other computing devices may be supplemented or incorporated therein by specially designed application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). The processing units and / or other computing devices may also include or run with software programs, firmware, or other computer-readable instructions to perform the various processing tasks, computational, and control functions used in the methods and systems described herein.

[0029] The methods described herein can be implemented using computer-executable instructions (such as program modules or components) that are executed by at least one processor or processing unit. Typically, program modules include routines, programs, objects, data components, data structures, algorithms, etc., that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types.

[0030] Various procedural tasks, calculations, and generation instructions used in performing the operations described herein with respect to other data may be implemented in software, firmware, or other computer-readable instructions. These instructions are typically stored on a suitable computer program product, including computer-readable media for storing computer-readable instructions or data structures. Such computer-readable media may be available media accessible by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer or processor or any programmable logic device.

[0031] Suitable computer-readable storage media may include, for example, non-volatile memory devices, including semiconductor memory devices such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory devices; disks, such as internal hard disks or removable disks; optical disk storage devices, such as optical discs (CD), digital versatile optical discs (DVD), Blu-ray discs; or any other medium that may be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures.

[0032] Example Implementation Plan

[0033] Example 1 includes a system comprising: a monitoring unit configured to be coupled to an electric vehicle charging station, the monitoring unit including at least one processor; and one or more inertial sensors operatively connected to the monitoring unit and configured to be mechanically attached to the electric vehicle charging station, the one or more inertial sensors operatively generating a data-ready pulse signal representing the time of sampling of the one or more inertial sensors; wherein the monitoring unit includes program instructions executable by the at least one processor to perform the following methods: when the monitoring unit is powered on, measuring and subsequently subtracting inertial measurement values ​​generated by the one or more inertial sensors; determining whether the measured acceleration value generated by the one or more inertial sensors exceeds a user-selected threshold; when the measured acceleration value exceeds the user-selected threshold, changing the data-ready pulse signal to a discrete voltage level; and de-energizing the electric vehicle charging station in response to changing the data-ready pulse signal to a discrete voltage level.

[0034] Example 2 includes the system according to Example 1, wherein the one or more inertial sensors include one or more single-axis or multi-axis inertial sensors.

[0035] Example 3 includes a system according to any one of Examples 1 to 2, wherein the one or more inertial sensors include an inertial measurement unit (IMU), the inertial measurement unit (IMU) including one or more gyroscopes and one or more accelerometers.

[0036] Example 4 includes the system according to Example 3, wherein the data ready pulse signal corresponds to the digital health signal of the IMU.

[0037] Example 5 includes the system according to Example 4, wherein the discrete voltage levels correspond to logic high signals.

[0038] Example 6 includes the system according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the electric vehicle charging station is powered off after a preselected waiting period following the change of the data ready pulse signal to the discrete voltage level.

[0039] Example 7 includes a system according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the measured acceleration value is evaluated to determine whether the measured acceleration value matches measurement data associated with a vehicle that has collided with the electric vehicle charging station.

[0040] Example 8 includes the system according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the multi-axis acceleration information can be used to facilitate mounting the monitoring unit on any axis.

[0041] Example 9 includes a method comprising: providing a monitoring unit coupled to an electric vehicle charging station; providing one or more inertial sensors operatively connected to the monitoring unit and mechanically attached to the electric vehicle charging station, the one or more inertial sensors operatively generating a data-ready pulse signal representing the time for sampling of the one or more inertial sensors; measuring and subsequently subtracting inertial measurement values ​​generated by the one or more inertial sensors when the monitoring unit is powered on; determining whether a measured acceleration value generated by the one or more inertial sensors exceeds a user-selected threshold; changing the data-ready pulse signal to a discrete voltage level when the measured acceleration value exceeds the user-selected threshold; and de-powering the electric vehicle charging station in response to changing the data-ready pulse signal to a discrete voltage level.

[0042] Example 10 includes the method according to Example 9, wherein the one or more inertial sensors include one or more single-axis or multi-axis inertial sensors.

[0043] Example 11 includes the method according to Example 10, wherein the one or more inertial sensors include an inertial measurement unit (IMU), the inertial measurement unit (IMU) including one or more gyroscopes and one or more accelerometers.

[0044] Example 12 includes the method according to Example 11, wherein the data ready pulse signal corresponds to the digital health signal of the IMU.

[0045] Example 13 includes the method according to Example 12, wherein the discrete voltage level corresponds to a logic high signal.

[0046] Example 14 includes the method according to any one of Examples 9 to 13, wherein the electric vehicle charging station is powered off after a preselected waiting period following the change of the data ready pulse signal to the discrete voltage level.

[0047] Example 15 includes the method according to any one of Examples 9 to 14, wherein the measured acceleration value is evaluated to determine whether the measured acceleration value matches measurement data associated with a vehicle that has collided with the electric vehicle charging station.

[0048] Example 16 includes the method according to any one of Examples 9 to 15, wherein the multi-axis acceleration information can be used to facilitate mounting the monitoring unit on any axis.

[0049] This invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its essential characteristics. The embodiments described are to be regarded in all respects as illustrative rather than restrictive. Therefore, the scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. All variations within the meaning and scope of the equivalence of the claims are to be covered within its scope.

Claims

1. A system comprising: A monitoring unit configured to be coupled to an electric vehicle charging station, the monitoring unit including at least one processor; and One or more inertial sensors, operatively connected to the monitoring unit and configured to be mechanically attached to the electric vehicle charging station, wherein the one or more inertial sensors operatively generate data-ready pulse signals, the data-ready pulse signals indicating the time for sampling of the one or more inertial sensors; The monitoring unit includes program instructions that can be executed by the at least one processor to perform methods including: When the monitoring unit is powered on, it measures and then subtracts the inertial measurement values ​​generated by the one or more inertial sensors; Determine whether the acceleration values ​​measured by the one or more inertial sensors exceed a threshold selected by the user; When the measured acceleration value exceeds the threshold selected by the user... Change the data-ready pulse signal to a discrete voltage level; and The electric vehicle charging station is powered off in response to changing the data ready pulse signal to the discrete voltage level.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The electric vehicle charging station is powered off after a preselected waiting period following the change of the data-ready pulse signal to the discrete voltage level.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The measured acceleration values ​​are evaluated to determine whether they match measurement data associated with the vehicle that collided with the electric vehicle charging station.

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