Controller unit for controlling an electric vehicle (EV) power supply EVSE, EVSE, ev charging infrastructure and method for controlling an ev charging infrastructure

Abstract

A controller unit for controlling an EVSE, the controller unit having one or more hardware modules for charging an EV, the controller unit comprising:-a processing unit configured to detect the one or more hardware modules of the EVSE; -the processing unit is further configured to determine a configuration of the electric vehicle supply equipment, said configuration comprising data indicative of the detected hardware module of the EVSE; the controller unit is further configured to dynamically determine a control scheme of the EVSE based on the determined configuration, where the processing unit has a memory with stored control routines, and where the controller unit is configured to include a selected control routine in the control scheme, the selected control routine is selected from the stored control routines based on the determined configuration, and wherein the controller unit is configured to install and update the control routine through the network interface and is further configured to control the EVSE based on the determined control scheme.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to control of electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) and more particularly to a controller unit for controlling electric vehicle supply equipment, an EVSE comprising at least one controller unit, an electric vehicle charging infrastructure comprising a plurality of EVSEs, and a method for controlling an electric vehicle charging infrastructure. BACKGROUND

[0002] Electric vehicles are used for transportation and use a rechargeable battery as an energy source. Chemical energy stored in the rechargeable battery is converted into electrical energy which is provided by the battery to one or more electric motors of the electric vehicle, which then convert the electrical energy into kinetic energy of the electric vehicle, thereby providing an electric-based means of transportation. While electric vehicles have many advantages, its rechargeable battery needs to be charged periodically, which requires an electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

[0003] An electric vehicle charging infrastructure provides electrical energy to the rechargeable battery for further use by the electric vehicle.

[0004] A vehicle charging infrastructure typically comprises one or more electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) which can assume several topologies. EVSEs can be of different types, each having specific hardware, specific capabilities, and being assigned a specific role within the vehicle charging infrastructure. Examples of types of EVSEs include a power rectifier, a distributor, an HMI station, or a combination system combining one or more of these functionalities. Thus, an EVSE can be an integrated system, in which at least some of the functionality of the vehicle charging infrastructure is integrated in a single EVSE, or a split system, in which at least some of the functionality of the vehicle charging infrastructure is distributed over several EVSEs. In case different EVSE types are provided, each of these types typically has a specific control scheme which is different from the control scheme of the other types.

[0005] For example, depending on the type of the EVSE, the EVSE can have to handle power delivery of electrical power to a rechargeable battery of an electric vehicle connected to the EVSE for charging. In addition or alternatively, the EVSE can provide additional functionality like, for example, data communication with the electric vehicle.

[0006] An electric vehicle can be connected to an EVSE for charging the rechargeable battery via a vehicle interface which typically also handles data communication with the electric vehicle.

[0007] The power delivery device of the EVSE and the vehicle interface can, for example, be located in a single housing and form a so-called "integrated" EVSE system which is compactly located in a single housing.

[0008] The vehicle charging infrastructure can be divided into a plurality of different EVSEs and can for example comprise a power delivery system delivering power to one or more power cabinets, each containing an individual vehicle interface forming one or more charging columns.

[0009] In each of these topologies, additional services and network connectivity can be provided to and / or from the electric vehicles.

[0010] There is therefore a need to efficiently handle a plurality of topologies and to improve the control of EVSEs according to the plurality of topologies. SUMMARY

[0011] The invention is defined by the independent claims. The dependent claims define further embodiments of the invention.

[0012] The present disclosure provides a controller unit for controlling an electric vehicle supply equipment, EVSE, having one or more hardware modules for charging an electric vehicle, EV, the controller unit comprising: - a processing unit configured to detect one or more hardware modules of the EVSE; - the processing unit is further configured to determine a configuration of the electric vehicle supply equipment, the configuration comprising data indicative of the detected hardware modules of the EVSE; the controller unit is further configured to dynamically determine a control scheme for the EVSE based on the determined configuration of the EVSE, wherein the processing unit has a memory with stored control routines, and wherein the controller unit is configured for including a selected control routine in the control scheme, the selected control routine being selected from the stored control routines based on the determined configuration of the EVSE, wherein the controller unit is configured for installing and updating control routines via a network interface, and further configured to control the EVSE based on the determined control scheme.

[0013] The present disclosure further provides an electric vehicle supply equipment, EVSE, comprising at least one controller unit according to the present disclosure.

[0014] The present disclosure further provides an electric vehicle charging infrastructure comprising a plurality of electric vehicle supply equipment, EVSEs, according to the present disclosure, and wherein the at least one controller unit of each of the plurality of electric vehicle supply equipment is configured with the same stored control routines, in particular with the same control routines installed and / or updated via the network interface of the at least one controller unit.

[0015] The present disclosure also provides a method for controlling an electric vehicle charging infrastructure according to the present disclosure, the method comprising providing common software on each controller unit and controlling each EVSE based at least partly on a control scheme determined by the controller unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 An EVSE with a controller unit for controlling the EVSE according to an embodiment is shown.

[0017] Figure 1A An EVSE with a controller unit for controlling the EVSE according to an embodiment is shown.

[0018] Figure 2 A charging infrastructure comprising a plurality of different EVSEs according to an embodiment is shown.

[0019] Figure 3 A further charging infrastructure comprising a plurality of different EVSEs according to an embodiment is shown.

[0020] Figure 3A A further charging infrastructure comprising a plurality of different EVSEs according to an embodiment is shown.

[0021] Figure 4 A flow chart illustrating a method for controlling an electric vehicle charging infrastructure according to an embodiment is shown.

[0022] Figure 5 An EVSE comprising a controller unit and a hardware module according to an embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] A detailed description of embodiments of the present disclosure is presented below. Different embodiments can be combined with each other unless otherwise stated or unless they are mutually exclusive.

[0024] According to the present disclosure, an EVSE is a device of a charging infrastructure having the function of supplying electrical energy and optionally data to and from an electric vehicle for charging the electric vehicle. Examples of types of EVSEs include a power rectifier, a distributor, an HMI station or a combination system combining one or more of these functions in a combined system. The supply of electrical energy can be provided directly, e.g. with direct control of power electronics configured to deliver electrical power to the electric vehicle, or, additionally or alternatively, the supply of energy can be provided via switching devices controlled to receive electrical power from another power source, like e.g. power electronics located at a location that can be different from the location of the EVSE.

[0025] The EVSE has at least one control unit configured to control the EVSE.

[0026] Several independent EVSEs, each having at least one controller unit for controlling the EVSE, can be interconnected to form an overall distributed EVSE system (separated EVSE system) within a charging infrastructure. In such a distributed EVSE system or charging infrastructure, the controller units of the independent EVSEs operate in a coordinated manner to provide the overall functionality of the distributed system. For example, such a charging infrastructure can consist of a plurality of EVSEs that can be interconnected by a network and include integrated EVSEs and distributed EVSE systems.

[0027] In a distributed EVSE system, independent EVSEs, each controlled by a corresponding controller unit, can provide specialized functionality that is coordinated with the functionality provided by other independent EVSEs in the distributed EVSE system.

[0028] Thus, an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) system can have a plurality of topologies and can have to provide a plurality of functionalities and can be formed by independent EVSEs controlled by controller units or by a distributed EVSE system that includes a plurality of independent EVSEs that are controlled in coordination to provide the overall functionality of the distributed EVSE system. Thus, independent EVSEs forming a distributed EVSE system can provide specialized functionality.

[0029] For example, an EVSE can need to ensure that electrical energy is transferred to a chargeable battery of an electric vehicle.

[0030] The transfer of electrical energy can require a plurality of coordinated steps to be properly implemented and to ensure safety.

[0031] In particular, it is necessary to handle the vehicle connection with the electric vehicle and to safely transfer electrical energy to the chargeable battery of the electric vehicle.

[0032] Furthermore, a plurality of data has to be exchanged with the electric vehicle and / or with other coordinating nodes, in particular in order to take into account the transferred electrical energy, in particular for billing purposes and / or in order to provide various additional functionalities. Thus, in addition to providing electrical energy, a plurality of data has to be properly exchanged and data connectivity has to be properly provided. Data can also be exchanged and / or forwarded with additional networks for a plurality of purposes, including, for example, accounting and billing.

[0033] Different topologies of EVSEs can include so-called integrated system topologies, in which different functionalities are provided by equipment that is concentrated in a single location and housing.

[0034] Vehicle charging infrastructure typically comprises a plurality of electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) which can assume several topologies. EVSEs can be of different types, each type having specific hardware, specific capabilities, and being assigned a specific role within the vehicle charging infrastructure. Examples of types of EVSEs include integrated systems or distributed (separated) systems. Each of these types typically has a specific control scheme which is different from the control schemes of the other types.

[0035] For example, an integrated system can comprise a power delivery device and a vehicle interface in a single housing, and can also directly handle data connectivity.

[0036] Each of these different devices (different EVSEs) has its own controller, which is tailored to the specific capabilities and role of the specific EVSE. Furthermore, the control must be such that the EVSEs smoothly interoperate in the specific topology of the overall charging infrastructure. This requires a control scheme for each EVSE which is tailored to its specific capabilities and role within the charging infrastructure. Implementing such a control scheme is a very complex task. This is complicated by the fact that the controllers are expected to be updatable. However, deploying software updates to the various controllers of a heterogeneous set of EVSEs further adds to the complexity.

[0037] The above problems are at least partially solved by a controller unit comprising: - a processing unit configured to detect one or more hardware modules of an EVSE; - the processing unit is further configured to determine a configuration of the electric vehicle supply equipment, the configuration comprising data indicative of the detected hardware modules of the EVSE; The controller unit is further configured to dynamically determine a control scheme of the EVSE based on the determined configuration of the EVSE, wherein the processing unit has a memory with stored control routines, and wherein the controller unit is configured for including in the control scheme a selected control routine, the selected control routine being selected from the stored control routines based on the determined configuration of the EVSE, wherein the controller unit is configured for installing and updating control routines through a network interface, and further configured to control the EVSE based on the determined control scheme.

[0038] That is, detection of hardware modules can easily allow for determining a configuration from known building blocks. Then, the appropriate control routine related to the building modules can be retrieved from a memory having stored control routines to determine the overall control scheme of the EVSE which is specifically tailored to the detected hardware modules.

[0039] Figure 1 and Figure 1A An EVSE 110 with a controller unit 100 for controlling the EVSE 110 is shown in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0040] The controller unit 100 is configured to control the EVSE 110 and comprises a processing unit 102 configured to detect one or more hardware modules 120 of the EVSE.

[0041] The controller unit 100 comprises a memory 106 of the processing unit configured with stored control routines.

[0042] The controller unit is configured for including in the control scheme a selected control routine, the selected control routine being selected from the stored control routines based on a determined configuration of the EVSE.

[0043] For example, the hardware modules 120 can relate to providing electrical energy and / or data to an electric vehicle and can comprise, for example, power electronics, switching devices, network interfaces, data acquisition modules, safety monitoring modules, etc.

[0044] The processing unit 102 of the controller unit 100 is configured to detect the presence of one or more hardware modules 120. And the controller unit 100 is configured to dynamically determine a control scheme of the EVSE 110 based on a determined configuration of the EVSE from the detected hardware modules 120.

[0045] The control scheme comprises a control routine selected from the control routines stored in the memory 106 based on the determined configuration of the EVSE.

[0046] For example, each possible hardware module 120 can be associated with a control routine stored in the memory 106, and when the presence of said hardware module is actually detected, then the corresponding associated control routine is retrieved from the memory and included in the control scheme, which is then finally used by the controller unit 100 to actually control the EVSE 110.

[0047] The use of basic building blocks, both in terms of hardware modules 120 and associated control routines stored in the memory 106, allows for flexible and safe control of different topologies of EVSEs.

[0048] The controller can be configured to install or update control routines, regardless of whether they are included in the control scheme or not.

[0049] In some embodiments, the controller can be configured to install or update control routines regardless of whether they are included in the control scheme and regardless of the actual hardware modules present in the EVSE, so that the correct control routine is always retrieved from memory when a hardware module is detected by the processing unit.

[0050] The control routines can be installed and updated through the network interface and this allows deploying control routines consistently across multiple EVSEs in a vehicle charging infrastructure.

[0051] The control unit 100 is configured for installing and updating control routines through the network interface and is configured to control the EVSE 110.

[0052] The update allows a high degree of flexibility for all possible configurations and topologies of EVSEs, i.e. for all possible configurations of hardware modules actually present in the EVSE and for all possible topologies of EVSEs in a wider EV charging infrastructure, in particular for EVSEs forming an integrated system or a split system, while ensuring consistency and safety of the control routines and, thus, of the final control scheme of the EVSE 110.

[0053] There can also be a communication interface 104 and the communication interface 104 is configured to establish a communication link with at least one other controller unit of at least one other electric vehicle supply equipment, the communication interface being configured to receive a configuration of the at least one other electric vehicle supply equipment and to send a configuration of the electric vehicle supply equipment to the at least one other electric vehicle supply equipment.

[0054] The control scheme of the EVSE can also be based on the configuration of the at least one other electric vehicle supply equipment received by the communication interface, if such other EVSE is connected and / or detected / discovered. Thereby, the controller can obtain data about the configuration of the at least one other electric vehicle supply equipment and can adapt the control scheme of the EVSE according to this information. This allows implementing a control scheme that is tailored according to the configuration of the at least one other EVSE.

[0055] This is particularly advantageous in case of a split system that needs to be controlled in coordination for proper operation. The mutual adaptation of the control scheme depending on the configuration of the at least one other EVSE actually ensures a coordinated operation of the split system EVSEs forming a distributed EVSE system.

[0056] Alternatively, the distributed EVSE system can have a topology of a split system, wherein a plurality of split charging columns are fed by power delivery equipment in one or more power cabinets, which can be located at a distance from the charging columns.

[0057] Figure 2A distributed EVSE system with multiple EVSEs 110, 210 is shown in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The EVSEs have respective controller units 200 for controlling the EVSEs. For Figure 2 reference is made to the controller unit 100 shown in Figure 1 and its description.

[0058] In the configuration of Figure 2 the EVSE 100 forms a distributed EVSE system together with additional EVSEs (e.g. remote column EVSEs) 210. Therein, there are a first column EVSE 210 (column 1) and a second column EVSE 210 (column 2).

[0059] Each of the column 1 and column 2 comprises a controller unit 200 for controlling the remote column EVSE 210 and comprises a respective processing unit 202, a memory 206 and a communication interface 204.

[0060] Thus, a split EVSE system is a distributed system formed by multiple independent EVSEs forming separate subsystems and requiring or benefiting from independent control coordination so that the overall distributed EVSE system properly implements the required functionality.

[0061] Thus, an EVSE with a split system topology can form a distributed system of independent EVSEs, wherein the different independent EVSEs forming the distributed overall EVSE system are located separately and require proper coordination to provide different functionality like charging of chargeable batteries of one or more electric vehicles and / or data connectivity and / or handling of vehicle connections.

[0062] Additional topologies and configurations are possible and EVSEs can be implemented as even more complex distributed systems of more specialized independent EVSEs, e.g. with additional power equipment that can be controlled in parallel and / or provide additional redundancy and error resiliency.

[0063] The EVSEs can be controlled by at least the controller unit of the EVSEs configured to detect the topology of the EVSEs and determine the appropriate control scheme in order to provide the different functionality.

[0064] Thus, it is necessary to efficiently handle the multiple possible topologies of the EVSEs and the multiple functionality and to efficiently control the independent EVSEs forming the distributed overall EVSE system.

[0065] In particular, the controller unit of an EVSE should be efficient in order to avoid an excessive burden in terms of complexity and energy consumption, and in order to prevent the risk of false control of the EVSE, for example when faulty software is deployed. Preventing false control is particularly necessary to ensure safe operation of the EVSE and to prevent risks and injuries to humans and / or to electric vehicles (EVs) connected to the EVSE, and to ensure proper control and coordination of the individual EVSEs forming a distributed EVSE system.

[0066] In fact, overly complex EVSE controllers can be a major source of false control leading to injuries to humans and machines (EVs). Moreover, when an EVSE controller is not functioning properly, it can exchange false data.

[0067] Therefore, there is a need for a simple, reliable and efficient control of an EVSE.

[0068] The present invention provides an improved controller unit for controlling an EVSE, which is optimized to dynamically determine a control scheme of the EVSE based on efficient storage of control routines in a memory of a processing unit, based on a determined configuration of the EVSE.

[0069] The configuration of the EVSE is provided by a processing unit configured to detect one or more hardware modules of the EVSE, for example hardware modules related to the transmission of electrical energy to a chargeable battery of an electric vehicle and / or hardware modules handling connectivity and / or data transmission with an electric vehicle.

[0070] The controller unit then determines an appropriate control scheme of the EVSE based on the configuration of the EVSE as determined by the processing unit configured to detect the one or more hardware modules of the EVSE.

[0071] In particular, the control routines can be efficiently configured and installed through a network interface to ensure that they are up-to-date and to ensure flexibility.

[0072] In some embodiments, the processing unit can be configured to further discover at least one other EVSE connected to the EVSE to form a distributed overall EVSE system.

[0073] In such embodiments, the processing unit on one EVSE is further configured to discover at least one other EVSE connected to the EVSE to form an overall distributed EVSE system.

[0074] In such embodiments, the control scheme of each individual EVSE is thus determined based on the configuration of the EVSE itself, and in addition based on the determined configuration of the discovered EVSEs connected to the individual EVSE to form an overall distributed EVSE system.

[0075] Figure 3 and Figure 3A A charging infrastructure comprising a plurality of different EVSEs according to an embodiment is shown.

[0076] The charging infrastructure comprises a plurality of EVSEs (110, 210) as previously explained in Figure 1 and Figure 2 .

[0077] Each controller unit of the plurality of electric vehicle supply equipment is configured with the same stored control routines, in particular with the same control routines installed and / or updated via a network interface of the at least one controller unit.

[0078] Figure 3 All EVSEs (110, 210) shown in Fig. 1 can be configured with the same stored control routines installed and / or updated via a common network 300 connected to the network interface of each controller unit (100, 200) of each EVSE (110, 210).

[0079] Some EVSEs can be integrated systems and other EVSEs can together form a distributed EVSE system. For example, an EVSE in a cabinet and two EVSEs in remote poles can form a distributed EVSE system.

[0080] Thereby an overall electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure is provided comprising a plurality of EVSEs according to the present disclosure. Each controller unit of the plurality of electric vehicle supply equipment is configured with the same stored control routines, in particular with the same control routines installed and / or updated via a network interface of the at least one controller unit, e.g. through a network 300 the network interface can be connected to.

[0081] This ensures reliable and efficient configuration of each EVSE and of overall distributed EVSE systems formed by a single EVSE and provides an overall improved EV charging infrastructure which reduces the risks associated with false and inefficient configurations, in particular the risks of potentially harming people and vehicles and / or causing inefficient charging of the batteries of EVs.

[0082] For EVSE and / or distributed EVSE systems, especially providing charging stations in EV charging infrastructure, several topologies are possible: wall box and so-called integrated systems, forming a single and compact EVSE, where the power delivery equipment and the vehicle interface are in a single enclosure; and so-called "split systems", forming a distributed EVSE system, where multiple independent EVSEs can form a charging column, fed by the power delivery equipment in one or more independent power cabinets related to the distributed EVSE system formed by independent EVSEs.

[0083] Alternatively or additionally, there can be additional topologies, where a site controller is already in place to provide site services and upstream network connectivity.

[0084] The different topologies create a number of problems to be solved, including: - the need to properly configure a distributed EVSE system formed by independent EVSEs by properly configuring the independent EVSEs to work in concert, - the need to ensure compatibility of the software on the independent EVSEs in the distributed EVSE system, so that the independent EVSEs properly behave as subsystems in the overall distributed EVSE system forming a split charging station, - the need to consistently update the independent EVSEs forming the distributed EVSE system to ensure safety and latest functionality of the distributed EVSE system of the charging station is achieved, - the need to provide proper error handling in case of failure of one subcomponent of the distributed EVSE system, i.e. one independent EVSE, - the need to properly develop and deploy software and hardware specific to the independent EVSEs forming subsystems of the overall distributed EVSE system, and subject to a number of variations in deployment, - the need to maintain many hardware and software variants for different functions in different topologies. - the need to test compatibility between software and hardware versions across multiple distributed EVSE system topologies and product variants. - the need to properly handle and control individual EVSEs and subcomponents within the distributed EVSE system and within the overall EV charging infrastructure formed by many EVSEs and / or many distributed EVSE systems.

[0085] The problems must be solved in order to provide overall efficiency and safety of the EVSE and the overall charging infrastructure, especially to avoid harm to people and vehicles, and to efficiently and properly deliver electrical energy to the chargeable battery of an electric vehicle.

[0086] According to the present disclosure, the cabinet controller, the charging column controller (and potentially the site controller) forming the EVSE have the same hardware and software load deployed to all of the controllers of said controllers. The invention accordingly describes a topology discovery mechanism, wherein each EVSE first determines which functions are required for its role in the distributed EVSE system providing a charging station (self-discovery), followed by communication between the EVSEs to properly implement the distributed EVSE system in the EV charging infrastructure.

[0087] For example, the leading EVSE (e.g. in a cabinet assembly) can coordinate the communication and the overall charging, e.g. in a centralized manner, with all other EVSEs acting as secondary subsystems to form the distributed overall EVSE system.

[0088] The present disclosure also enables a uniform update procedure of the EVSEs forming the distributed EVSE system in the electric vehicle charging infrastructure, in particular ensuring compatibility between the independent EVSEs.

[0089] In some embodiments, the present disclosure further describes a preconfigured digital twin of the EVSE from the order or site engineering data, whose topology can be compared to the discovered topology to enable troubleshooting and installation help. In particular, the topology related to the distributed EVSE system formed by the independent EVSEs in the EV charging infrastructure can thus be compared to the preconfigured digital twin in order to verify the overall configuration.

[0090] The control scheme based on the determined configuration of the EVSE (alone or further based on the configuration of at least another EVSE as received by the communication interface of the EVSE to form the overall distributed EVSE system) can provide different functions.

[0091] The functions include, but are not limited to: - coordination and handling of the allocation of power delivery devices to vehicles, - communication with power delivery devices via proprietary or specific hardware interfaces, - communication with vehicles via standards such as ISO 15118, DIN 70121, CHAdeMO, etc. - site connection load management - handling of internet-facing services, such as certificate signing requests initiated by vehicles, VAS / VDV261 - coordination of firmware updates and distribution of those firmware updates to EVSEs in the EV charging infrastructure - communication with human user interfaces, such as site kiosks

[0092] The present disclosure solves the described problems, thereby providing the discussed functionality based on: - a single flexible EVSE type containing base hardware and software that, if extended with more specific hardware, can cover among others cabinet and charging column functionality and is sized to be able to run its necessary functions based on the controller unit of the invention without exhausting resources, the controller unit dynamically determining the control scheme of the EVSE based on the detected configuration of the EVSE and possibly also based on the configuration of at least one other EVSE received by the communication interface of the controller unit, - dedicated hardware connected to the power delivery device and / or the vehicle and used by the software to determine the specific EVSE functionality in the overall distributed EVSE system topology in the EV charging infrastructure, - a software stack of control routines stored in the EVSE configured to provide the described functionality, - a detection mechanism of one or more hardware modules of the EVSE used by each EVSE in the EV charging infrastructure to determine which services it provides, optionally advertising the services and / or determining the topology of the distributed overall EVSE system it is part of, - a configuration discovery / determination mechanism used by the EVSE to discover where the functionality is distributed in the distributed EVSE system and determine the overall distributed EVSE system topology, - an optional comparison functionality that compares the discovered topology with a pre-designed topology (e.g. using digital twins) thereby enabling troubleshooting, guidance and visualization capabilities for field and commissioning engineers.

[0093] The controller unit for controlling the EVSE according to the present disclosure has a memory with stored control routines.

[0094] Several control routines provide the control scheme running on the EVSE.

[0095] The control routines (software) stored on the controller unit of the EVSE are the same, regardless of whether only the vehicle facing protocol has to be implemented by the EVSE (e.g. in case the EVSE forms a charging column in a distributed overall EVSE system formed by independent EVSEs) and / or the connectivity is handled and / or the coordination of the charging is handled and / or all of the above functionality has to be implemented by the EVSE (as would be the case in an EVSE forming an integrated system).

[0096] In general, the coordination and connectivity functionality is expected to be handled on the same standalone EVSE, but different functionality can alternatively be handled on different standalone EVSE systems (e.g. due to different connectivity setups), forming an overall distributed EVSE system.

[0097] For example, in a distributed EVSE system, the standalone EVSE that makes up the remote column is not expected to take over the coordination functionality. The coordination functionality is expected to be reserved for the standalone EVSE system in the host cabinet.

[0098] For example, the EVSE located in the host cabinet can be configured with one or more hardware modules configured to - assign power modules to specific sockets to enable overall charging control via the overall charging control implemented by the controller unit based on requests from EVs - enable appropriate switching and management of set points of power modules based on requests of the handling via the overall charging control, - act as a master proxy, allowing other EVSEs or systems to communicate with each other, - coordinate updates of other components in the system, providing update coordination, - act as the main source-of-truth for software configuration in the system, - open for debugging and local services,

[0099] In particular, there can be all of the hardware modules for providing all of the functionality in the functionality.

[0100] The EVSE implementing the connectivity functionality can be configured to make outbound calls to a remote backend.

[0101] In particular, the hardware module of the EVSE providing the connectivity functionality can provide communication with one or more of: - an IoT client, - an OCPP client (customer network), - a firmware over-the-air update client configured for downloading and querying updates on EVSEs that can subsequently be installed across the charging infrastructure. - a telemetry client.

[0102] In particular, all communications can be provided in parallel, and all relevant hardware modules can be present in the EVSE.

[0103] The EVSE implementing the vehicle interface functionality can be configured with a hardware module configured to: - instantiating communications via direct mounted vehicle interface hardware modules and communicating with vehicles via high level protocols, - passing information to / from a coordinating EVSE node, which is related to overall charging control (i.e. when a change in delivered power is requested by a vehicle), - communicating with a coordinating node with higher level status information for having status updates, - passing fine-grained information for diagnostics and telemetry during a debugging session.

[0104] An EVSE according to the present disclosure can for example be a wallbox forming an integrated EVSE providing coordination, connectivity and vehicle connection functionality all implemented by corresponding hardware modules.

[0105] In a single EVSE wallbox example, there is a single EVSE controller unit which hosts hardware modules for charging EVs and providing additional functionality.

[0106] The single EVSE inside the wallbox covers the functionality of handling vehicle facing protocols, providing connectivity and coordinating charging.

[0107] According to another different example, a distributed EVSE system can be formed by separate EVSEs in a cabinet with two EVSEs forming a remote column and providing a remote human machine interface (HMI).

[0108] The single EVSE in the cabinet can provide coordination and connectivity functionality, while vehicle connection is handled by the two EVSEs forming the remote column.

[0109] In this further example, there are three EVSEs with respective controller units: one EVSE with a controller unit in a cabinet, one EVSE with a controller unit in a first column (column 1), and one EVSE with a controller unit in a second column (column 2).

[0110] And there can be two commercial hardware modules.

[0111] The cabinet EVSE handles connectivity, coordination and handles power delivery.

[0112] Each remote column EVSE only handles physical connection to vehicles and high level vehicle facing communication protocols.

[0113] An EVSE implementing coordination functionality will assign a socket number for each socket (which is part of the distributed system).

[0114] The determination of the control scheme for each EVSE can be performed based on detection of the described hardware modules of the EVSE.

[0115] The same base software image runs on each EVSE.

[0116] In order for each EVSE to initially know which responsibilities it assumes in the system, and in order for it to know which devices it comprises, a discovery procedure is performed by a processing unit of a control unit for controlling the EVSE in order to detect hardware modules of the EVSE and determine a configuration of the EVSE comprising data indicative of the detected hardware modules of the EVSE.

[0117] The determination of the configuration and the detection of the hardware modules for implementing the discovery procedure is a hierarchical procedure and varies based on whether a change / update is expected. Factory pre-configuration

[0118] As part of the factory process, all EVSEs are equipped with an x.509 certificate comprising an identification of the EVSE and having a long lifetime. The certificate is signed by an authority with a private key supported by hardware in the EVSE.

[0119] This is for the purpose of identification within the EV charging infrastructure. The keys of these certificates are securely stored in hardware.

[0120] Alternatively or additionally, after the pairing process, the factory certificate can be exchanged with a separate EVSE certificate, e.g. according to IEEE 802.1AR secure device identification for authentication.

[0121] In order to self-discover the configuration of the EVSE, the processing unit of the control unit for controlling the EVSE checks the status, type, identification of the hardware modules of the EVSE to determine the presence and characteristics of the hardware modules of the EVSE.

[0122] The processing unit can implement the check via an FPGA attached between the hardware modules and the control unit.

[0123] In a distributed EVSE system, the control unit of the EVSE (of each EVSE in the distributed EVSE system) can further comprise a communication interface, the processing unit of the EVSE (of each EVSE in the distributed system) being further configured to discover at least one other EVSE connected to the EVSE via the communication interface.

[0124] The communication interface can then establish a communication link with at least one other control unit of at least one other electric vehicle supply equipment in the distributed EVSE system.

[0125] The communication interface can be configured to receive a configuration of the at least one other electric vehicle supply device and to send a configuration of the electric vehicle supply device to the at least one other electric vehicle supply device, i.e. the configuration of different EVSEs in the distributed EVSE system is transferred and received between the different EVSEs in the distributed EVSE system, respectively.

[0126] The control scheme of the EVSE (of each EVSE in the distributed system) is further based on the configuration of the at least one other electric vehicle supply device received by the communication interface.

[0127] For example, it can be envisaged that the only coordinating EVSE in the distributed EVSE system is the EVSE in the host cabinet, some automatic process (e.g. via a physical installation present only in the host cabinet or via a robust logic / rule coordination) is already in place to find the coordinating EVSE. The other EVSEs in the distributed EVSE system can then operate at least partially in the functionality of the coordinating EVSE.

[0128] For example, if the EVSE does not have a vehicle interface module, but is also connected to a fieldbus / network (e.g. EtherCAT or CAN), the role of the coordinating EVSE can be derived. Alternative embodiments can determine the coordinating EVSE based on a physical coordination of connectors / pins connected or short-circuited in the housing, or any other mechanism signaling that the node has power delivery capabilities.

[0129] Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible to define, for example, that if it is detected that an EVSE is configured for both implementing the coordination functionality and a vehicle interface connection, the EVSE is identified as an integrated system and the service for discovery is resolved locally and no external discovery takes place.

[0130] A common discovery mechanism on local networks is DNS-SD (RFC 6763). This can be used together with mDNS (RFC 6762) and in the absence of a central DNS server available.

[0131] If DNS-SD is used, as is possible in the case of avahi services (and assuming that the host interface is made available via MQTT), the coordinating EVSE can advertise a mqtt service, for example, on the default 8883 port.

[0132] This would enforce mTLS and all electric vehicles should be able to prove their legitimacy in the system, for example, via a pre-supplied or commissioning triggered process.

[0133] For example, in the case of a vehicle interface module available, the proxy service (and its advertisement) made available on the external interface can be disabled.

[0134] Announcements of APIs for Human Machine Interfaces (HMI) can also be announced. The same applies for local service interfaces that can also be listened to in some cases. Interfaces related to externally accessible services require authentication.

[0135] Alternatively or additionally, Fieldbus related discovery / detection of hardware modules can be implemented.

[0136] For example, the connection to the Fieldbus can be used as a test regarding whether the node has power delivery functionality or not, or physical connection of pins on the circuit board at installation time, etc.

[0137] In some embodiments, the EVSE performs detection / discovery of hardware modules as follows: After starting the EVSE, a minimal self-discovery is performed and if a known configuration is detected, the configuration is checked and start-up is performed. Conversely, if no known configuration is detected, a full discovery is performed. If the full discovery is successful, the determined configuration is checked.

[0138] If the check is not successful or it is not possible to successfully discover / detect the hardware modules, a repair or self-discovery can be performed again and / or an error can be flagged.

[0139] Thus, the present disclosure provides one or more of the following benefits: - A flexible EVSE that can be extended via extension hardware modules, where the control scheme of the EVSE is based on control routines (software) on the memory of the controller unit of the EVSE, which control is the same regardless of which modules are installed or active. This enables a single hardware and software stack to cover and extend to multiple topologies in a distributed EVSE system and to self-configure. The advantages are reduced variety of components / circuit boards and allows for reuse and improved spare parts handling, - Minimization of hardware and software variants. The same controller unit for controlling the EVSE can be deployed with the same control routines (software) in various system setups of the distributed EVSE system, - Self-discovery of the topology of the installation, by each EVSE discovering its functionality, announcing its capabilities and leading to a complete system topology - the base software then enables or disables certain software functionality based on those functions that are needed for its functionality. - The discovered / detected complete system topology can be compared to the as-designed configuration (done offline) of the digital twin to aid installation, configuration and commissioning. - In case of a technical error in one of the EVSEs (e.g. an EVSE with edge gateway functionality loses its upstream network connection), the error can be detected and another compatible EVSE (i.e. another EVSE in the system with an upstream connection) can take over the functionality and pass it on to other EVSEs in the EV charging infrastructure, providing redundancy and error resilience. - Management of updates and compatibility of the sub-modules, as the control routines (software) on each controller unit of each EVSE in the distributed EVSE system of the EV charging infrastructure are identical. The EVSE found to be the coordinator just has to distribute its identical software package it is running and then another EVSE in the system receives and installs this software package or operates accordingly.

[0140] For example, if the EVSE 210 indicated with E2 in Fig. 4 fails, the error is detected and, for example, the EVSE indicated with E4 in Fig. 4 takes over the functionality of the failed EVSE E2. Figure 3A For example, if the EVSE 210 indicated with E2 in Fig. 4 fails, the error is detected and, for example, the EVSE indicated with E4 in Fig. 4 takes over the functionality of the failed EVSE E2. Figure 3A For example, if the EVSE 210 indicated with E2 in Fig. 4 fails, the error is detected and, for example, the EVSE indicated with E4 in Fig. 4 takes over the functionality of the failed EVSE E2.

[0141] The present disclosure provides the discussed benefits, providing: - a controller unit for controlling an EVSE with one or more hardware modules that can be deployed with various functionalities within the same charging infrastructure with the same software image providing the same control routines, - self-discovery of the functionality of each individual EVSE in the distributed EVSE system, where the collection of these self-discoveries leads to the system topology being discovered and a large part of the system being automatically configured, - optional comparison with a designed representation of the topology available for synchronization from the digital twin, - tools for non-expert commissioning or service engineers to provide further troubleshooting, discovery of errors in the installation of the digital twin and the actual installation, - in case of certain problem situations, one EVSE can take over a broken functionality in another EVSE and trigger a re-discovery and thus a dynamic increase of redundancy in the system.

[0142] In some embodiments, the control routine can include a safety routine configured to monitor the charging cable or connector and detect a shock hazard by continuously monitoring ground integrity and insulation resistance.

[0143] In some embodiments, the control routine can include a charging routine further configured to start and stop a charging session based at least in part on a pre-charge and disconnect sequence to protect components from inrush current during power transitions.

[0144] In some embodiments, the power electronics of the EVSE can comprise AC-DC and / or DC-DC conversion modules, switching matrices.

[0145] In some embodiments, the control routine is configured to implement a control scheme based on voltage, current and / or power delivery set points.

[0146] In some embodiments, the control routine comprises an EV communication routine configured to implement an exchange of information with the EV, including information on charging requirements and / or battery status and / or vehicle identification.

[0147] In some embodiments, the control routine comprises a scheduling routine comprising a predictive analysis configured to anticipate charging demand and adjust allocation accordingly, maximizing the utilization of available power resources.

[0148] In some embodiments, the configuration of the at least one other EVSE can be based on one or more hardware modules of the other EVSE as detected by another controller unit for controlling the other EVSE.

[0149] Preferably, the control scheme is based on a determination of the functionality provided by the one or more hardware modules of the EVSE and / or the one or more hardware modules of the other EVSE, the functionality comprising one or more of charging functionality, switching functionality, vehicle communication functionality, and is implemented with a corresponding routine in the stored control routine.

[0150] Figure 4 A method 400 for controlling an electric vehicle charging infrastructure according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0151] The method 400 for controlling an electric vehicle charging infrastructure comprises installing 402 and / or updating common software on each controller unit, and controlling 404 each EVSE based at least in part on a control scheme determined by the controller unit.

[0152] The electric vehicle charging infrastructure controlled according to the method 400 can comprise one or more EVSEs as shown in Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and the controller unit can be, for example, the controller unit 100, 200.

[0153] The control method 400 is thus able to control an electric vehicle charging infrastructure according to the previously described embodiments of the present disclosure, comprising one or more EVSEs as previously described according to the present disclosure, the EVSEs comprising a controller unit 100, 200 as previously described according to the present disclosure.

[0154] Figure 5 An EVSE according to an embodiment is shown comprising a controller and hardware modules.

[0155] The EVSE (110, 210) can be implemented as described in the Figure 5 background, in particular in the presence of one or more hardware modules (120, 220).

[0156] The hardware modules can handle the direct delivery of electrical energy to the electric vehicle via power electronics and / or indirect delivery via switching devices connected to further power electronics.

[0157] The hardware modules can be connected to the EVSE via one or more FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) or MCUs (Micro Controller Units).

[0158] Next, some further possible embodiments are described, which can be combined with other embodiments, but are not necessarily linked to other details of any embodiment, wherein reference signs generally refer to the figures for illustration, without being limited to other details shown in the figures.

[0159] According to an embodiment, at least one of the following is provided: A controller unit 100 for controlling an electric vehicle supply equipment 110, EVSE, having one or more hardware modules for charging an electric vehicle, EV, the controller unit comprising: - a processing unit configured to detect one or more hardware modules of the EVSE; - the processing unit 102 is further configured to determine a configuration of the electric vehicle supply equipment 110, the configuration comprising data indicative of the detected hardware modules of the EVSE; The controller unit 100 is further configured to dynamically determine a control scheme of the EVSE based on the determined configuration of the EVSE, wherein the processing unit 102 has a memory 106 with stored control routines, and wherein the controller unit is configured for including a selected control routine in the control scheme, the selected control routine being selected from the stored control routines based on the determined configuration of the EVSE, wherein the controller unit 100 is configured for installing and updating the control routines through a network interface, and further configured to control the EVSE 110 based on the determined control scheme.

[0160] In some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments, the controller unit further comprises a communication interface 104, the processing unit is further configured to discover at least one other EVSE connected to the EVSE via the communication interface (104), the communication interface (104) is further configured to establish a communication link with at least one other controller unit of the at least one other electric vehicle supply equipment, the communication interface is configured to receive the configuration of the at least one other electric vehicle supply equipment and to send the configuration of the electric vehicle supply equipment to the at least one other electric vehicle supply equipment; and wherein the control scheme of the EVSE is further based on the configuration of the at least one other electric vehicle supply equipment received by the communication interface.

[0161] In some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments, the stored control algorithm comprises at least: a) a safety routine for monitoring the health and integrity of the charging hardware components of the EVSE and for initiating responsive actions in response to detected hazardous conditions; b) an EV communication routine for performing advanced communication with the EV; c) a charging routine for charging the EV by the EVSE, the charging routine comprising at least one of: operating the vehicle charger, in particular starting and stopping a charging session based on vehicle and user input; d) a power electronics control routine for controlling the power electronics of the EVSE by setting the set points; managing switching operations of the charging system to ensure smooth and safe transitions between different charging states; adjusting the charging rate based on vehicle battery state and grid conditions to optimize efficiency and minimize impact on the power grid; e) an orchestration routine for orchestrating power supply budgets across multiple vehicles, thereby optimizing power distribution for efficient charging,

[0162] In some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments, the hardware modules comprise one or more of an AC-DC inverter module, a DC-DC converter module, a switching matrix module, a power delivery module, a user interface module.

[0163] In some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments, determining the configuration of the electric vehicle supply further comprises determining a type of the EVSE based on the detected hardware modules of the EVSE, the type being in particular selected from the list comprising a power converter station, a charging station, a power delivery station, a user interface station.

[0164] In some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments, the controller is configured to install or update the control routines regardless of whether they are included in the control scheme; and the controller unit further comprises an out-of-connection (OCFC) for remote monitoring, and / or for installation and / or update of the stored control routines.

[0165] In some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments, the control further depends on a status of at least one other electric vehicle supply equipment received through the network interface.

[0166] In some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments, the controller unit is further configured to compare the determined configuration with a specification stored in the memory based on a digital twin of the charging station to verify the determined configuration and to flag a result of the verification, in particular an error when the determined configuration is not consistent with the specification based on the digital twin.

[0167] In some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments, the controller unit is further configured for updating the specification stored in the memory based on the digital twin through the network interface, in particular together with an update of a control routine.

[0168] The present disclosure further provides an electric vehicle supply equipment 110 EVSE comprising at least one controller unit 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure and configured for controlling at least one EVSE.

[0169] In some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments, the at least one electric vehicle supply equipment further comprises a plurality of EVSE hardware modules, the controller has stored data about detection of the EVSE hardware modules, and the configuration is based on the detected EVSE hardware modules, the EVSE being arranged in a cabinet.

[0170] The present disclosure further provides an electric vehicle charging infrastructure comprising a plurality of electric vehicle supply equipment EVSE according to embodiments of the present disclosure, and wherein the at least one controller unit of each electric vehicle supply equipment of the plurality of electric vehicle supply equipment is configured with the same stored control routines, in particular with the same control routines installed and / or updated via the network interface of the at least one controller unit.

[0171] In some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments, the vehicle charging infrastructure comprises at least a first EVSE 110 according to embodiments of the present disclosure, a controller of the first EVSE is a first controller 100, and a second EVSE (210) according to embodiments of the present disclosure, a controller 200 of the second EVSE is a second controller, wherein the first electric vehicle supply equipment EVSE and the first controller unit are located in a shared cabinet, and the second electric vehicle supply equipment and the second controller unit are located in a remote column remote from the cabinet.

[0172] According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments, the first electric vehicle supply equipment EVSE comprising the first controller unit located in the shared cabinet further comprises a power electronics module, and the second electric vehicle supply equipment EVE comprising the second controller unit located in the remote column further comprises a switching device module, the switching device module being configured to be connected to the power electronics of the first EVSE, the switching device module being configured to establish a connection with the power electronics module and to deliver power from the power electronics module to an EV; wherein the first controller unit specifically controls the power electronics module based on the control scheme determined by the first controller unit, and the second controller unit specifically controls the switching device module based on the control scheme determined by the second controller unit.

[0173] The present disclosure also provides a method 400 for controlling an electric vehicle charging infrastructure of embodiments of the present disclosure, the method comprising installing 402 and / or updating a shared software on each controller unit, and controlling 404 each EVSE based at least partly on a control scheme determined by a controller unit.

Claims

1. A controller unit (100) for controlling an electric vehicle supply equipment (110), EVSE, having one or more hardware modules for charging an electric vehicle, EV, the controller unit comprising: - a processing unit configured to detect one or more hardware modules (120) of the EVSE; - the processing unit (102) is further configured to determine a configuration of the electric vehicle supply equipment (110), the configuration comprising data indicative of the detected hardware modules (120) of the EVSE (110); the controller unit (100) is further configured to dynamically determine a control scheme of the EVSE based on the determined configuration of the EVSE, wherein the processing unit (102) has a memory (106) with stored control routines, and wherein the controller unit is configured for including a selected control routine in the control scheme, the selected control routine being selected from the stored control routines based on the determined configuration of the EVSE, wherein the controller unit (100) is configured for installing and updating the control routines through a network interface, and further configured to control the EVSE (110) based on the determined control scheme.

2. The controller unit of claim 1, further comprising a communication interface (104), the processing unit is further configured to discover at least one other EVSE connected to the EVSE via the communication interface (104), the communication interface (104) is further configured to establish a communication link with at least one other controller unit of the at least one other electric vehicle supply equipment, the communication interface is configured to receive a configuration of the at least one other electric vehicle supply equipment and to send the configuration of the electric vehicle supply equipment to the at least one other electric vehicle supply equipment; and wherein the control scheme of the EVSE is further based on the configuration of the at least one other electric vehicle supply equipment received by the communication interface.

3. The controller unit of any of claims 1 to 2, wherein, the stored control algorithms comprise at least: a) a safety routine for monitoring the health and integrity of the charging hardware components of the EVSE and for initiating responsive actions in response to detected hazardous conditions; b) an EV communication routine for performing advanced communication with the EV; c) a charging routine for charging the EV by the EVSE, the charging routine comprising at least one of: operating the vehicle charger, starting and stopping a charging session based on vehicle and user inputs; d) a power electronics control routine for controlling the power electronics of the EVSE by setting set points; managing switching operations of the charging system to ensure smooth and safe transitions between different charging states; adjusting the charging rate based on vehicle battery state and grid conditions to optimize efficiency and minimize impact on the power grid; e) a choreography routine for choreographing a budget of power supply across multiple vehicles, thereby optimizing power distribution for efficient charging.

4. The controller unit of claim 1, wherein, The hardware modules comprise one or more of an AC-DC inverter module, a DC-DC converter module, a switching matrix module, a power delivery module, a user interface module.

5. The controller unit of claim 1, wherein, Determining the configuration of the electric vehicle supply equipment further comprises determining a type of the EVSE based on the detected hardware modules of the EVSE.

6. The controller unit of claim 1, configured to install or update the control routines regardless of whether they are included in the control scheme; The controller unit further comprises an offsite connection (OCFC) for remote monitoring, or for installation or update of the stored control routines, or both.

7. The controller unit of claim 1, wherein, The control further depends on a status of at least one other electric vehicle supply equipment received through the network interface.

8. The controller unit of claim 1, wherein, The controller unit is further configured to compare the determined configuration with a specification stored in the memory based on a digital twin of the charging station to validate the determined configuration and to mark a result of the validation.

9. The controller unit of claim 8, wherein, The controller unit is further configured for updating the specification stored in the memory based on the digital twin through the network interface.

10. An electric vehicle supply equipment (110) EVSE comprising at least one controller unit (100) configured for controlling the at least one electric vehicle supply equipment according to any one of claims from 1 to 9.

11. The electric vehicle supply equipment of claim 10, wherein, The at least one electric vehicle supply equipment further comprises a plurality of EVSE hardware modules, the controller has stored data about detection of the EVSE hardware modules, and the configuration is based on the detected EVSE hardware modules, the EVSE being arranged in a cabinet.

12. An electric vehicle charging infrastructure comprising a plurality of electric vehicle supply equipment EVSEs according to claim 10, and wherein the at least one controller unit of each of the plurality of electric vehicle supply equipment is configured with the same stored control routines.

13. The vehicle charging infrastructure of claim 12, comprising at least a first EVSE (110) according to claim 10, the controller of the first EVSE being a first controller (100), and a second EVSE (210) according to claim 10, the controller (200) of the second EVSE being a second controller, wherein the first electric vehicle supply equipment EVSE and the first controller unit are located in a common cabinet, and the second electric vehicle supply equipment and the second controller unit are located in a remote column away from the cabinet.

14. The electric vehicle charging infrastructure of claim 13, wherein, The first electric vehicle supply equipment EVSE comprising the first controller unit located in the shared cabinet further comprises a power electronics module, and the second electric vehicle supply equipment EVE comprising the second controller unit located in the remote column further comprises a switching device module configured to connect (130) to the power electronics of the first EVSE, the switching device module being configured to establish a connection with the power electronics module and to deliver power from the power electronics module to an EV.

15. A method (400) for controlling an electric vehicle charging infrastructure as claimed in claim 12, the method comprising: Common software is provided (402) on each controller unit, and each EVSE is controlled (404) based at least in part on a control scheme determined by the controller unit.

16. The controller unit of claim 3, wherein, Determining the configuration of the electric vehicle supply further comprises determining a type of the EVSE based on the detected hardware modules of the EVSE, the type being selected from a list comprising a power converter station, a charging station, a power delivery station, a user interface station.

17. The controller unit of claim 3, configured to install or update the control routines regardless of whether they are included in the control scheme; The controller unit further comprises an OCFC for a back-end connection for remote monitoring, or for the installation or update of the control routines, or both.

18. The controller unit of claim 17, wherein, The control further depends on a status of at least one other electric vehicle supply equipment received through the network interface.

19. The controller unit of claim 18, wherein, The controller unit is further configured to compare the determined configuration with a specification stored in the memory based on a digital twin of a charging station to verify the determined configuration, and to flag a result of the verification so as to flag an error when the determined configuration is not consistent with the specification based on the digital twin.

20. A method (400) for controlling an electric vehicle charging infrastructure as claimed in claim 13, the method comprising: Common software is provided (402) on each controller unit, and each EVSE is controlled (404) based at least in part on a control scheme determined by the controller unit.

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