Testing device and procedure for testing a charging device

Abstract

Test device for testing a charging device (1), in particular for battery electric vehicles, with a test interface (7) for connecting to a charging device (1), characterized by that the testing device (2) has at least two test units (14), wherein the test units (14) are designed to perform different tests, that the test device (2) has a switching unit (11) by which the test interface (7) can be selectively connected to one of the test units (14) and that the test device (2) has a control unit (16) which is connected to the switching unit (11) and the test units (14) and which is configured to carry out a test automatically.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a testing device for testing a charging device, in particular for battery-electric vehicles, with a test interface for connecting to a charging device.

[0002] As battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) become more widespread, the need for charging devices also increases. These charging devices must be inspected upon commissioning and regularly thereafter.

[0003] There are various standards that specify which types of tests must be performed and recorded. These tests are regulated, for example, in the standards DIN VDE 0105-100, EN 50110-1, and VDE 0100-600 / IEC 60364-6.

[0004] Currently, a separate measuring or testing device is used for each individual test, as these are specifically designed to test other electrical systems, i.e. not charging devices.

[0005] DE 10 2014 013 870 A1, for example, relates to a mobile testing system for an automotive charging station comprising a vehicle with a built-in measuring device for testing the automotive charging station. Furthermore, a method for testing an automotive charging station with a vehicle having at least one battery pack for propulsion is proposed, comprising the following steps: - connecting the battery pack to be charged to the automotive charging station, - performing several tests relating to the automotive charging station, including at least the interaction with the battery pack to be charged, and - discharging the battery pack charged for testing purposes, preferably by operating the vehicle.

[0006] CN 1 03 412 205 A discloses a test method for electric vehicle chargers belonging to the field of new energy technology. A test system is used to test the performance indices of the electric vehicle chargers, such as a communication function, voltage stabilization precision, current stabilization precision, ripple factor, power factor, efficiency, current harmonics of an input point of the device under test, voltage harmonics of the input point of the device under test, and three-phase unbalance. The system consists of a central control unit, a protection control unit, a high-precision measurement unit, a voltage and frequency-controlled power supply unit, and a load unit. A test object is an on-board electric vehicle charger and a non-board charger.The method combines complex functional decomposition, virtual battery management system technology, and the idea of ​​automating the entire process. The method is used to conduct rapid and comprehensive tests on electric vehicle charging equipment, significantly reducing testing effort and increasing testing efficiency.

[0007] The object of the invention is to simplify the commissioning and testing of charging devices.

[0008] This object is achieved by a testing device having the features of claim 1. The testing device according to the invention is accordingly characterized in that the testing device has at least two testing units, wherein the testing units are designed to carry out different tests, that the testing device has a switching unit by means of which the test interface can be selectively connected to one of the testing units, and that the testing device has a control unit which is connected to the switching unit and the testing units and which is designed to carry out a test automatically. The testing device according to the invention thus unites and combines several, previously separate, testing devices into a uniform testing device, wherein the testing of each testing device can be carried out automatically via the control unit.The advantage is that only one test device is required in the field, making wiring to the charging device easier and allowing the various tests to be carried out more quickly and simply.

[0009] It is therefore advantageous if one of the test units is designed for electrical safety testing, particularly according to DIN VDE 0105-100, EN 50110-1, and / or VDE 0100-600 / IEC 60364-6. This allows the test device to perform the necessary electrical safety testing.

[0010] Alternatively or additionally, it is advisable for one of the test units to be configured to perform a functional test. Such a functional test verifies the basic functions of a charging device, for example, communication with a connected vehicle.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally, it is advisable for one of the test units to be configured to perform a voltage measurement. This allows testing of the power supply.

[0012] In one embodiment, it may be advantageous if the test device is configured to initiate a charging process. This allows for a more in-depth functional test that checks not only basic communication capability but also actual charging capability.

[0013] For this purpose, it may be advantageous if the test device is designed to simulate a battery-electric vehicle (BEV). The test device can thus replicate the behavior of a BEV, allowing for a realistic testing of the charging device, for example, its communication.

[0014] Preferably, the test device can simulate the charging behavior of a battery-electric vehicle. This allows everyday charging behavior to be tested, either in addition to or independently of special test modes. For example, the test device can simulate various vehicles, enabling a comprehensive functional test of a charging device.

[0015] In one embodiment, the control unit has a control interface for connection to a control unit, whereby the control unit can be partially or completely operated via the control unit. The control unit can be configured to operate the individual test units. For this purpose, it can have operating elements and / or operating displays. The control unit can, for example, have a screen on which instructions for performing the individual tests can be displayed.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally, it is useful if the control unit can transmit test data to the control unit. For example, the test data can be displayed on a screen of the control unit.

[0017] The control unit can be permanently mounted on the test device or integrated into it.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment, the control unit is designed to be detachable from the test device. This allows the control unit to be operated regardless of the test device's position. This can be particularly advantageous in rain or bad weather. After connecting the test device to the charging device, a user can then perform the tests from a sheltered and dry location, for example.

[0019] Alternatively or additionally, the control unit can be implemented as a program that can be executed on a smartphone or other mobile device, such as a portable computer or laptop. This makes the control unit simple and cost-effective to implement and easily expandable with new functions. The control unit program can also be designed modularly, allowing individual functions to be added as needed.

[0020] The control interface preferably includes a radio or other wireless connection. This allows the control device to be separated from the control unit. The wireless connection can be established via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, for example.

[0021] In an advantageous embodiment, the testing device has a housing in which all test units are arranged. This allows for easy transport and handling.

[0022] The invention also encompasses a method for testing a charging device using a testing device according to the invention. The method according to the invention is characterized in that a test to be performed is selected, the control unit connects the required test unit to the test interface via the switching unit, and the test is carried out automatically by the control unit. The advantage here is that the test interface of the testing device only needs to be connected to the charging device once, and the test unit required for the selected test is connected to the test interface internally within the testing device via the switching unit. This reduces the cabling effort. Furthermore, the test is carried out automatically by the control unit, so that no user interaction is necessary.

[0023] In an advantageous embodiment, the control unit can automatically perform several tests in succession, with the control unit automatically selecting the test to be performed in each case. This makes it possible, for example, to perform several tests in succession, even if the individual tests are performed by different test units. This enables fully automated testing of a charging device.

[0024] For this purpose, it can be advantageous to store one or more test programs in the control unit or a control device. Such a test program can contain the tests to be performed sequentially. This allows such a test program to be started by selecting it after wiring the test device, thus minimizing the effort required to perform a test. In this way, for example, various test programs can be stored for initial commissioning or for regular maintenance or testing.

[0025] It can be advantageous if the control unit transmits the acquired test data to a control unit, where the test data is assigned a unique identifier. The control unit is in direct contact with the individual test units and thus has access to the individual test data. The control unit can store this test data for later use and / or transmit it to a control unit. The control unit can further process the test data, especially archive it, and possibly link or correlate it with other test data.

[0026] Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the test data is stored and archived in a way that can be clearly assigned to a charging device.

[0027] The unique identifier, which can be assigned to a charging device, for example, allows the test data to be clearly assigned. This allows a history of a charging device to be created.

[0028] It can be advantageous if the identifier prevents or detects subsequent changes to the data. For this purpose, the identifier can, for example, contain an assignment to a charging device and a time and / or location stamp, which is lost or destroyed if subsequently changed. However, the test data could also be encrypted with the identifier, for example.

[0029] In one version, the current test data of a charging device is automatically compared and evaluated with older, previously stored and / or archived test data. This makes it possible, for example, to identify deviations that could indicate, among other things, errors or defects in the charging device or the associated infrastructure, such as the charging device's power supply. It is particularly useful if an electrical safety test is performed automatically, followed by a functional test of the charging device.

[0030] The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] It shows: Fig. 1: a schematic block diagram of a test situation, Fig. 2: a block diagram of a test device, Fig. 3: a block diagram of another test device and Fig. 4: a flowchart of a method for testing a charging device and Fig. 5 a flowchart of another method for testing a charging device.

[0032] The Fig. 1 shows schematically and by way of example a test situation with a charging device 1 and a test device 2 according to the invention. The charging device 1 is a conventional charging device 1 for charging a battery-electric vehicle, BEV, such as a passenger car, colloquially called an electric car.

[0033] The charging device 1 has a charging interface 3 for connecting a charging cable 4 and a service interface 5 for connecting a test cable 6.

[0034] The test device 2 has a test interface 7 to which the charging cable 4 and the test cable 6 are connected.

[0035] In the example, test device 2 has a mobile control unit 8 that is separate from test device 2. In the example, test device 2 and control unit 8 communicate with each other via a wireless radio link 9. This radio link 9 can be established, for example, via Bluetooth or WLAN.

[0036] The mobile control unit 8 can be implemented, for example, as an app or program on a mobile phone or computer. The control unit 8 can also be connected via a wireless radio connection 10, for example, via the internet, to a server 20 that provides a database for test data. This radio connection 10 can be established, for example, via a mobile network, such as LTE or 5G.

[0037] The Fig. Figure 2 shows a block diagram of a test device 2 according to the invention. The test device has a test interface 7, which is designed to connect the test device 2 to a charging device 1 via a charging cable 4 and at least one test cable 6. The test interface 7 forms the input of a switching unit 11, which is designed as a 1:n switch. This means that the input 12 can be switched to n different outputs 13.

[0038] In the example, the switching unit 11 has two outputs 13, each of which is connected to a test unit 14.

[0039] The switching unit 11 further has a control input 15 which is connected to a control unit 16, wherein the control unit 16 can be switched via this control input 15.

[0040] The test units 14 are also each connected to the control unit, so that they can be operated automatically via the control unit 16. Test data from the test units 14 can also be transmitted to the control unit 16.

[0041] The test device 2 further comprises a control unit 8, which is connected to the control unit 16 via a control interface 22. The control unit 8 has, for example, a screen 18 and control elements 19, via which inputs and outputs can be performed.

[0042] In principle, control unit 16 and control device 8 could also form a functional unit.

[0043] In the example, the test device 2 has a housing 21 in which all of the aforementioned components are arranged. The test device 2 thus represents an easy-to-transport unit that can be easily transported to a charging device 1.

[0044] The test units 14 are each designed to perform a different test. In the example, the test device has two test units. However, the invention is not limited to this number. Of course, a test device can have more or fewer test units if an application allows or requires it.

[0045] A first test unit 14-1 can, for example, be designed to perform an electrical safety test, for example, according to one or more of the standards DIN VDE 0105-100, EN 50110-1, and / or VDE 0100-600 / IEC 60364-6. Only the tests and inspections relevant to charging devices can be considered. The test relevant to electrical safety can include, among other things, the individual tests listed in the following non-exhaustive list: internal system resistance, insulation resistance, RCD type A and B measurement, ramp test (0 mA to 20 mA), tripping time measurement, protective conductor resistance measurement, residual current measurement, and differential current measurement.

[0046] A second test unit 14-2 can be configured to perform a functional test of a charging device 1. This functional test can be performed, for example, in accordance with the standards IS015118, DIN70121, or IEC 61851-1. The functional test can, for example, check the communication capability of the charging device and / or charging behavior. For this purpose, it can be advantageous if the test unit 14 can simulate charging behavior or the overall behavior of a specific electric vehicle. In this way, a charging process can actually be started.

[0047] Preferably, the test units 14 are fully integrated into the test device.

[0048] However, it is also possible for one or more of the test units 14 to form separate, self-contained devices. These could, for example, be test devices already available on the market, such as for electrical safety or functional testing.

[0049] These can be integrated into the test device 2, in particular into a common housing 21, and connected to the control unit 16 via corresponding control interfaces, such as RS-232. The control of the test unit 14 is also carried out entirely via the control unit 16. Direct interaction with the test unit 14 should not take place. A modular design of the test device 2 can also be helpful in this case, in which slots are provided in the housing 21 into which such existing test devices can be inserted. It is also conceivable for test units 14 to be constructed as exchangeable modules that can be inserted into the test device as required. The test units 14 could already contain corresponding test programs and offer them or transmit them to the control unit 16 and / or a control unit 8 for selection.

[0050] The Fig. 3 shows a block diagram of a second embodiment of a test device 2 according to the invention, which is similar to the test device 2 of Fig. 2. Identical features are provided with the same reference numerals and only the differences to Fig. 2 are explained.

[0051] The test device of the Fig. 3 has three test units 14, with the third test unit 14-3 being designed, for example, for voltage measurement or for testing a residual current device. However, the third test unit 14-3 is also connected to the switching unit 11 and the control unit 16.

[0052] Different from Fig. 2 and analogous to Fig. 1, in this example, the control unit 8 of the test device 2 is designed as a mobile device and is arranged outside the housing 21 of the test device 2. Between the test device 2, expediently the control unit 16, and the control unit 8, the control interface 22 is designed as a wireless radio connection 9, for example via Bluetooth, WLAN, or another point-to-point connection.

[0053] The Fig. 4 shows a flow chart of a method 40 according to the invention for carrying out a test with a test device 2 according to the invention, for example according to Fig. 2 or Fig. 3.

[0054] In a first step 41, a test device 2 is connected to a charging device 1. The test interface 7 is connected to the charging interface 3 or the service interface 5 of the charging device 1 via a charging cable 4 and at least one test cable 6.

[0055] In a second step 42, a test to be performed is selected. For example, via control unit 8.

[0056] In a further step 43, the control unit 16 connects the required test unit 14 to the test interface 7 via the switching unit 11. Finally, the test is carried out automatically by the control unit 16 44.

[0057] The Fig. 5 shows a flowchart of a further method 50 according to the invention for carrying out a test with a test device 2 according to the invention.

[0058] Analogous to Fig. 4, in a first step 51, a testing device 2 is connected to a charging device 1.

[0059] In a second step 52, a test program to be performed is selected, for example, via a control unit 8. The test program contains several tests to be performed consecutively.

[0060] In a step 53, the control unit 16 first automatically selects the test to be performed.

[0061] In a subsequent step 54, the control unit 16 connects the necessary test unit 14 to the control interface 7 and carries out the test automatically in a subsequent step 55.

[0062] Subsequently, a check is carried out 56, for example in the control unit 14, as to whether a further test in the test program has not yet been carried out.

[0063] If another test is pending, the flowchart is repeated from step 53, whereby this test is automatically selected by the control unit as the next test to be performed.

[0064] If no further test is pending in the test program, the flow chart is terminated 57.

[0065] Regardless of the method used, it may be expedient for the control unit 16 to transmit the acquired test data to a control unit 8, wherein the test data are provided with a unique identifier.

[0066] The test data can be protected against subsequent changes to the data, or a subsequent change can be made detectable, for example by using the identifier.

[0067] The test data can be stored and archived in a way that is clearly attributable to a charging device. In particular, the test data can be stored on a central server 20, for example, via the Internet, so that data on a charging device can be retrieved at any time. Alternatively or additionally, the test data can be stored locally on the test device, for example, on an SD card or the control unit / (mobile) device.

[0068] The test program can, for example, first include a test of electrical safety and then a functional test of the charging device, in which, for example, the charging behavior of a specific electric vehicle can be simulated. List of reference symbols 1 charging device 2 test device 3 Charging interface 4 charging cables 5 Service interface 6 test cables 7 Test interface 8 Control unit 9 Radio connection to the control unit 10 Wireless connection to the server 11 Switching unit 12 Entrance 13 Exit 14 Test unit 15 Control input 16 Control unit 18 screen 19 controls 20 servers 21 housings 22 Control interface

Claims

[1] Test device for testing a charging device (1), in particular for battery-electric vehicles, with a test interface (7) for connection to a charging device (1), characterized by , that the testing device (2) has at least two testing units (14), wherein the testing units (14) are designed to carry out various tests, that the test device (2) has a switching unit (11) by means of which the test interface (7) can be selectively connected to one of the test units (14) and that the testing device (2) has a control unit (16) which is connected to the switching unit (11) and the testing units (14) and which is designed to carry out a test automatically. [2] Testing device according to claim 1, characterized by that one of the test units (14-1) is designed to test electrical safety, in particular according to DIN VDE 0105-100, EN 50110 1 and / or VDE 0100-600 / IEC 60364-6. [3] Testing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that one of the test units (14-2) is designed to carry out a functional test. [4] Testing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that one of the test units (14-3) is designed to carry out a voltage measurement. [5] Testing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the testing device (2) is designed to start a charging process. [6] Testing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the test device (2) is designed to simulate a battery-electric vehicle, preferably to simulate a charging behavior of a battery-electric vehicle. [7] Testing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the control unit (16) has a control interface (22) for connection to a control device (8), wherein the control unit (16) can be operated partially or completely via the control device (8) and / or wherein the control unit (16) can transmit test data to the control device (8). [8] Test device according to claim 7, characterized by that the control unit (8) is designed to be separable from the test device (2) and / or the control unit (8) comprises a smartphone or another mobile device on which a control unit program can be executed. [9] Testing device according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized by that the control interface (22) comprises a radio connection or another wireless connection. [10] Testing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the testing device (2) has a housing (21), in particular in which all testing units (14) are arranged. [11] Method for testing a charging device with a testing device (2) according to one of the preceding claims characterized by that a test to be carried out is selected, that the control unit (16) connects the respectively required test unit (14) to the test interface (7) via the switching unit (11) and that the test is carried out automatically by the control unit (16). [12] Method according to claim 11, characterized by that several tests are carried out in succession automatically by the control unit (16), wherein the control unit (16) automatically selects the test to be carried out in each case. [13] Method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by that the control unit (16) transmits recorded test data to a control device (8), wherein the test data are provided with a unique identifier, in particular wherein the identifier prevents or makes detectable a subsequent change to the data. [14] Method according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized by that test data are stored and archived in a way that can be clearly assigned to a charging device (1), in particular wherein the test data are automatically compared and evaluated with older test data of the same charging device (1), for example in order to identify deviations. [15] Method according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized by that an electrical safety test and subsequent functional test of the charging device are carried out automatically.

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