Power unit of charging system for electric vehicles, method for managing power unit of a charging system for electric vehicles and computer program

Abstract

A power unit (110) of a charging system for electric vehicles is provided, the power unit (110) comprises: a number of power modules (210) detachably installed in the power unit (110) wherein each of the power modules (210) comprises at least one power channel to supply power; a charging system logic (220) at least configured to manage an availability of the number of power modules (210) in the charging system; and a user interface (230) to indicate a power module (210) among the number of power modules (210) to be detached to the charging system logic (220). Also a method and a computer program are provided to.

Description

[0001] POWER UNIT OF CHARGING SYSTEM FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES, METHOD FOR MANAGING POWER UNIT OF A CHARGING SYSTEM FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES AND COMPUTER PROGRAM

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention concerns in general the technical field of charging systems. More particularly, the invention concerns a maintenance operation of the charging system.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] One type of charging systems of electric vehicles is such that they comprise a power unit that is arranged to supply a number of spatially dispersed charging points, aka. satellites, so that the charging points are able to serve the electric vehicles to charge the batteries of them. The power unit of the charging system may be implemented so that it comprises a plurality of physically separated power modules. The power modules, in turn, may comprise one or more power channels each equipped with an AC / DC converter and an isolating circuit, such as a DC / DC converter. The power channels from the number of power modules may be connected to the charging point by controlling an applicable switching module, such as a matrix DC switch, in order to provide a requested power, or at least some power, to the charging point and, thus, to the electric vehicle. In other words, in a charging situation a power control logic of the power unit allocates a number of the power modules and / or power channels to provide power to a certain charging point and switching of the power channels to the charging point is performed accordingly.

[0006] Due to the nature of the charging system, and especially of the power unit, it is in a heavy use and occasionally power modules in the power unit have problems or they need to be replaced. The maintenance operation for a continuously used charging system has negative impact for end users as all established charging sessions need to be terminated and then manually restarted after the maintenance operation is finished due to a required power-off of the whole power system. Moreover, it may also happen that a power module comprising multiple power channels experiences a fault in a power channel while the other power channels remain operational. The power module in this case is only partially operable which may in some cases depending on the charging power request reduce the capability of charger to fulfil this demand.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need to introduce approaches by means of which a controlled maintenance operation to the charging systems, and especially to the power unit, may be performed.

[0008] A SUMMARY

[0009] The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide basic understanding of some aspects of various invention embodiments. The summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is neither intended to identify key or critical elements of the invention nor to delineate the scope of the invention. The following summary merely presents some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to a more detailed description of exemplifying embodiments of the invention.

[0010] An object of the invention is to present a power unit, a method and a computer program for managing the power unit of a charging system of electric vehicles.

[0011] The objects of the invention are reached by a power unit, a method and a computer program as defined by the respective independent claims.

[0012] According to a first aspect, a power unit of a charging system for electric vehicles is provided, the power unit comprises: a number of power modules detachably installed in the power unit wherein each of the power modules comprises at least one power channel to supply power, a charging system logic at least configured to manage an availability of the number of power modules in the charging system, and a user interface to indicate a power module among the number of power modules to be detached to the charging system logic.

[0013] The charging system logic of the power unit may be configured to, in response to a detection of an indication to detach the power module among the number of power modules, initiate a detach procedure of the power module. The detach procedure may comprise a release of one or more charging sessions executed through the at least one power channel of the power module. For example, the detach procedure may comprise a transfer of a power supply of the power module under detach to another power module of the power unit being in reserve. Still further, the charging system logic may be configured to generate an indication that the detach procedure is completed.

[0014] The charging system logic may also be configured to detect a new power module attached to the power unit. The detection of the new power module may be based on at least one of the following: a receipt of an indication from an attachment detection arrangement; a receipt of indication from the user interface; a receipt of signal from an internal logic of the new power module in response to a reconnection of mains or auxiliary power. Moreover, the charging system logic may be configured to, in response to the detection of an attachment of the new power module, receive data at least identifying the new power module. The charging system logic may further be configured to validate a correctness of the new power module by inquiring a confirmation from a data center with the data at least identifying the new power module. The charging system logic may also be configured to activate the new power module in use in the power unit in order to bring it to a reserve of power modules of the power unit.

[0015] The charging system logic may be configured to perform a testing procedure towards the new power module. For example, the testing procedure may comprise at least one of the following: a check of a correct voltage class; a check of logical compatibility test of the new power module; a functionality test of a number of signaling lines of the new power module; a functionality test of a number of power output controls of the new power module. Thus, the charging system logic may be configured to activate the new power module in use in the power unit in response to a successful testing procedure in order to bring it to a reserve of power modules of the power unit. The charging system logic may also be configured to generate, in response to an activation of the new power module in use, an acknowledgement to the data center to indicate a completeness of a maintenance operation of the power unit.

[0016] According to a second aspect, a method for managing a power unit of a charging system for electric vehicles is provided, the method, performed by a charging system logic of the power unit, comprises: receiving an indication to detach a power module among a number of power modules of the power unit, initiating a detach procedure of the power module.

[0017] One or more charging sessions executed through the at least one power channel of the power module may be released during the detach procedure.

[0018] A power supply of the power module under detach may be transferred to another power module of the power unit being in reserve during the detach procedure.

[0019] An indication on that the detach procedure is completed may be generated.

[0020] Moreover, a new power module attached to the power unit may be detected. The detection of the new power module may be performed based on at least one of the following: a receipt of an indication from an attachment detection arrangement; a receipt of indication from the user interface; a receipt of signal from an internal logic of the new power module in response to a reconnection of mains or auxiliary power. Moreover, data at least identifying the new power module may be received in response to the detection of an attachment of the new power module. Also a correctness of the new power module may be validated by inquiring a confirmation from a data center with the data at least identifying the new power module. The new power module may be activated in use in the power unit in order to bring it to a reserve of power modules of the power unit.

[0021] On the other hand, a testing procedure may be performed towards the new power module. For example, the testing procedure may comprise at least one of the following: a check of a correct voltage class; a check of logical compatibility test of the new power module; a functionality test of a number of signaling lines of the new power module; a functionality test of a number of power output controls of the new power module. Still further, the new power module may be activated in use in the power unit in response to a successful testing procedure in order to bring it to a reserve of power modules of the power unit.

[0022] An acknowledgement to the data center to indicate a completeness of a maintenance operation of the power unit may be generated in response to an activation of the new power module in use.

[0023] According to a third aspect, a computer program is provided, the computer program comprising instructions to cause the power unit according to the first aspect as defined above to carry out the method according to the second aspect as defined above.

[0024] The expression "a number of’ refers herein to any positive integer starting from one, e.g. to one, two, or three.

[0025] The expression "a plurality of’ refers herein to any positive integer starting from two, e.g. to two, three, or four.

[0026] Various exemplifying and non-limiting embodiments of the invention both as to constructions and to methods of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific exemplifying and non-limiting embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

[0027] The verbs “to comprise” and “to include” are used in this document as open limitations that neither exclude nor require the existence of unrecited features. The features recited in dependent claims are mutually freely combinable unless otherwise explicitly stated. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the use of “a” or “an”, i.e. a singular form, throughout this document does not exclude a plurality.

[0028] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0029] The embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings.

[0030] Figure 1 illustrates schematically a charging system according to an example.

[0031] Figure 2 illustrates schematically a power unit according to an example.

[0032] Figure 3 illustrates schematically a method according to an example.

[0033] Figure 4 illustrates schematically an apparatus according to an example.

[0034] DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLIFYING EMBODIMENTS

[0035] The specific examples provided in the description given below should not be construed as limiting the scope and / or the applicability of the appended claims. Lists and groups of examples provided in the description given below are not exhaustive unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0036] Figure 1 illustrates schematically a charging system according to an example into which the present invention as described in the foregoing description may be implemented to. The charging system comprises a number of charging points 120, also known as satellites or charging stations or charging posts, which are configured to provide power to an electric vehicle for charging in a charging session of the electric vehicle. In other words, the charging point(s) 120 may comprise necessary hardware and software to interact with a user and / or the electric vehicle during the charging procedure. The power is supplied to the charging points 120 from a power unit 110 of the charging system typically residing in the same location, i.e. in the same charging field, as the number of spatially dispersed charging points 120. In addition to the power supply the power unit 110 and the charging point(s) 120 may be communicatively connected to deliver data between the entities, such as control data with respect to charging and related operations. As said, the power unit 110 is arranged to serve the charging point(s) 120 by managing power distribution to them in a controlled and balanced manner in accordance with a predefined power distribution strategy. The power unit 1 10 is connected to an electric grid 130 so as to receive the electrical energy to be distributed to the electric vehicles. In at least some approaches the power unit 110 is communicatively connected to data center 140 in order to share information between the entities as well as to perform control operations if any. The term data center 140 shall be understood in a broad manner and it refers to any implementation in a network side that is configurable to interact with the power unit 110 and / or any other locally implemented systems and / or devices. For avoidance doubt it is worthwhile to mention that the charging system as shown in Figure 1 is a non-limiting example and discloses only some entities that make the charging system operative.

[0037] Figure 2 illustrates schematically an example of a power unit 110 into which the present invention may be implemented to. The power unit 110 may be implemented as a rack-style structure housing a number of power modules 210 and a control logic called as a charging system logic 220 herein as well as one or more user interfaces 230. The number of power modules 210 convert the electrical energy received from the electric grid to a form suitable for supplying to the electric vehicles through the charging points 120. Depending on an implementation the power modules 210 may comprise one or more channels CH that are logically separate power channels connectable by means of an applicable switching module, such as a matrix DC switch, to a charging point 120 in accordance with a charging strategy implemented and controlled by the charging system logic 220 in various situations, such as being dependent on the load. The power modules 210 as shown in Figure 2 comprise two channels CH, but the number of channels CH is not limited only to two. In other words, a number of power modules 210 may be involved in supplying power to a charging point 120 in accordance with a control of the charging system logic 220. The charging system logic 220 may be implemented in various manners, such as by arranging one or more processors to execute computer program implemented with a computer program code stored in a memory accessible by the one or more processors and in that manner to achieve the charging system logic 220 to operate as is described herein.

[0038] As mentioned, the power unit 110 comprises one or more user interfaces 230 over which a party, such as a maintenance personnel like a technician, may provide an indication to the power unit 110 as is described in the forthcoming description. The number of user interfaces 230 may e.g. be arranged so that each power module 210 comprises their own user interface 230 or user interfaces 230 communicatively connected to the charging system logic 220. In such an approach it is at least possible to give the indication with respect to the power module 210 into which the user interface 230 is arranged to. Alternatively or in addition, the power unit 110 may comprise at least one user interface 230 over which it is possible to give the indication with respect to the number of power modules 210. The user interface 230 may be implemented in a plurality of manners. A simple approach is to implement the user interface 230 with one or more buttons e.g. into each of the power modules 210 whose activation generates a signal towards the charging system logic 220. Alternatively or in addition, the user interface 230 may be implemented with one or more input devices (cf. buttons / keyboard) e.g. together with one or more displays, or with one or more touch screens, over which it is possible to input and output information. Still further, one option to implement the user interface 230 is to arrange a communication interface as the user interface 230 over which the technician may provide the indication e.g. with a user terminal possessed by the technician and / or the communication with the data center 140 may be performed. For example, the communication interface may be implemented to execute a short-range or wide range wireless communication technology, such as a Bluetooth technology or any mobile communications technology, and a communication connection with the user terminal implementing the same communication technology may be established in order to enable the technician to provide one or more indications over the user interface 230 with her / his own user terminal. Naturally, the user terminal and the power unit 110 are provided with necessary pieces of software to enable the communication. The indication given over the number of user interfaces 230 at least defines the power module 210 with respect to the maintenance operation is to be performed. The indication may thus be the signal received from the respective power module 210 if the power module 210 is provided with the user interface 230 wherein the charging system logic 220 is able to detect based on the signal received the power module 210 from which the signal is received. On the other hand, if the indication is given over a user interface 230 that is common to a plurality of power modules 210, the indication shall carry data identifying the power module 210 among the number of power modules 210 with respect to the maintenance operation is to be performed. It may e.g. be arranged that each power module 210 is provided with an individual identifier, e.g. by placing a tag or a sticker disclosing the individual identifier on the number of power modules 210. Now, the technician may provide over the user interface 230 the individual identifier of the power module 210 subject to the maintenance operation and the information is thus received by the charging system logic 220 over a communication channel communicatively connecting the user interface 230 and the charging system logic 220.

[0039] In addition to the implementations as described in the foregoing description it is worthwhile to mention an embodiment wherein at least one power module 210 of the power unit 110 comprises a plurality of power channels. In such a case the user interface 230 may be implemented by arranging an input device (cf. button) for each channels. Additionally, the power module 210 may be provided with output devices (cf. status indicators like LEDs) for each channels as well. Now, in case at least one of the power channels starts malfunctioning (e.g. the output device indicates it), the indication with respect to such power module 210 may be arranged to be given by activating the plurality of the input devices of the power module 210 in question in a predefined manner. For example, it may be defined that the plurality of the input devices of the power module 210 must be concurrently activated over a predefined period of time so to cause the indication to be given in an acceptable way and, as a result the power module 210 in question, cannot be allocated in service anymore. In a case that the power module 210 comprising the plurality of channels is equipped only with one input device, to give the indication a predefined input pattern, cf. the duration of the activation of the input device and / or any other input pattern may be applied to.

[0040] The invention relates to a management of a maintenance operation of the charging system and specifically to a management of a maintenance operation of the power unit 110 wherein the maintenance operation comprises a replacement of a power module 210 with a new power module 210. Thus, at least one power module 210 is detachably installed in the power unit 110 of the charging system for electric vehicles so as to enable the maintenance operation in accordance with the present invention. At least some aspects of the maintenance operation is now described at least in part by referring to Figure 3 schematically illustrating a method according to an example. The aspects in relation to the method are described from the charging system logic 220 point of view that is at least configured to manage an availability of the number of the power modules 210 in the charging system. The management of the availability of the number of power modules 120 shall be understood at least to refer to one or more operations by means of which information with respect to the number of power modules 120 may be received and obtained to manage the availability referring at least to a service capability of the number of power modules 120 in a manner as described herein. In accordance with the method the charging system logic 120 receives 310 an indication defining a power module 210 among the number of power modules 210 of the power unit 110. The indication may be given over the user interface 230 in a form as described in the foregoing description and herein. The charging system logic 220 is configured to define, based on information, or data, carried in the indication, the power module 210 subject to the maintenance operation. The detection of the indication in the described manner causes the charging system logic 220 to perform a detach procedure 320 of the power module 210 in question. The detach procedure of the power module 210 comprises procedures that take the power module 210 away from a reserve of the power modules 210 in the power unit 110 which at least comprises a step of performing an operation also called as a logical detach operation during which the number of channels of the power module 210 in question especially if actively used at the time of the detach operation are released from any ongoing charging sessions and the power module is made non-energized. In practice to achieve this the power module 210 in question is isolated from the power circuit of the power unit 110, e.g. with controllable / manual switches or contactors, so that it is not available for use. Additionally, any charging inside the power module 210 may be discharged e.g. by applying a discharge circuit implemented in the power module 210 and / or in the power unit 110 e.g. to transform the charging into heat. The detach operation also advantageously may comprise a step in which the power supply allocated to the power module 210 to be detached is transferred to another power module 210 or power channel being in reserve, i.e. not in use and thus available. This is preferable performed so that a charging current does not remarkably change, e.g. achieved by reducing the power supply of the power module 210 to be detached with the same pace as the power supply of the power module 210 taken from reserve is increased. This kind of controlled approach during the detach procedure safeguards a continuous service to vehicles charged. In response the detach procedure is completed the charging system logic 220 may be configured to generate an indication to the person performing the maintenance operation based on which the person is aware that it is safe to continue the maintenance operation. The indication may be performed by applying any features of a user interface 130 of the power unit 110, such as indicating the situation with at least one of visual, audio or even haptic output, or any similar. For example, a light source, such as a led, may be activated in a predefined manner if the user interface 130 comprises such. Naturally, if the user interface 130 comprises a display the indication may be provided with it. As said, any other predefined output form may be used that is possible to provide with means of the power unit 110.

[0041] Now, the technician removes the power module 210 in question from the power unit 110. This may require some manual work comprising releasing fastening arrangements, such as screws, latches and locks and any similar. In response to that the old power module 210 is removed and the technician inserts a new power module 210 thus replacing the old one. Again, an installation of the new power module 210 may comprise measures physically and electrically fastening the new power module 210 in place. In accordance with at least some embodiments of the invention the charging system logic 220 may be configured to detect the new power module 210 attached to the power unit 110. The detection of the installation, i.e. an attachment, of the new power module 210 may be based on an indication provided by the technician e.g. through the user interface 230 of the power unit 110 and / or an attachment detection arrangement comprising e.g. a sensor that is configured to generate an indication with respect to an installation of the power module 210, i.e. if it is properly in place or not. Such an indication may e.g. be generated with an electro-mechanical switch that generates an output signal in accordance with a state of the mechanical switch. For example, the detection of the attachment of the new power module 210 may also be based on a receipt of signal generated from an internal logic of the new power module that is activated in response to a reconnection of mains or auxiliary power (e.g. via a breaker) to the new power module 210 and it start communicating with its counterparts, cf. e.g. the charging system logic 220, in the power unit 110. The state of the mechanical switch, in turn, is dependent on that the power module 210 is in a correct position or not. Alternatively or in addition, the generation of the indication may be based on a communication connection that is physically established between the charging system logic 220 and the power module 210 when the power module 210 resides in a correct position. Thus, data may be shared over the communication connection in response to the correct installation of the power module 210. Thus, the communication connection may be understood as some sort of live wire as a non-limiting example.

[0042] In response to the detection of the attachment, or the installation, of the new power module 210 the charging system logic 220 may be configured to receive data at least identifying the new power module 210. Such data may again be input through the user interface 130 by the technician or it may be received from the power module 210 itself, such as during a hand-shake procedure as a part of the detection phase of the new power module 210. For example, the data identifying the power module 210 may e.g. be a product identifier of the power module 210, or any corresponding piece data. In response to the receipt of the data at least identifying the new power module 210 the charging system logic 220 may further be configured to validate a correctness of the new power module 210. The validation may be performed by inquiring a confirmation from a data center 140 with the received data at least identifying the new power module 210. In case the data center 140 finds, through internal operation, data indicative on that the new power module 210 corresponds to one intended to be installed, it is configured to generate a confirmation towards the charging system logic 220 on that. The internal operation in the data center may e.g. refer to a procedure in which an inquiry is performed towards a database arranged to store data on the power modules 210 under installation, or any other appropriate data.

[0043] Through the above-described procedure the charging system logic 220 may activate the new power module 210 in the power unit 110, thus, bringing it to a reserve of power modules 210 of the power unit 110 and available for use. For avoidance of doubt it is worthwhile to mention that the reserve of power modules herein refers to power modules, e.g. as a list / record / compilation, in the power unit 110 that are serving or available for serving the electric vehicles in charging. A power module shall be considered to be available also in a situation that at least one power channel of the power module is not loaded, i.e. not in use.

[0044] In accordance with at least some embodiments of the invention the charging system logic 220 may be configured to perform a testing procedure towards the new power module 210. The testing procedure may e.g. be initiated in response to that an indication is received on that the new power module 210 is in place. The testing procedure may comprise one or more predefined testing operations and it may comprise at least one of the following: a check of a correct voltage class; a check of logical compatibility test of the new power module 210; a functionality test of a number of signaling lines of the new power module 210; a functionality test of a number of power output controls of the new power module 210. In case the charging system logic 220 determines that the testing procedure of the new power module 210 is successful, it may be configured to activate the new power module 210 in use, and thus available, in the power unit 110 which corresponds to that the new power module 210 with the power channels is added to the power module 210 reserve in the power unit 110. The determination if the testing procedure is successful or not may e.g. be performed by comparing one or more results of the testing procedure to reference data and if a predefined number of the testing operations meets requirements, i.e. comply with respect to the reference data in a predefined manner, an indication of the successful testing procedure may be output. On the other hand, if it turns out that the testing procedure fails, an indication of this is generated as an outcome of the testing procedure. This may cause the charging system logic 220 to prevent the activation of the new power module 210. The charging system logic 220 may also be configured to generate an acknowledgement to the data center 140 to indicate a completeness of a maintenance operation of the power unit 110. This is especially true in case the testing procedure is successful so that the data center 140 receives information indicative on that the new power module 210 is in reserve to serve the users. Generally speaking an initiation of the method as described to perform the maintenance operation may come from a monitoring of an operation of the power unit 110 by the data center 140. This may e.g. refer to a monitoring of a power delivery capacity of one or more power units 110 and / or power modules 210 therein. In response to a detection that one or more power modules 210 in a power unit 110 are operatively failing, the data center 140 may be configured to generate a maintenance request and allocate one or more new power modules 210 for the maintenance operation and e.g. to store an identifier of each new power module 210 to data storage for accessing it e.g. during the maintenance operation as described.

[0045] In the foregoing description it is indicated that the charging system logic 220 resides locally at the power unit 110. In some approaches the charging system logic 220 may at least in part implemented in the network side, such as in the data center 140. The charging system logic 220 is then equipped with necessary communication means, i.e. hardware and software, so that it may communicate with the other entities as described.

[0046] For avoidance of doubt, an example of an apparatus applicable to operate as the charging system logic 220 is schematically illustrated in Figure 4. The charging system logic 220 may thus be implemented with one or more processors 410 configured to execute computer program implemented with a computer program code 425 stored in a memory 420 accessible by the one or more processors 410 and in that manner to achieve the charging system logic 220 to operate as is described herein. The memory 420 may be implemented with one or more separate components, some, or all of which may be integrated I removable and I or may provide permanent I semi-permanent I dynamic I cached storage for any data type. The charging system logic 220 also comprises a communication interface 430 over which the charging system logic 220 may communicate with the other entities, such as with the data center 140 and the power modules 210 and any related entities as described. The communication interface 430 may be established with arrangements enabling wireless communication or wired communication. Such arrangements may refer to modem(s), antenna(s) and other hardware as well as software. Generally speaking the charging system logic 220 may also comprise other components and entities as the ones shown in Figure 4, such as input / output means for accessing the apparatus e.g. by a technician with a terminal device, such as a computer.

[0047] The computer program code 425, or at least some portion of it, may be pro-vided e.g. a computer program product comprising at least one computer-readable non-transitory medium having the computer program code 425 stored thereon, which computer program code 425, when executed by the processor 410 causes the apparatus to perform the method. The computer-readable non- transitory medium may comprise a memory device or a record medium, such as a CD-ROM, a DVD, a Blu-ray disc, or another article of manufacture that tangibly embodies the computer program. As another example, the computer program may be provided as a signal configured to reliably transfer the computer program.

[0048] Still further, the computer program code 425 may comprise a proprietary application, such as computer program code for causing an execution of the method in the manner as described in the description herein.

[0049] Any of the programmed functions mentioned may also be performed in firmware or hardware adapted to or programmed to perform the necessary tasks.

[0050] For sake of completeness it is worthwhile to mention that the entity performing the method in the role of the charging system logic 220 may also be implemented with a plurality of apparatuses, such as the one schematically illustrated in Figure 4, as a distributed computing environment corresponding to a charging system logic 220. For example, one of the apparatuses may be communicatively connected with the other apparatuses, and e.g. share the data of the method, to cause another apparatus to perform at least one other portion of the method. As a result, the method performed in the distributed computing environment generates the control signal indicative of the assignment of the responsibility as described. The functionalities of the charging system logic 220 as described may also be integrated to an entity also configured to perform other operations. The present invention as described herein enables a controlled maintenance operation to the charging systems of electric vehicles, and especially to the power unit therein. This is especially important in the context of the charging systems of the electric vehicles since the applied voltages and currents are huge and there is a continuous risk for an electric shock or an electric arc. Thus, any uncontrolled maintenance operation may cause material damages as well as personal injuries. With the present invention this risks may be at least in part mitigated and at the same time it is possible to keep the charging system operative, e.g. in a way that other power modules in the power unit may continue charging during the detach of the power module under maintenance. The specific examples provided in the description given above should not be construed as limiting the applicability and / or the interpretation of the appended claims. Lists and groups of examples provided in the description given above are not exhaustive unless otherwise explicitly stated.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A power unit (110) of a charging system for electric vehicles, the power unit (110) comprises: a number of power modules (210) detachably installed in the power unit (110) wherein each of the power modules (210) comprises at least one power channel to supply power, a charging system logic (220) at least configured to manage an availability of the number of power modules (210) in the charging system, and a user interface (230) to indicate a power module (210) among the number of power modules (210) to be detached to the charging system logic (220).

2. The power unit (110) according to claim 1 , wherein the charging system logic (220) of the power unit (110) is configured to, in response to a detection of an indication to detach the power module (210) among the number of power modules (210), initiate a detach procedure of the power module (210).

3. The power unit (110) according to claim 2, wherein the detach procedure comprises a release of one or more charging sessions executed through the at least one power channel of the power module (210).

4. The power unit (110) according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the detach procedure comprises a transfer of a power supply of the power module (210) under detach to another power module (210) of the power unit (110) being available in reserve.

5. The power unit (110) according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the charging system logic (220) is configured to generate an indication that the detach procedure is completed.

6. The power unit (110) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the charging system logic (220) is configured to detect a new power module (210) attached to the power unit (110).

7. The power unit (110) according to claim 6, wherein the detection of the new power module (210) is based on at least one of the following: a receipt of an indication from an attachment detection arrangement; a receipt of indication from the user interface (230); a receipt of signal from an internal logic of the new power module (210) in response to a reconnection of mains or auxiliary power.

8. The power unit according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the charging system logic (220) is configured to, in response to the detection of an attachment of the new power module (210), receive data at least identifying the new power module (210).

9. The power unit (110) according to claim 8, wherein the charging system logic (220) is further configured to validate a correctness of the new power module (210) by inquiring a confirmation from a data center (140) with the data at least identifying the new power module (210).

10. The power unit (110) according to any of claims 6 to 9, wherein the charging system logic (220) is configured to activate the new power module (210) in use in the power unit (110) in order to bring it to a reserve of power modules (210) of the power unit (110).

11. The power unit (110) according to any of claims 6 to 9, wherein the charging system logic (220) is configured to perform a testing procedure towards the new power module (210).

12. The power unit (110) according to claim 11 , wherein the testing procedure comprises at least one of the following: a check of a correct voltage class; a check of logical compatibility test of the new power module (210); a functionality test of a number of signaling lines of the new power module (210); a functionality test of a number of power output controls of the new power module (210).

13. The power unit (110) according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the charging system logic (220) is configured to activate the new power module (210) in use in the power unit (110) in response to a successful testing procedure in order to bring it to a reserve of power modules (210) of the power unit (110).

14. The power unit (110) according to claim 10 or claim 13, wherein the charging system logic (220) is configured to generate, in response to an activation of the new power module (210) in use, an acknowledgement to the data center (140) to indicate a completeness of a maintenance operation of the power unit (110).

15. A method for managing a power unit (110) of a charging system for electric vehicles, the method, performed by a charging system logic (220) of the power unit (110), comprises: receiving (310) an indication to detach a power module (210) among a number of power modules (210) of the power unit (110), initiating (320) a detach procedure of the power module (210).

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein one or more charging sessions executed through the at least one power channel of the power module (210) are released during the detach procedure.

17. The method according to claim 15 or claim 16, wherein a power supply of the power module (210) under detach is transferred to another power module (210) of the power unit (110) being available in reserve during the detach procedure.

18. The method according to any of claims 15 to 17, wherein an indication on that the detach procedure is completed is generated.

19. The method according to any of the preceding claims 15 to 18, wherein a new power module (210) attached to the power unit (110) is detected.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the detection of the new power module (210) is performed based on at least one of the following: a receipt of an indication from an attachment detection arrangement; a receipt of indication from the user interface (230); a receipt of signal from an internal logic of the new power module (210) in response to a reconnection of mains or auxiliary power.

21. The method according to claim 19 or claim 20, wherein data at least identifying the new power module (210) is received in response to the detection of an attachment of the new power module (210).

22. The method according to claim 21 , wherein a correctness of the new power module (210) is validated by inquiring a confirmation from a data center (140) with the data at least identifying the new power module (210).

23. The method according to any of claims 19 to 22, wherein the new power module (210) is activated in use in the power unit (110) in order to bring it to a reserve of power modules (210) of the power unit (110).

24. The method according to any of claims 19 to 22, wherein a testing procedure is performed towards the new power module (210).

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein the testing procedure comprises at least one of the following: a check of a correct voltage class; a check of logical compatibility test of the new power module (210); a functionality test of a number of signaling lines of the new power module (210); a functionality test of a number of power output controls of the new power module (210).

26. The method according to claim 24 or claim 25, wherein the new power module (210) is activated in use in the power unit (110) in response to a successful testing procedure in order to bring it to a reserve of power modules (210) of the power unit (110).

27. The method according to claim 23 or claim 26, wherein an acknowledgement to the data center (140) to indicate a completeness of amaintenance operation of the power unit is generated in response to an activation of the new power module (210) in use.

28. A computer program comprising instructions to cause the power unit (110) according to any of claims 1 to 14 to carry out the method according to any of claims 15 to 27.

Images