Wake up support for electronic vehicle supply equipment and method
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- JAGUAR LAND ROVER LTD
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-06
Smart Images
Figure EP2026052533_06082026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] WAKE UP SUPPORT FOR ELECTRONIC VEHICLE SUPPLY EQUIPMENT AND METHOD
[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD
[0003] The present disclosure relates to communication between a vehicle and an electric vehicle supply equipment. Aspects of the invention relate to a control system for controlling communication between the vehicle and the electric vehicle supply equipment, a vehicle, a method for controlling a control system of a vehicle, and computer-readable instructions.
[0004] BACKGROUND
[0005] It is known to provide an electric vehicle supply equipment at a home address, and a vehicle can be connected to the electric vehicle supply equipment and receive charge therefrom to charge an energy store of the vehicle. Upon completion of a charging schedule, a vehicle and an electric vehicle supply equipment may enter a sleep mode. However, not every electric vehicle supply equipment supports a wake-up procedure. Therefore, if the electric vehicle supply equipment uses energy from the energy store after the electric vehicle supply equipment has entered the sleep mode, the energy store may not be sufficiently charged at a time of usage of the vehicle, resulting in user dissatisfaction and reduced vehicle range.
[0006] It is an aim of the present invention to address one or more of the disadvantages associated with the prior art.
[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Aspects of the invention relate to a control system for controlling communication between the vehicle and the electric vehicle supply equipment, a vehicle, a method for controlling a control system of a vehicle, computer-readable instructions, and computer software as claimed in the appended claims.
[0009] According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a control system of a vehicle, the control system for controlling communication between the vehicle and an electric vehicle supply equipment, the control system comprising one or more processors collectively configured to: in response to detecting establishment of a cable connection between the vehicle and the electric vehicle supply equipment, receive an electric vehicle supply equipment identifier indicative of an identity of the electric vehicle supply equipment and indicative of the electric vehicle supply equipment operating in an awake operation state; in dependence on receiving the electric vehicle supply equipment identifier, determine, based on the received electric vehicle supply equipment identifier, whether or not the electric vehicle supply equipment supports a wake-up procedure, wherein the wake-up procedure comprises the vehicle controlling the electric vehicle supply equipment to change operation state from a sleep operation state, in which electrical power is not supplied by the electric vehicle supply equipment to a connected vehicle, to the awake operation state, in which electrical power can be supplied by the electric vehicle supply equipment to the connected vehicle; and if the electric vehicle supply equipment does not support the wake-up procedure, transmit, to the electric vehicle supply equipment operating in the awake operation state, an awake operation state maintenance signal to cause the electric vehicle supply equipment to continue to operate in the awake operation state.
[0010] According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a control system of a vehicle, the control system for controlling communication between the vehicle and an electric vehicle supply equipment, the control system comprising one or more processors collectively configured to: in response to detecting establishment of a cable connection between the vehicle and the electric vehicle supply equipment, receive an electric vehicle supply equipment identifier indicative of an identity of the electric vehicle supply equipment and receive an awake operation state indicator indicative of the electric vehicle supply equipment operating in an awake operation state; in dependence on receiving the electric vehicle supply equipment identifier, determine, based on the received electricvehicle supply equipment identifier, whether or not the electric vehicle supply equipment supports a wake-up procedure, wherein the wake-up procedure comprises the vehicle controlling the electric vehicle supply equipment to change operation state from a sleep operation state, in which electrical power is not supplied by the electric vehicle supply equipment to a connected vehicle, to the awake operation state, in which electrical power can be supplied by the electric vehicle supply equipment to the connected vehicle; and if the electric vehicle supply equipment does not support the wake-up procedure, transmit, to the electric vehicle supply equipment operating in the awake operation state, an awake operation state maintenance signal to cause the electric vehicle supply equipment to continue to operate in the awake operation state.
[0011] Advantageously, the vehicle as disclosed herein prevents an electric vehicle supply equipment, that does not support a wake-up procedure, from entering a sleep operation state. Therefore, the vehicle according to examples disclosed herein aims to enable a charge level of a vehicle to be fully charged (or as close as possible) when a user wants to use the vehicle.
[0012] The awake operation state maintenance signal may be indicative of the vehicle being in communicative connection with the electric vehicle supply equipment.
[0013] Advantageously, the vehicle repurposes signals that are sent to the electric vehicle supply equipment for a novel purpose, thereby increasing functionality of a vehicle-electric vehicle supply equipment system, without increasing complexity. In some examples, the awake operation state maintenance signal may comprise a message indicative of a voltage and / or current request of the vehicle to be provided by the electric vehicle supply equipment.
[0014] The one or more processors may be collectively configured to: in response to transmission of the awake operation state maintenance signal to the electric vehicle supply equipment, receive, from the electric vehicle supply equipment, a maintenance response indication indicative of the electric vehicle supply equipment having received the awake operation state maintenance signal.
[0015] Advantageously, the vehicle may perform a new charging loop with the electric vehicle supply equipment to maintain the electric vehicle supply equipment in the awake operation state and therefore enable subsequent charging of the vehicle by the electric vehicle supply equipment.
[0016] In certain examples, the awake operation state maintenance signal may be a message indicative of a voltage and / or current request of the vehicle to be provided by the electric vehicle supply equipment, and the maintenance response indication may be a message indicative of the electric vehicle supply equipment providing the voltage and / or current requirement as indicated by the awake operation state maintenance signal. In certain examples, the voltage and / or current request of the vehicle is 0 V and / or 0 A respectively. Advantageously, maintaining the electric vehicle supply equipment in the awake state makes use of minimal (i.e. at little amount as possible) electrical power from the electric vehicle supply equipment (and thereby may not introduce excessive cost for a user).
[0017] The one or more processors may be collectively configured to: in response to receipt of the electric vehicle supply equipment identifier, compare the received electric vehicle supply equipment identifier to a wake-up procedure register, the wake-up procedure register indicative of one or more electric vehicle supply equipment that do not support the wake-up procedure; and if the received electric vehicle supply equipment identifier is present in the wake-up procedure register, determine that the electric vehicle supply equipment does not support the wake-up procedure. In some examples, the wake up procedure register may be stored in one or more memory units that are one or more of: accessible by the one or more processors and associated with the vehicle.Advantageously, the vehicle (i.e. the control system) according to examples disclosed herein aims to prevent a repeat occurrence of an event wherein a vehicle cannot wake up an electric vehicle supply equipment and subsequently the vehicle has less charge than expected at the point of use by a user.
[0018] The one or more memory units may comprise: a vehicle memory unit, local to the vehicle; and a remote memory unit, remote from the vehicle.
[0019] Advantageously, the vehicle may access a database, such that the vehicle may determine if an electric vehicle supply equipment is capable of a wake-up procedure, without having previously encountering the electric vehicle supply equipment. In some examples, the remote memory unit may be accessible by a plurality of vehicles.
[0020] The one or more processors may be collectively configured to, during a previous cable connection established between the electric vehicle supply equipment and the vehicle, via which the vehicle received the electric vehicle supply equipment identifier, and when the electric vehicle supply equipment is in the sleep operation state: transmit a wake-up signal to the electric vehicle supply equipment; if a response to the wake-up signal is not received within a predetermined response period, determine that the electric vehicle supply equipment does not support the wake-up procedure; and store the received electric vehicle supply equipment identifier of the electric vehicle supply equipment that does not support the wake-up procedure in the wake-up procedure register.
[0021] Advantageously, by waiting the predetermined response period, the vehicle may be able to account for poor environment conditions that could hinder electric vehicle supply equipment transmissions, and prevents the vehicle from waiting indefinitely to determine if the electric vehicle supply equipment supports the wake-up procedure.
[0022] Advantageously, by storing the electric vehicle supply equipment identifier, the vehicle can prevent a repeat occurrence of an event wherein a vehicle cannot wake up an electric vehicle supply equipment and subsequently the vehicle has less charge than expected at the point of use by a user.
[0023] The one or more processors may be collectively configured to: in response to not receiving a response to the wake-up signal within the predetermined response period, retransmit the wake-up signal to the electric vehicle supply equipment.
[0024] Advantageously, by waiting the predetermined response period and reattempting transmissions of the wake-up signal, the vehicle may be able to account for poor environment conditions that could hinder electric vehicle supply equipment transmissions, and prevents the vehicle from waiting indefinitely to determine if the electric vehicle supply equipment supports the wake-up procedure.
[0025] The one or more processors may be collectively configured to: compare the number of retransmissions of the wake-up signal to a predetermined retransmission attempt number; and in response to the number of retransmissions of the wake up signal to the electric vehicle supply equipment being equal to the predetermined retransmission attempt number, determine that the electric vehicle supply equipment does not support the wake-up procedure.
[0026] Advantageously, indefinite retransmission of the wake-up signal may be prevented.The one or more processors may be collectively configured to: receive a charging initiated indication indicative of electrical power being supplied by the electric vehicle supply equipment to the vehicle; receive a charging complete indication indicative of electrical power no longer being supplied by the electric vehicle supply equipment to the vehicle; and in response to receiving the charging complete indication, transmit the awake operation state maintenance signal, to the electric vehicle supply equipment, to cause the electric vehicle supply equipment to continue to operate in the awake operation state.
[0027] Advantageously, the vehicle may prevent a repeat occurrence of an event wherein a vehicle cannot wake up an electric vehicle supply equipment and subsequently the vehicle has less charge than expected at the point of use by a user. Advantageously, the vehicle aims to ensure that the charger, that does not support a wake-up procedure, maintains an awake operation state, such that it may provide power to the vehicle, after a current charging operation has completed.
[0028] The one or more processors may be collectively configured to: receive the electric vehicle supply equipment identifier through the cable connection; receive the awake operation state indicator through the cable connection; and / or transmit the awake operation state maintenance signal through the cable connection.
[0029] Advantageously, the identifier / indicator / signal may be sent through the cable connection and mitigate potential interference (compared to wireless transmission of the same).
[0030] The electric vehicle supply equipment identifier may comprise one or more of: an alphanumeric electric vehicle supply equipment identifier tag unique to the electric vehicle supply equipment; and a location identifier of the vehicle when the cable connection to the electric vehicle supply equipment is established.
[0031] Advantageously, by using the location identifier, the vehicle according to examples herein may provide the benefits outlined above, even for an electric vehicle supply equipment that does not support advantage communications schemes (e.g. TCP / IP). Advantageously, by using the unique alphanumeric electric vehicle supply equipment identifier, more accurate identification of an electric vehicle supply equipment may be performed.
[0032] In some examples, the electric vehicle supply equipment identifier may be prioritised over the location information, due to the electric vehicle supply equipment identifier being unique to the electric vehicle supply equipment, while location may be shared for one or more electric vehicle supply equipment. In some examples, the location identifier of the vehicle may be received by a location unit associated with the electric vehicle supply equipment and / or the vehicle.
[0033] According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle comprising any control system disclosed herein.
[0034] According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for controlling a control system of a vehicle, the control system for controlling communication between a vehicle and an electric vehicle supply equipment, the method comprising: in response to detecting establishment of a cable connection between the vehicle and the electric vehicle supply equipment, receiving an electric vehicle supply equipment identifier indicative of an identity of the electric vehicle supply equipment and receiving an awake operation state indicator indicative of the electric vehicle supply equipment operating in an awake operation state; in dependence on receiving the electric vehicle supply equipment identifier, determining, based on the received electric vehicle supply equipment identifier, whether or not the electric vehicle supply equipment supports a wake-up procedure, wherein the wake-up procedure comprises the vehiclecontrolling the electric vehicle supply equipment to change operation state from a sleep operation state, in which electrical power is not supplied by the electric vehicle supply equipment to a connected vehicle, to the awake operation state, in which electrical power can be supplied by the electric vehicle supply equipment to the connected vehicle; and if the electric vehicle supply equipment does not support the wake-up procedure, transmitting, to the electric vehicle supply equipment operating in the awake operation state, an awake operation state maintenance signal to cause the electric vehicle supply equipment to continue to operate in the awake operation state.
[0035] According to an aspect of the present invention there are provided computer-readable instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform any method disclosed herein.
[0036] In some examples, there is provided a system comprising a vehicle as disclosed herein and a charging cable.
[0037] Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and / or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.
[0038] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0039] One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0040] Figure 1 shows a control system according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0041] Figure 2 shows a flow chart showing a method which control systems disclosed herein are configured to perform according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0042] Figure 3 shows a process which control systems disclosed herein are configured to perform according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0043] Figure 4 shows a process which control systems disclosed herein are configured to perform according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0044] Figures 5a-5c shows an example process which control systems disclosed herein are configured to perform for facilitating communication between a vehicle and an electric vehicle supply equipment according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 6 shows an example process which control systems disclosed herein are configured to perform for facilitating communication between a vehicle and an electric vehicle supply equipment according to an embodiment of the invention; and Figure 7 shows a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0045] DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0046] It is known to provide an electric vehicle supply equipment at a home address, and a vehicle can be connected to the supply equipment and receive charge therefrom, to charge an energy store of the vehicle. Discussion herein of supply of electrical charge to the vehicle should be understood as a supply of electrical charge of an energy storage means of the vehicle e.g. a rechargeable battery.An electric vehicle supply equipment (or simply supply equipment) may be understood to be a charger or home charger , i.e. an apparatus which can be connected to a vehicle (and the electrical energy storage of that vehicle) for the provision of charge from the supply equipment to the vehicle, to recharge the electrical energy storage. The vehicle may be a battery electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, for example.
[0047] The present invention relates to a wake-up procedure, with references to an “awake” operation state and a “sleep” operation state. The awake operation state may refer to an operation state of the electric vehicle supply equipment in which electrical power can be supplied by the electric vehicle supply equipment to the connected vehicle (i.e. or to the energy storage means of the connected vehicle, e.g. a rechargeable battery). The sleep operation state may refer to an operation state in which electrical power is not supplied by the electric vehicle supply equipment to a connected vehicle (i.e. or to the energy storage means of the connected vehicle). In some examples, the sleep operation state may refer to the electric vehicle supply equipment’s ability to provide charge to the connected vehicle, while other systems, within the electric vehicle supply equipment, may be operational.
[0048] For example, while in the sleep operation state, an electric vehicle supply equipment may be able to transmit information to and / or receive information from the connected vehicle. That is, while the electric vehicle supply equipment is in the sleep operation state, the communication system of the electric vehicle supply equipment may remain operational. The wake-up procedure may refer to any procedure in which an operation state of electric vehicle supply equipment may change from the sleep operation state to the awake operation state.
[0049] There is a problem in the art that some home chargers do not support a wake-up procedure. For example, in response to a charging session completing (i.e. to a full or target level of charge of the energy storage means,) between the electric vehicle supply equipment and the vehicle, the electric vehicle supply equipment may change an operational state from an awake operation state to a sleep operation state. Such a feature may be useful as it may aid the electric vehicle supply equipment in saving energy consumption. While the electric vehicle supply equipment is in the sleep operation state, the vehicle may consume energy from its onboard energy storage means (e.g. rechargeable battery), resulting in depletion of the remaining energy stored in the energy storage means.
[0050] For example, a vehicle may have a climate control setting to pre-heat a vehicle prior to a determine usage time of the vehicle. Due to the electric vehicle supply equipment not supporting the wake-up procedure, the vehicle is unable to change the operation state of the electric vehicle supply equipment from the sleep operation state to the awake operation state, such that a further charge session, prior to the determined usage time of the vehicle, can be performed. As such, at the determined usage time of the vehicle, the user may find the vehicle with a depleted battery, despite leaving the vehicle connected to the charger. Examples disclosed herein provide control systems for use in charging an electric vehicle to solve this problem.
[0051] Examples disclosed herein build on the functionality of typical wake-up procedures. However, the examples disclosed herein provide further features that aim to prevent an electric vehicle supply equipment which does not support a wake-up procedure from entering the sleep operation state, such that subsequent charging activity may be performed after a previous charging activity has been completed. Advantageously, the examples disclosed herein aim to ensure the charge level of an energy storage means of a vehicle is fully charged and / or at a target charge level at the time of usage by a user. It is to be understood that by the term “fully charged”, that an energy storage means of the vehicle is at a maximum charge level or substantially at that maximum charge level.
[0052] Figure 1 shows a control system 100 according to embodiments of the invention which is for controlling communication between the vehicle 1000, illustrated in Figure 7, and an electric vehicle supply equipment 300. The control system 100 as illustrated in Figure 1comprises one controller 110, although it will be appreciated that this is merely illustrative. The controller 110 comprises processing means 120 and memory means 130. The processing means 120 may be one or more electronic processing device 120 which operably executes computer-readable instructions. For example the processing means 120 may be one or more processors 120. The memory means 130 may be one or more memory device 130. The memory means 130 is electrically coupled to the processing means 120. The memory means 130 is configured to store instructions, and the processing means 120 is configured to access the memory means 130 and execute the instructions stored thereon.
[0053] The control system 100 is configured to (i.e. the one or more processors 120 are collectively configured to), in response to detecting establishment of a cable connection between the vehicle 1000 and the electric vehicle supply equipment 300, receive an electric vehicle supply equipment identifier 160 and receive an awake operation state indicator 170. The electric vehicle supply equipment identifier 160 is indicative of an identity of the electric vehicle supply equipment 300. The awake operation state indicator 170 is indicative of the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 operating in an awake operation state.
[0054] Illustrated in Figure 1, the electric vehicle supply equipment identifier 160 and the awake operation state indicator 170 are respectively received by the one or more processors (i.e. at the controller 110). However, the present invention may not be so limited. For example, the electric vehicle supply equipment identifier 160 and the awake operation state indicator 170 may be indicated as part of the same signal.
[0055] The control system 100 is configured to, in dependence on receiving the electric vehicle supply equipment identifier 160, determine, based on the received electric vehicle supply equipment identifier 160, whether or not the electric vehicle supply equipment supports 300 a wake-up procedure. The wake-up procedure comprises the vehicle 1000 (i.e. the controller 110, or the one or more processors 120) controlling the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 to change operation state from a sleep operation state to the awake operation state. As above, the sleep operation state is an operation state of the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 in which electrical power is not supplied by the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 to a connected vehicle 1000 and the awake operation state is an operation state of the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 in which electrical power can be supplied by the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 to the connected vehicle 1000.
[0056] The control system 100 is configured to, if the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 does not support the wake-up procedure, transmit, to the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 operating in the awake operation state, an awake operation state maintenance signal 180. The awake operation state maintenance signal 180 causes the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 to continue to operate in the awake operation state.
[0057] The controller 110 comprises an input means 140 and an output means 150. The input means 140 may comprise an electrical input 140 of the controller 110. The output means 150 may comprise an electrical output 150 of the controller 110. The input 140 is arranged to receive the electric vehicle supply equipment identifier 160 and receive the awake operation state indicator 170. The electric vehicle supply equipment identifier 160 and the awake operation state indicator 170 may be received from the electric vehicle supply equipment 300. Illustrated in Figure 1, the electric vehicle supply equipment identifier 160 and the awake operation state indicator 170 are respectively received through a wired connection. However, the electric vehicle supply equipment identifier 160 and the awake operation state indicator 170 may be received as part of the same signal / indicator. The wired connection may be part of the cable connection established between the vehicle and the electric vehicle supply equipment. The output 150 is arranged to output the awake operation state maintenance signal 180 to the electric vehicle supply equipment 300. The awake operation state maintenance signal 180 may be output through the same wired connection as that used when receiving the electric vehicle supply equipment identifier 160 and the awake operation state indicator 170 in some examples.Advantageously, the vehicle 1000 and the control system 100 aim to prevent an electric vehicle supply equipment 300 that does not support a wake-up procedure from entering a sleep operation state. Therefore, the vehicle 1000 and the control system 100 aim to ensure the charge of the vehicle 1000 is fully charged or at a target charge level, when a user wants to use the vehicle 1000.
[0058] In some examples, the control system 100 (i.e. the one or more processors 120) may be configured to: receive the electric vehicle supply equipment identifier 160 through the cable connection; receive the awake operation state indicator 170 through the cable connection; and / or transmit the awake operation state maintenance signal 180 through the cable connection. Advantageously, an identifier, indicator and / or signal may be transmitted through the cable connection and, therefore, mitigate potential difficulties that may occur from wireless transmission of these signals.
[0059] Figure 2 shows a flow chart showing a method 200 which control systems 100 disclosed herein are configured to perform. The method 200 is a method of a control system 100 of a vehicle, such as vehicle 1000 illustrated in Figure 9. In particular the method 200 is a method for controlling communication between a vehicle 1000 and an electric vehicle supply equipment 300. The method 200 may be performed by the control system 100 illustrated in Figure 1. The method 200 is a computer-implemented method. In particular, the memory 130 may comprise computer-readable instructions which, when executed by the processor 120, perform the method 200 according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0060] The method 200 comprises, in response to detecting 210 establishment of a cable connection between the vehicle 1000 and the electric vehicle supply equipment 300, receiving 220 an electric vehicle supply equipment identifier 160 indicative of an identity of the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 and receiving 220 an awake operation state indicator 170 indicative of the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 operating in an awake operation state; in dependence on receiving 220 the electric vehicle supply equipment identifier 160, determining 230, based on the received electric vehicle supply equipment identifier 160, whether or not the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 supports a wake-up procedure, wherein the wake-up procedure comprises the vehicle 1000 controlling the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 to change operation state from a sleep operation state, in which electrical power is not supplied by the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 to a connected vehicle 1000, to the awake operation state, in which electrical power can be supplied by the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 to the connected vehicle 1000; and if the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 does not support the wake-up procedure, transmitting 240, to the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 operating in the awake operation state, an awake operation state maintenance signal 180 to cause the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 to continue to operate in the awake operation state.
[0061] Examples are discussed in more detail with reference to Figures 3 to 7. Figure 3 shows a process 350 which control systems 100 disclosed herein are configured to perform for controlling communication between a vehicle 1000 and an electric vehicle supply equipment 300. The control system 100 may be part of the vehicle 1000. Figure 3 shows an exchanging of signals / indications / information between the control system 100 and the electric vehicle supply equipment 300. The exchanging of information between the control system 100 and the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 may be facilitated by the establishment of a cable connection between the vehicle 1000 (and the control system 100) and the electric vehicle supply equipment 300, for example, upon connecting the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 to the vehicle 1000 with a charging cable. The control system 100 is configured to transmit, to the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 operating in the awake operation state, an awake operation state maintenance signal 180. The awake operation state maintenance signal 180, upon receipt by the electric vehicle supply equipment 300, causes the electric vehicle supply equipment 300, to continue to operate in the awake operation state.In some examples, the awake operation state maintenance signal 180 may be indicative of the vehicle 1000 being in communicative connection with the electric vehicle supply equipment 300. The awake operation state maintenance signal 180 may comprise a message indicating that the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 should not enter the sleep mode. Therefore, the awake operation state maintenance signal 180 may comprise instructions 181 that the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 should remain in the awake state. In addition or alternatively, the awake operation state maintenance signal 180 may comprise a message indicative of a voltage and / or current request of the vehicle 1000 to be provided by the electric vehicle supply equipment 300. That is, the awake operation state maintenance signal 180 may comprise a request 182 for the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 which thereby maintains the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 in the awake operation state, and prevents the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 from entering the sleep operation state.
[0062] Advantageously, the control system 100 may increase the functionality of a vehicle-electric vehicle supply equipment system, without unduly increasing complexity. In some examples, the awake operation state maintenance signal 180, comprising a voltage and / or current request, may comprise an indication that the voltage and / or current requested is 0 V or 0 A, respectively. In this way, the control system 100 may control the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 to not provide power to the vehicle 1000 by way of the voltage and / or current request. Advantageously, the control system 100 may maintain the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 in the awake state in a power efficient manner. In some examples, if the vehicle 1000 requires power from the electric vehicle supply equipment 300, the voltage and / or current request may comprise an indication that the voltage and current requested is greater than 0 V or 0 A.
[0063] The control system 100 may be configured to receive, from the electric vehicle supply equipment 300, a maintenance response indication 190. That is, in response to transmission of the awake operation state maintenance signal 180 to the electric vehicle supply equipment 300, the control system 100 may be configured to receive a maintenance response indication 190. The maintenance response indication 190 may be indicative of the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 having received the awake operation state maintenance signal 180. In this way, the control system 100 and the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 can perform a communication cycle in which the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 is maintained in the awake operation state. The maintenance response indication 190 may comprise an acknowledgement 191 that the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 received the awake operation state maintenance signal 180.
[0064] Advantageously, by receiving the maintenance response indication 190, the control system 100 may be configured to determine the status of the electric vehicle supply equipment 300. The maintenance response indication 190 may comprise a report 192. For example, the maintenance response indication 190 may indicate a voltage and / or current being supplied from the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 to the vehicle 1000 (i.e. the energy storage means of the vehicle).
[0065] For example, the maintenance response indication 190 may comprise a report 192 indicating that the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 is supplying a voltage and / or current, in accordance with the voltage and / or current requested within the awake operation state maintenance signal 180. As such, the control system 100 may follow a call and response scheme to, firstly, maintain the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 in the awake operation state and, secondly, ensure that the vehicle 1000 is supplied by the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 with the voltage and / or current as requested by the control system 100.
[0066] The control system 100 may be configured to retransmit the awake operation state maintenance signal 180 if the maintenance response indication 190 is not received within a predetermined maintenance response indication receipt time period. Advantageously,the control system 100 may aim to ensure delivery of the awake operation state maintenance signal 180 in the case of, for example, a poor wired connection (i.e. due to an unreliable wired connection and / or connectors).
[0067] The control system 100, in response to receiving the maintenance response indication 190, may transmit the awake operation state maintenance signal 180. That is, the process 350 of Figure 3 may repeat to maintain the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 in the awake operation state. Advantageously, the vehicle enters a new charging loop with the electric vehicle supply equipment to maintain the electric vehicle supply equipment in the awake operation state.
[0068] Figure 4 illustrates a process 400 in which control systems 100 disclosed herein are configured to perform for controlling communication between the vehicle 1000 and an electric vehicle supply equipment 300. The control system 100 may be configured to, in response to receipt of the electric vehicle supply equipment identifier 160, compare the received electric vehicle supply equipment identifier 160 to a wake-up procedure register 420. The wake-up procedure register 420 may be indicative of one or more electric vehicle supply equipment 300 that do not support the wake-up procedure. The wake-up procedure register 420 may take the form of a table, or any other suitable format, in which the received electric vehicle supply equipment identifier 160 may be searched by the control system 100 to determine if the received electric vehicle supply equipment identifier 160 is present in the wake-up procedure register 420.
[0069] Within Figure 4, the wake-up procedure register 420 is illustrated as storing a plurality of electric vehicle supply equipment identifiers ID#1, ID#2, .... ID#N, where N isan integer value. In some examples, the electric vehicle supply equipment identifier 160 may comprise one or more of: an alphanumeric electric vehicle supply equipment identifier tag unique to the electric vehicle supply equipment 300; and a location identifier of the vehicle when the cable connection to the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 is established. The alphanumeric electric vehicle supply equipment identifier tag may be received by the control system 100, and transmitted by the electric vehicle supply equipment 300, using a high level communication protocol (e.g. TCP / IP). However, not all electric vehicle supply equipment 300 may support the high level communication protocol. In such examples, the electronic vehicle equipment identifier 160 may be the location identifier. In this way, the vehicle 1000 may support the wake-up procedure selection as disclosed herein even with a electric vehicle supply equipment 300 that does not support advanced communication schemes.
[0070] In examples in which an electric vehicle supply equipment 300 supports both the alphanumeric electric vehicle supply equipment identifier and the location identifier, the control system 100 may be configured to prioritise the alphanumeric electric vehicle supply equipment identifier for use as the electric vehicle supply equipment identifier 160. This is because there may be multiple electric vehicle supply equipments 300 at the same location (e.g. a public charging station). Therefore, use of the alphanumeric electric vehicle supply equipment identifier may provide for a more accurate electric vehicle supply equipment identifier 160 for use by the control system 100. In some examples, the location identifier comprises GPS coordinates of the vehicle location. The location identifier may be received from a location unit. This location unit may be comprised within the vehicle, in communicative connection with the control system 100, or may be remote from the vehicle 1000, in communicative connection with the control system 100. For example, the location unit may be comprised within an electric vehicle supply equipment 300 that is connected to the vehicle 1000.
[0071] The control system 100 may be configured to, if the received electric vehicle supply equipment identifier 160 is present in the wakeup procedure register 420, determine that the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 does not support the wake-up procedure. In this way, the steps of the process 400 illustrated as part of Figure 4 may constitute the steps taken by a control system 100 to determine, based on the received electric vehicle supply equipment identifier, whether or not the electric vehicle supply equipment supports awake-up procedure. Advantageously, by consulting the wake-up procedure register 420, a vehicle 1000 may prevent an event wherein a vehicle 1000 / control system 100 is unable to wake up an electric vehicle supply equipment 300.
[0072] In some examples, the wake up procedure register 420 may be stored in one or more memory units that are one or more of: accessible by the one or more processors and associated with the vehicle. The one or more memory units may comprise a vehicle memory unit, local to the vehicle; and a remote memory unit, remote from the vehicle. The one or more processors may be functionally connected to the one or more memory unit (e.g. through a conduction path), and / or may be communicatively connected to the one or more memory unit (e.g. though a wireless communication protocol). The vehicle memory unit may comprise the memory means 130, discussed above in relation to Figure 1. The remote memory unit may be a remote memory means. In some examples, the remote memory means may be accessible by the one or more processor 120 of the vehicle 1000, and the one or more other processors of other vehicles. For example, the remote memory means may be accessible by a plurality of control systems 100 of respective vehicles. In this way, the remote memory means, and therefore the wake-up procedure register 420 may be shared amongst a group of vehicles and / or users. For example, a group of users (e.g. a home family group, a work colleagues group), may each have access to the wakeup procedure register 420. In some examples, the remote memory means may be a centrally maintained memory unit, that is accessible by all vehicles. The vehicles able to access the remote memory means may be subject to authorization by a party hosting the remote memory means (e.g. the hosting party may only allow specific car makes and / or models to access the remote memory means).
[0073] The electric vehicle supply equipment identifier 160 may be stored in the one or more memory units by a vehicle 1000 / control system 100 on an experimental basis. For example, a vehicle 1000 may attempt a wake-up procedure with an electric vehicle supply equipment 300 to which it is connected to, that has entered the sleep operation state. However, the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 may not support the wake-up procedure and the vehicle 1000 may fail to change the operation state of the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 from the sleep operation state to the awake operation state. In response to this, the control system 100 may store the electric vehicle supply equipment identifier 160, associated with the electric vehicle supply equipment 300, in the one or more memory units. Furthermore, by the one or more memory units being accessible by a plurality of control systems 100, the one or more memory units may be constantly updated by the plurality of control systems 100. Advantageously, the wake-up procedure register 420, stored in the one or more memory units remains up-to-date and a vehicle 1000 / control system 100 may not have to experience a failed wake-up with an electric vehicle supply equipment 300 in order to determine whether the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 supports the wake-up procedure. Advantageously, the control system 100 aims to prevent a repeat occurrence of an event wherein a different vehicle could not wake up an electric vehicle supply equipment 300.
[0074] Figure 5a illustrates a process 500 in which control systems 100 disclosed herein are configured to perform for controlling communication between the vehicle 1000 and an electric vehicle supply equipment 300. In particular, Figure 5a illustrates how the control system 100 may be configured to store an electric vehicle supply equipment identifier 160 in the one or more memory units. That is, the steps of Figure 5a may be performed during a previous cable connection established between the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 and the vehicle 1000, via which the vehicle 1000 received the electric vehicle supply equipment identifier 160, and when the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 is in the sleep operation state. The control system 100, in such a scenario, may be configured to transmit a wake-up signal 502 to the electric vehicle supply equipment 300.
[0075] In some examples, the wake-up signal may be indicative of a change in state of the control system 100 and / or the vehicle 1000. The control system 100 may be configured to request a voltage and / or current from the electric vehicle supply equipment 300, in response to the vehicle 1000 expending energy stored in the energy storage means of the vehicle (e.g. for performing a climate control function).The control system 100 may be configured to, from the time of transmitting the wake-up signal 502, wait for a predetermined response period 504. The predetermined response period 504 may be indicative of a time period after which it is determined that the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 may not react to the wake-up signal 502. The control system 100 may be configured to, if a response to the wake-up signal is not received within the predetermined response period, determine 506 that the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 does not support the wake-up procedure. Subsequently, the control system 100 may be configured to store the received electric vehicle supply equipment identifier 160 of the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 that does not support the wake-up procedure in the wake-up procedure register 420.
[0076] In some examples, the control system 100 may be configured to store the received electric vehicle supply equipment identifier 160 in the one or more memory units, that are one or more of: accessible by the one or more processors and associated with the vehicle 1000. Advantageously, by waiting the predetermined response period, the control system 100 may be able to account for poor environment conditions that could hinder electric vehicle supply equipment 300 transmissions, and may prevent the control system 100 from waiting indefinitely to determine whether the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 supports the wake-up procedure. Further advantageously, by storing the received electric vehicle supply equipment identifier 160, the control system 100 may prevent a repeat occurrence of an event wherein the control system 100 cannot wake up an electric vehicle supply equipment 300.
[0077] In some examples, the control system 100 may be configured to, in response to not receiving a response to the wake-up signal within the predetermined response period 504, retransmit the wake-up signal 502 to the electric vehicle supply equipment. Advantageously, by waiting the predetermined response period 504 and reattempting transmissions of the wake-up signal 502, the control system 100 may be able to account for poor environment conditions that could hinder electric vehicle supply equipment transmissions, and aims to prevent the vehicle 1000 from waiting indefinitely to determine if the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 supports the wake-up procedure. This can be seen illustrated in Figure 5b. Figure 5b illustrates a process 550 in which control systems 100 disclosed herein are configured to perform for controlling communication between the vehicle 1000 and an electric vehicle supply equipment 300. The process 550 may be performed additionally or alternatively to process 500, illustrated in Figure 5a.
[0078] In some examples, as illustrated in Figure 5b, the control system 100 may be configured to retransmit the wake-up signal 502 one or more times, in response to not receiving a response to the wake-up signal 502 within the predetermined response period 504. In the example illustrated in Figure 5c, the retransmitted wakeup signals 502-1, 502-2, 502-3 may be transmitted after respective predetermined periods 504. Each time a wake up signal 502 is retransmitted, the control system 100 may be configured to monitor the number of retransmissions of the wake-up signal 504. The control system 100 may be configured to monitor and maintain a wake-up signal retransmission counter. The wake-up signal retransmission counter may be stored in a storage means that is functionally connected to and accessible by the control system 100. The control system 100 may be configured to increment the wake-up signal retransmission counter each time the wake-up signal 502 is retransmitted.
[0079] Looking to Figure 5c, it can be seen that the control system 100 may initially transmit a first wake-up signal 502-1. In response to transmitting the first wake-up signal 502-1, the control system 100 may be configured to initiate 508-1 the wake-up signal retransmission counter. In response to not receiving a response to the wake-up signal within the predetermined response period 504, the control system 100 may be configured to transmit a second wake-up signal 502-2 (i.e. retransmit the wake-up signal). In response to transmitting the second wake-up signal 502-2, the control system 100 may be configured to increment 508-2 the wake-up signal retransmission counter. The control system 100 may be configured to compare the wake-up signal retransmission counter to a predetermined retransmission attempt number. The predetermined retransmission attempt number may be stored in a storage meansthat is functionally connected to and accessible by the control system 100. The predetermined retransmission attempt number may be a number set by a user, or determined by the control system 100. The predetermined retransmission attempt number may be set based on a determined local environment quality.
[0080] For example, if the control system determines that the local environment quality for sending the wake-up signal is poor, then the predetermined retransmission attempt number may be higher than if the control system determines that the local environment quality for sending the wake-up signal is good. The quality of the local environment may be determined by one or more of: a temperature indicator which may indicate a temperature of the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 and / or the vehicle 1000, a moisture indicator which may indicate a moisture level of the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 and / or the vehicle 1000, and / or a cable connection quality indicator which may indicate the quality of the cable connection between the vehicle 1000 and the electric vehicle supply equipment 300.
[0081] In response to the number of retransmissions of the wake up signal to the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 being less than the predetermined retransmission number, the control system 100 may retransmit the wake-up signal 502 to the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 (i.e. if a response to the wake-up signal is not received within the predetermined response period 504).
[0082] Looking back to Figure 5c, the control system 100 may transmit a third wake-up signal 502-3 to the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 (i.e. retransmit the wake-up signal 502). Again, the control system 100 may compare 508-3 the number of retransmissions of the wake-up signal 502 to the predetermined retransmission attempt number. In response to the number of retransmissions of the wake up signal 502 to the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 being equal to the predetermined transmission attempt number, the control system 100 may determine 506 that the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 does not support the wake-up procedure. Subsequently, the control system 100 may be configured to store the received electric vehicle supply equipment identifier 160 of the electric vehicle supply equipment 300, that does not support the wake-up procedure, in the wake-up procedure register 420. Optionally, the control system 100 may be configured to, after determining that the number of retransmissions of the wake up signal 502 to the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 is equal to the predetermined transmission attempt number, wait for the predetermined response period 504 before determining that the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 that does not support the wake-up procedure (as illustrated in Figure 5c).
[0083] Figures 5a, 5b, and 5c, are to be taken as merely illustrative and nonlimiting examples. Figure 5c makes reference to first, second and third wake-up signals 502-1, 502-2, 503-3. However, the present invention may not be so limited, and the number of wake-up signals transmitted by the control system 100 may take on any value.
[0084] Figure 6 illustrates a process 600 in which control systems 100 disclosed herein are configured to perform for controlling communication between the vehicle 1000 and an electric vehicle supply equipment 300. In particular, Figure 6 illustrates a process to be performed in response to detecting establishment of a cable connection between the vehicle 1000 and the electric vehicle supply equipment 300. As discussed, the vehicle 1000 may be connected to the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 for the purposes of charging an energy storage means of the vehicle 1000. That is, the cable connection may be that of a charging cable between the vehicle 1000 and the electric vehicle supply equipment 300. The control system 100 (i.e. the one or more processors 120) may be configured to receive a charging initiated indication 602. The charging initiated indication 602 may be indicative of electrical power being supplied by the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 to the vehicle 1000 (i.e. the energy storage means of the vehicle). Thecharging initiated indication 602 may be a signal sent as part of a charging regime between the vehicle 1000 and the electric vehicle supply equipment 300.
[0085] For example, an indication that provision of power from the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 to the vehicle 1000 may imminently start. In some examples, the charging initiated indication 602 may be a signal indicating that the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 is in a state in which it is ready to provide power to the vehicle 1000 (e.g. a “ready to charge” state”). In some examples, the charging initiated indication 602 may be the electrical power that is provided by the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 to the vehicle 1000. For example, the power provided by the vehicle 1000 intended for charging the energy storage means of the vehicle 1000. The control system 100 may be configured to receive a charging complete indication 604. The charging complete indication 604 may be indicative of electrical power no longer being supplied by the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 to the vehicle 1000. The charging complete indication 604 may be a signal sent as part of the end of a charging regime between the vehicle 1000 and the electric vehicle supply equipment 300. For example, an indication that provision of power from the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 to the vehicle 1000 has now finished. The control system 100 may be configured to, in response to receiving the charging complete indication 604, transmit the awake operation state maintenance signal 606.
[0086] As above, the awake operation state maintenance signal 606 may cause the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 to continue to operate in the awake operation state. Advantageously, the vehicle 1000 (i.e. the control system 100) aims to prevent a repeat occurrence of an event wherein a vehicle 1000 cannot wake up an electric vehicle supply equipment 300 and subsequently the vehicle 1000 has less charge than expected at the point of use by a user. Further, the vehicle 1000 (i.e. the control system 100) aims to ensures that the electric vehicle supply equipment 300, that does not support a wake-up procedure, maintains an awake operation state, such that it may provide power to the vehicle 100, after an initial charging scheme has completed.
[0087] Figure 7 illustrates a vehicle 1000 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The vehicle 1000 comprises the control system 100 as disclosed herein. In some examples, the vehicle 1000 is a battery-powered vehicle. As such, the energy usage and conservation is of paramount importance. In this way, a vehicle 1000 comprising the control system 100 as disclosed herein, may operate more efficiently. Also disclosed herein is a system (not shown). The system may comprise the control system 100, the electric vehicle supply equipment 300, and a charging cable. The control system 100 and the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 may be in accordance with those disclosed herein. The charging cable may be configured to provide the cable connection between the vehicle 1000 and the electric vehicle supply equipment 300. That is, the charging cable may be configured to allow electrical power to be provided from the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 to the vehicle 1000. More specifically, the charging cable may be configured to allow electrical power to be provided from the electric vehicle supply equipment 300 to an energy storage means of the vehicle.
[0088] It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present application.
Claims
CLAIMS1. A control system of a vehicle, the control system for controlling communication between the vehicle and an electric vehicle supply equipment, the control system comprising one or more processors collectively configured to:in response to detecting establishment of a cable connection between the vehicle and the electric vehicle supply equipment, receive an electric vehicle supply equipment identifier indicative of an identity of the electric vehicle supply equipment and receive an awake operation state indicator indicative of the electric vehicle supply equipment operating in an awake operation state;in dependence on receiving the electric vehicle supply equipment identifier, determine, based on the received electric vehicle supply equipment identifier, whether or not the electric vehicle supply equipment supports a wake-up procedure, wherein the wake-up procedure comprises the vehicle controlling the electric vehicle supply equipment to change operation state from a sleep operation state, in which electrical power is not supplied by the electric vehicle supply equipment to a connected vehicle, to the awake operation state, in which electrical power can be supplied by the electric vehicle supply equipment to the connected vehicle; andif the electric vehicle supply equipment does not support the wake-up procedure, transmit, to the electric vehicle supply equipment operating in the awake operation state, an awake operation state maintenance signal to cause the electric vehicle supply equipment to continue to operate in the awake operation state.
2. The control system of claim 1, wherein the awake operation state maintenance signal is indicative of the vehicle being in communicative connection with the electric vehicle supply equipment.
3. The control system of claim 2, wherein the one or more processors are collectively configured to:in response to transmission of the awake operation state maintenance signal to the electric vehicle supply equipment, receive, from the electric vehicle supply equipment, a maintenance response indication indicative of the electric vehicle supply equipment having received the awake operation state maintenance signal.
4. The control system of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more processors are collectively configured to:in response to receipt of the electric vehicle supply equipment identifier, compare the received electric vehicle supply equipment identifier to a wake-up procedure register, the wake-up procedure register indicative of one or more electric vehicle supply equipment that do not support the wake-up procedure; andif the received electric vehicle supply equipment identifier is present in the wake-up procedure register, determine that the electric vehicle supply equipment does not support the wake-up procedure.
5. The control system of claim 4, wherein the wake up procedure register is stored in one or more memory units that are one or more of: accessible by the one or more processors and associated with the vehicle.
6. The control system of claim 5, wherein the one or more memory units comprise:a vehicle memory unit, local to the vehicle; anda remote memory unit, remote from the vehicle.
7. The control system of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the one or more processors are collectively configured to, during a previous cable connection established between the electric vehicle supply equipment and the vehicle, via which the vehicle received the electric vehicle supply equipment identifier, and when the electric vehicle supply equipment is in the sleep operation state:transmit a wake-up signal to the electric vehicle supply equipment;if a response to the wake-up signal is not received within a predetermined response period, determine that the electric vehicle supply equipment does not support the wake-up procedure; andstore the received electric vehicle supply equipment identifier of the electric vehicle supply equipment that does not support the wake-up procedure in the wake-up procedure register.
8. The control system of claim 7, wherein the one or more processors are collectively configured to:in response to not receiving a response to the wake-up signal within the predetermined response period, retransmit the wake-up signal to the electric vehicle supply equipment.
9. The control system of claim 8, wherein the one or more processors are collectively configured to:compare the number of retransmissions of the wake-up signal to a predetermined retransmission attempt number; and in response to the number of retransmissions of the wake up signal to the electric vehicle supply equipment being equal to the predetermined retransmission attempt number, determine that the electric vehicle supply equipment does not support the wakeup procedure.
10. The control system of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more processors are collectively configured to:receive a charging initiated indication indicative of electrical power being supplied by the electric vehicle supply equipment to the vehicle;receive a charging complete indication indicative of electrical power no longer being supplied by the electric vehicle supply equipment to the vehicle; andin response to receiving the charging complete indication, transmit the awake operation state maintenance signal, to the electric vehicle supply equipment, to cause the electric vehicle supply equipment to continue to operate in the awake operation state.
11. The control system of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more processors are collectively configured to:receive the electric vehicle supply equipment identifier through the cable connectionreceive the awake operation state indicator through the cable connection; and / ortransmit the awake operation state maintenance signal through the cable connection.
12. The control system of any preceding claim, wherein the electric vehicle supply equipment identifier comprises one or more of:an alphanumeric electric vehicle supply equipment identifier tag unique to the electric vehicle supply equipment; and a location identifier of the vehicle when the cable connection to the electric vehicle supply equipment is established.
13. A vehicle comprising the control system of any preceding claim.
14. A method for controlling a control system of a vehicle, the control system for controlling communication between a vehicle and an electric vehicle supply equipment, the method comprising:in response to detecting establishment of a cable connection between the vehicle and the electric vehicle supply equipment, receiving an electric vehicle supply equipment identifier indicative of an identity of the electric vehicle supply equipmentand receiving an awake operation state indicator indicative of the electric vehicle supply equipment operating in an awake operation state;in dependence on receiving the electric vehicle supply equipment identifier, determining, based on the received electric vehicle supply equipment identifier, whether or not the electric vehicle supply equipment supports a wake-up procedure, wherein the wake-up procedure comprises the vehicle controlling the electric vehicle supply equipment to change operation state from a sleep operation state, in which electrical power is not supplied by the electric vehicle supply equipment to a connected vehicle, to the awake operation state, in which electrical power can be supplied by the electric vehicle supply equipment to the connected vehicle; andif the electric vehicle supply equipment does not support the wake-up procedure, transmitting, to the electric vehicle supply equipment operating in the awake operation state, an awake operation state maintenance signal to cause the electric vehicle supply equipment to continue to operate in the awake operation state.
15. Computer-readable instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the method according to claim 14.