Charging Plug Adapter Identification for Overheating-Aware EV Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adapters for transitioning between different charging standards introduce heating issues and complicate temperature monitoring, affecting interoperability and efficiency in vehicle charging systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize a charging plug adapter with a transition resistance and binary signal code to identify the adapter type, allowing for adaptive charging profiles based on time and environmental factors, ensuring interoperability and efficient temperature management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a charging plug adapter is used to enable interoperability between different charging standards, then compatibility and ease of operation are improved, but transition resistance increases causing heating and reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification of the adapter type before charging begins by detecting binary signal codes on auxiliary contacts. Based on this preliminary identification, the charging control unit selects and applies the appropriate charging profile that accounts for the adapter's transition resistance characteristics, preventing excessive heating from the outset.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging control unit dynamically adjusts charging parameters (current limits, power levels) based on the detected adapter specification. Different charging profiles with varying current limits are applied depending on the adapter type identified through binary signal codes, optimizing the balance between charging speed and temperature management.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a charging plug adapter is used to enable interoperability between different charging standards, then compatibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary contacts serve as an intermediary communication channel between the adapter and charging control unit. Through these contacts, binary signal codes are transmitted to convey adapter type information without requiring complex wired connections or additional communication protocols, simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter identifies itself to the charging system by automatically transmitting its type information through binary signal codes on the auxiliary contacts. This self-identification eliminates the need for manual configuration or complex detection mechanisms, allowing the charging control unit to automatically select the appropriate charging profile.
3Reliability
If temperature monitoring is implemented in adapters, then reliability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to difficulty in accessing adapter temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the adapter continuously transmits temperature information to the charging control unit during charging. Based on this feedback, the charging control unit dynamically adjusts the charging profile to maintain temperatures within safe operating limits, ensuring reliable operation without requiring direct physical access to adapter temperature sensors.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and interoperable vehicle charging by dynamically adjusting charging current limits based on adapter type and environmental conditions, preventing overheating and maintaining system compatibility.
Implementation Method 1
A binary signal code is transmitted from a charging plug to a charging controller via a line between an auxiliary contact of the charging plug and the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
Adapters introduce a (further) transition resistance, which leads to heating of components
Data Source
AI summary
A method for vehicle charging according to an adapter specification, the method including arranging a charging plug adapter in a transition between a charging plug and a charging connection of a vehicle and storing a profile dependent on at least one transition resistor of the adapter, which has charging current limits as a function of a charging time, in a charging file on a storage medium of a controller of the vehicle along with a specification of the adapter. The method further includes transmitting a code from the plug to the controller via a line between an auxiliary contact of the plug and the vehicle before a charging process to identify the adapter. The method further includes detecting the specification of the adapter with the controller using the code and reading the profile from the file using the detected specification and performing the charging process according to the profile.