Charging Cable Memory Module for Accurate Energy Loss Billing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current charging systems for electric vehicles face challenges in accurately determining energy losses in the charging cable, particularly for commercial charging stations, which affects billing accuracy and requires complex and costly 'intelligent' charging cables with additional sensor lines and communication channels.
Innovation Solution
A charging cable with a memory module that stores cable-specific data and is communicatively connected to existing signal or energy transmission lines, allowing for the reading and sharing of this data with the charging station, enabling accurate energy loss calculation without the need for additional sensor lines or complex structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate sensor lines are added for four-wire measurement to determine voltage at the vehicle connector, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling existing cable lines to serve dual purposes: energy transmission lines carry both power and communication signals, while sense lines simultaneously perform voltage sensing and data transmission for cable parameter identification. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated sensor lines, reducing cable complexity from six additional cores to utilizing existing line structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges communication functionality with existing cable infrastructure by implementing bidirectional communication between charging station and cable. The control unit processes both energy transmission signals and communication signals through the same line structure, combining measurement and identification functions into the existing cable architecture rather than adding separate systems.
2Measurement precision
If cable parameters are stored in the charging station, then measurement precision improves, but adaptability decreases due to cable-station binding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the cable self-identify its parameters (resistance, length, cross-section) through the control unit before charging begins. The control unit stores these identified parameters and uses them for subsequent energy loss calculations, enabling the system to adapt to different cables dynamically rather than requiring pre-configured static parameter storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback by implementing bidirectional communication where the cable provides its parameter information to the control unit, which then uses this feedback to calculate energy losses accurately. This closed-loop system allows automatic adaptation to different cable configurations without manual intervention or pre-programming.
3Measurement precision
If intelligent charging cables with computing devices are implemented, then measurement precision and automation improve, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the computing functionality from the cable itself and relocates it to the charging station's control unit. Instead of embedding processors and memory in the cable, the control unit performs all calculations for energy loss determination using cable parameters obtained through communication. This reduces cable complexity to passive transmission and sensing functions while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves as an intermediary between the cable and the charging station's energy measurement system. It receives cable parameter information through communication, calculates energy losses based on these parameters and measured values, and provides corrected energy transmission data, eliminating the need for intelligent components within the cable itself.
4Loss of information
If additional communication channels are added for cable parameter transmission, then information completeness improves, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling existing sense lines and control lines to carry both their primary functions and cable parameter communication. The same physical infrastructure used for voltage sensing and control signaling is utilized for bidirectional data exchange, eliminating the need for separate dedicated communication wires and reducing installation complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a charging system (1), a method, a charging station (3), and a charging cable (2) for transmitting electrical energy from a charging station (3) to a traction battery for charging the traction battery, preferably for charging a traction battery of an electric vehicle (4). The charging cable comprises at least one line (22) configured and equipped for signal transmission and/or at least one line (20) configured and equipped for energy transmission, and a memory module (25) configured and equipped for storing cable-specific data. The memory module (25) is communicatively connected to at least one of the lines (20, 22) in order to enable communication with the charging station (3) via the connected line (20, 22) in addition to signal transmission and/or energy transmission.