EV Charger Connection Detection Using Pilot and Proximity Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle charging systems lack effective mechanisms to ensure safe and efficient charging while preventing vehicle operation during connector engagement, due to unreliable signal interactions between the vehicle and electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), which can lead to safety hazards and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a charger and charge port with circuitry and controllers that establish pilot and proximity signals to control charging and prevent vehicle operation when the charge port is engaged with EVSE, utilizing debounce times to manage signal validity and ensure safe charging practices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the vehicle allows driving with a connected charger, then vehicle mobility is maintained, but safety hazards occur due to potential electrical shocks or improper operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by detecting charger connection status through pilot signals and proximity sensors before allowing vehicle operation. When a charger is detected as connected, the system proactively prevents vehicle driving by inhibiting gear shifts and blocking propulsion commands, thereby eliminating the safety hazard before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the pilot signal and proximity signal from the charger connection interface. This real-time feedback enables the controller to dynamically adjust vehicle operability based on charging status, ensuring safety while allowing normal operation when no charger is connected.
2Reliability
If the system uses debounce time to filter pilot signal, then false disconnection detection is reduced, but charging response time increases during signal validation
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dynamics by adjusting the debounce time parameter based on the operational context. When the vehicle is in charging mode, a longer debounce time is used to filter out false disconnection signals. When not charging, a shorter debounce time allows faster response to actual connection changes, thus optimizing both reliability and response time dynamically.
3Reliability
If the vehicle prevents driving during charger engagement, then safety is improved, but vehicle productivity decreases due to operational restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by selectively preventing only the specific driving functions that pose safety risks during charging (gear shifting and propulsion), while allowing other vehicle operations to continue normally. This targeted approach minimizes the impact on overall vehicle productivity while maintaining necessary safety precautions.
Data Source
AI summary
Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles connect to Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) to recharge a traction battery. Existing standards define the signal interface between the vehicle and EVSE including control pilot and proximity detect signals. The vehicle may use the status of these signals to detect when a connection is established with EVSE. The vehicle may indicate a connection when the signals provide conflicting statuses. The vehicle may prevent driving off and permit charging in the event of a proximity detect signal indicating a state of engagement other than connected as long as a valid control pilot signal is present. The status of the control pilot signal may be utilized to prevent drive-off and permit charging.