EV Charger Pass-Through Switching Without Session Interruption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging protocols, such as CHAdeMO, require multiple charging sessions when transitioning between power sources, disrupting the customer experience by necessitating cable disconnection and reconnection and additional user interaction.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that seamlessly transitions between charging sources within a single customer session by leveraging the CHAdeMO protocol's ability to maintain the charging connector connection, allowing silent switching between power sources without disrupting the charging session.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the charging protocol (CHAdeMO) requires cable disconnection and reconnection to switch between power sources, then the protocol compliance is maintained, but the customer experience deteriorates due to interrupted charging sessions and additional user interaction
Solution Approach 1:
The charging session is segmented into multiple charging sessions, each using a different power source (battery or AC grid), while maintaining the overall customer session continuity. This allows protocol compliance for each segment while providing seamless transition from the customer's perspective.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that manages the transition between power sources. It detects trigger conditions, coordinates the switching between battery and AC grid power sources, and maintains the charging session state without requiring customer intervention, thus resolving the contradiction between protocol requirements and customer experience.
2Reliability
If multiple charging sessions are used to charge from different power sources, then the protocol limitations are respected, but the charging time increases due to session disruption and reconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary actions by detecting trigger conditions for power source switching before the charging session needs to be disrupted. It proactively manages the transition between power sources, minimizing the time required for session disruption and reconnection by preparing the system in advance for the switch.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuity of useful action by keeping the charging cable connected and the customer session active throughout the power source transition. Multiple charging sessions are executed without interrupting the overall charging process from the customer's perspective, thereby reducing the effective charging time loss.
3Reliability
If the charging session is disrupted to switch power sources, then the protocol requirements are met, but the charging process loses efficiency due to session reset and user interaction
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements self-service by automatically detecting trigger conditions, managing power source transitions, and coordinating multiple charging sessions without requiring user intervention. This automation maintains protocol compliance while preserving charging efficiency by eliminating the need for user actions during power source switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching between different power sources (battery to AC grid or vice versa) while maintaining the charging session state. The controller adjusts charging parameters seamlessly across multiple sessions, ensuring protocol compliance without significantly impacting charging efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for silently transiting power sources are provided herein. The method, implemented in a controller of a charging system, comprises: initiating a customer session for charging an electric vehicle (EV) to a desired level of charge using a protocol that does not support a switch between power sources within a single charging session; in a first charging session associated with the protocol, transferring electric energy from a first power source to the EV; detecting a trigger condition of the first power source and prior to reaching the desired level of charge at the EV; in response to detecting the trigger condition, in a second charging session of the protocol, transferring electric energy from a second power source to the vehicle; and maintaining the customer session during the first charging session and the second charging session.