Remote EV Charger Disconnect for Low-Downtime Servicing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional electric vehicle service equipment (EVSE) units face operational inefficiencies and poor user experiences due to poor connectivity and installation-related issues, leading to prolonged downtime when maintenance is required.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for remotely testing, servicing, and monitoring electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) units, including a remote-controlled disconnect switch with safety and security features, to minimize downtime and ensure reliable charging operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If EVSE units are positioned far away from entities for managing and maintaining them, then installation flexibility is improved, but service time and downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
The EVSE unit is equipped with self-diagnostics capabilities that automatically detect and report faults without requiring manual inspection. The unit can autonomously identify issues with charging sessions, connectivity, and internal components, eliminating the need for technicians to physically examine each unit and reducing service time while maintaining installation flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
A remote monitoring system continuously collects operational data from EVSE units and provides real-time feedback to both the control entity and maintenance personnel. This feedback mechanism enables early detection of issues, allowing for proactive maintenance scheduling and reducing overall service time while permitting flexible unit placement throughout the charging network.
2Adaptability or versatility
If EVSE units operate with poor connectivity, then installation location options increase, but operational reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements preliminary diagnostics that continuously assess connectivity status and predict potential failures before they occur. By detecting degradation in communication quality early, the system can take preventive actions such as switching to backup communication channels or scheduling maintenance before complete failure, thereby maintaining operational reliability even in locations with inherently poor connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The EVSE unit incorporates redundant communication modules and backup connectivity options that are activated when primary communication channels fail. This cushioning approach ensures continuous operational reliability by having pre-prepared alternative communication paths, allowing the unit to operate reliably even in locations with poor primary connectivity infrastructure.
3Device complexity
If manual servicing is required for remote EVSE units, then system simplicity is maintained, but service efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual physical inspection and servicing with automated remote diagnostics and control capabilities. Technicians can diagnose issues, retrieve error logs, and even perform certain servicing operations remotely through the network connection, eliminating the need for physical travel to each unit and dramatically improving service efficiency while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized communication protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The EVSE unit incorporates a universal communication interface that enables multiple functions including monitoring, diagnostics, firmware updates, and remote servicing through a single standardized connection. This multi-functionality allows the same simple interface to support both basic operation and advanced remote maintenance capabilities, improving service efficiency without significantly increasing system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Inventions described include systems and methods for remotely servicing an electric charger. System components can include: a remote-controlled disconnect switch including a contactor configured to prevent the electric charger from losing power; a safety subsystem including a manual disconnect switch coupled to the remote-controlled disconnect switch; a set of lines coupling the remote-controlled disconnect switch to an interface and the manual disconnect switch; an indication subsystem; and optionally, an enclosure/housing. The systems and methods function to provide a safe and secure mechanism for remotely communicating with, accessing, manipulating, testing, servicing, and/or modulating operation of an associated charger. The system 100 thus provides a mechanism for reducing, minimizing, or otherwise eliminating downtime for an associated charger, in order to rapidly address issues for users, in relation to hardware faults, software faults, internet connectivity issues, and/or other issues involved in a charging session.