EV Charging Gateway Control for Reliable Load Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network synchronization and latency issues in electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) networks, particularly when using Wi-Fi or Cellular communication, lead to inefficiencies in load balancing and demand response applications, compromising network reliability and accuracy in energy data reporting, and can result in grid instabilities during emergencies.
Innovation Solution
A gateway/controller system that accesses all EVSEs in a local network, receiving commands from a remote server to control charging flow, utilizing multiple communication protocols like OCPP, OpenADR, MODBUS, and BACNET for local and remote communication, allowing for both primary remote server control and local implementation of commands, thereby enhancing network reliability and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Wi-Fi or Cellular communication is used for remote control of EVSE networks, then network coverage and accessibility are improved, but network reliability and response time deteriorate due to dropouts, signal degradation, and latency
Solution Approach 1:
A local gateway server is introduced as an intermediary between remote servers and EVSEs. The gateway receives commands from remote servers via Wi-Fi/Cellular and relays them to EVSEs through reliable local wired connections (Modbus, BACNET, Profinet), eliminating the need for each EVSE to maintain direct wireless connections while ensuring reliable command delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The network is segmented into three layers: remote servers (cloud-based), local gateway servers (on-premise), and EVSEs (charging equipment). This segmentation allows wireless communication to be used only where necessary (remote-to-gateway), while critical control paths (gateway-to-EVSE) use reliable wired connections.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple public facing IP addresses are assigned to EVSEs for direct remote access, then communication flexibility is improved, but network cost and data usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The local gateway server serves multiple functions: it acts as a communication bridge between remote servers and EVSEs, provides protocol translation (OCPP/OpenADR to Modbus/BACNET), implements load balancing logic, and manages authentication. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for each EVSE to have direct public IP access while maintaining full communication flexibility.
3Ease of manufacture
If wireless communication protocols are used for EVSE control, then installation complexity is reduced, but command reliability and synchronization accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Different communication qualities are applied to different parts of the network: wireless communication (lower reliability) is used only for remote-to-gateway communication where flexibility is needed, while wired communication (high reliability) is used for gateway-to-EVSE communication where command reliability is critical. Each segment's communication method is optimized for its specific requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A network-based energy management system of managing electric vehicle (EV) charging network infrastructure is provided. The system comprises a gateway including one or more of an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), a building automation system and any other independent controller. The gateway is configured for performing charging authorization, load management and/or demand response on an EVSE network using more than one communication channels including remote and/or local modes. The EVSE network includes two or more components from a group of components including a first EVSE, a controller, a second EVSE, the building automation system, a local server, a remote server and other energy management device.