EV Charging Pilot Signal Control for Dynamic Phase Switching

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric vehicle charging systems lack the ability to optimize charging processes based on specific vehicle requirements and available power sources, leading to inefficiencies and longer charging times.

Innovation Solution

A charging apparatus that uses a control pilot pin to transmit PWM control signals encoding available power sources to the vehicle controller, allowing for dynamic adjustment of AC charging phases and optimizing the charging process by switching phases based on energy levels and vehicle data, enabling bidirectional communication and efficient power management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single control pilot pin is used for communication between charging apparatus and vehicle, then communication complexity is reduced and robustness is improved, but the amount of information that can be transmitted is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication complexityVSAvoidinformation transmission capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modulating the control pilot signal in multiple dimensions: frequency modulation to indicate available charging phases, pulse width modulation to encode power source information, and voltage level changes to represent different states. This allows a single pin to transmit complex charging parameters without increasing physical communication infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If PWM control pilot signals are used to encode available power sources, then charging efficiency is improved through optimized charging phases, but signal complexity and processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging efficiencyVSAvoidsignal processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by having the vehicle controller decode the PWM signal to determine available charging phases and power sources, then the charging controller receives confirmation and adjusts the charging process accordingly. This closed-loop feedback ensures optimal charging efficiency while managing signal processing complexity through standardized protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If AC charging phases are switched dynamically based on energy levels and vehicle data, then adaptability to different vehicle requirements is improved, but control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging adaptabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling real-time switching of AC charging phases based on decoded vehicle data and available power source conditions. The relay control system dynamically reconfigures the charging circuit to match vehicle requirements, transforming a static charging system into an adaptive one that responds to changing conditions without requiring multiple dedicated circuits for each configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4352850B1A method and apparatus for controlling a charging process for charging a vehicle battery of an electric vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.11.06 FRONIUS INT GMBH
  • EP4352850B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4352850B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4352850B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A charging apparatus for charging a vehicle battery of an electric vehicle includes a connector having a control pilot pin used by a charging controller of said charging apparatus to control a charging of the vehicle battery of an electric vehicle connected via a charging cable to said charging apparatus. The charging controller is adapted to transmit via the control pilot pin a PWM control pilot signal encoding available power sources of said charging apparatus to a vehicle controller of the electric vehicle, apply switch control signals to one or more relays to switch AC charging phases supplied by an inverter of the charging apparatus via AC phase or photovoltaic panel DC supply lines and send information by changing the PWM voltage level on the control pilot pin to indicate which AC charging phases are available for charging the vehicle battery to the vehicle controller to trigger a soft switching on the concerned AC charging phases.