EV AC Charging Connector Activation via PWM Duty Cycle
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle charging station activation methods, such as scanning 2D barcodes or radio frequency components, are inconvenient for users.
Innovation Solution
An AC charging system for electric vehicles that uses pulse-width modulation (PWM) signals to automatically detect and connect to a charging station, with optional cloud server verification for identity confirmation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual activation methods (scanning 2D barcode or radio frequency components) are used for charging station activation, then the charging station can be activated, but the user operation becomes inconvenient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system automatically detects the connected vehicle's identity through the PWM signal duty cycle and autonomously activates the appropriate charging connector without requiring user intervention for manual activation, making the system serve itself by automatically matching vehicles with compatible chargers
Solution Approach 2:
The charging station pre-configures different PWM signal duty cycles for different connector types (e.g., 50% for type 1, 60% for type 2) before vehicle connection, enabling automatic vehicle identification and connector selection immediately upon plugging in, eliminating the need for manual activation steps
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connector types are supported for vehicle compatibility, then the system becomes more versatile, but the activation process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The charging station uses a single universal activation method (PWM signal transmission through the control pilot pin) that works across multiple connector types (type 1, type 2, etc.), where the same hardware interface performs the function of both activation and vehicle identification, eliminating the need for separate activation mechanisms for each connector type
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains hardware uniformity while introducing parameter variation through different PWM duty cycle values (50%, 60%, etc.) to distinguish between different connector types and vehicle identities, allowing complex multi-connector support to be managed through simple signal parameter changes rather than complex hardware or procedural differences
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables convenient and automated charging by identifying the correct connector and verifying the vehicle's identity, reducing user interaction and saving time.
Implementation Method 1
transmits a first pulse-width modulation signal to the electric vehicle through the first connector
Data Source
AI summary
An AC charging system and an AC charging method for an electric vehicle and a charging station are provided. The AC charging method includes the following. It is detected, by the charging station, whether a first connector of the charging station is connected to a plug of the electric vehicle, and a pulse-width modulation signal is transmitted by the charging station to the electric vehicle through the first connector in response to the first connector being connected to the plug. The first pulse-width modulation signal is detected by the electric vehicle to obtain a duty cycle. The electric vehicle is charged by the charging station through the first connector based on the duty cycle matching with the first pulse-width modulation signal.