EV Charging Rate Control for Residential Circuit Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles equipped with portable EVSE units face challenges in charging due to the risk of exceeding residential electrical system capacity, leading to circuit breaker tripping and disruptions, especially when shared with other loads.
Innovation Solution
A computing device and method that allow users to set and adjust charging rates, automatically reducing power draw if circuit trips occur, temperature limits are exceeded, or if the vehicle returns to a location where a reduced rate was previously applied, to prevent system overload and ensure stable charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the portable EVSE is configured to permit a level of current that is drawn by a charger within the electric vehicle, then the vehicle can be charged from residential electrical systems, but the power draw may exceed the capacity of a typical residential wall outlet
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system dynamically adjusts the charging rate based on detected circuit conditions. The system monitors for circuit breaker trips and automatically reduces the charging rate from a first rate to a second, lower rate when trips are detected, allowing flexible adaptation to different electrical system capacities without requiring fixed high-power configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical parameter (charging rate) based on detected conditions. By monitoring circuit breaker trips and temperature, the system adjusts the charging current parameter to match the actual capacity of the residential electrical system, enabling safe charging from outlets with varying power capacities
2Adaptability or versatility
If the EVSE unit shares the circuit with another load, then the circuit can serve multiple purposes, but the total demand may exceed the capacity or breaker limit of the electrical circuit, causing the breaker to trip
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system implements feedback by monitoring circuit breaker trip status and temperature conditions. When the system detects that the circuit breaker has tripped or temperature exceeds thresholds, it receives feedback about the electrical system's capacity limits and automatically adjusts the charging rate accordingly, preventing further trips and ensuring reliable continuous charging
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary action by detecting circuit conditions and proactively adjusting the charging rate before another trip occurs. By monitoring temperature and circuit status in advance, the system prevents overload conditions that would cause breaker trips, maintaining charging continuity without waiting for failure conditions
3Productivity
If a dedicated residential circuit rated at or above the rating of the portable EVSE unit is available, then optimal recharging can be achieved, but such a circuit may not be available in many residences
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system transitions from a static high-rate charging approach to a dynamic adjustment approach. By detecting circuit breaker trips and automatically reducing the charging rate, the system adapts to the actual capacity of the residential electrical system, enabling productive charging from both dedicated high-capacity circuits and shared lower-capacity circuits without requiring infrastructure modifications
Data Source
AI summary
A system for use in controlling a charging system for an electric vehicle is provided. The system includes a computing device. The computing device includes a memory device and a processor coupled to the memory device. The processor is configured to store, in the memory device, data relating to at least one charging session of the electric vehicle. The processor is also configured to receive, from a user input device, at least one selection relating to at least one of a charging rate setting and a charging preference setting for controlling a charging rate at which a charger in the electric vehicle draws current from a power supply.