EVSE Power Receptacle Sharing a Level 2 Circuit With Other Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of Level 2 EVSE devices in homes often requires additional electrical circuits, which can be expensive and may exceed existing infrastructure capacity, and existing solutions do not efficiently utilize the 208-240 VAC circuit when not charging an electric vehicle.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus that includes an input power receptacle for an EVSE device, allowing it to transition between disconnected, connected but not charging, and charging states, and provides output receptacles for external devices or integrated electrical loads, using a control circuit to manage state transitions and power distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a Level 2 EVSE device is hard-wired to a 208-240 VAC electrical circuit, then charging speed and power output are improved, but the circuit becomes unavailable for other high power devices and additional installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The EVSE device transitions from a static hard-wired configuration to a dynamic plug-based connection that can be connected or disconnected as needed. The device includes a receptacle for receiving the EVSE plug, allowing the circuit to be dynamically allocated between EV charging and other high power devices based on user needs
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus serves multiple functions: it can power the EVSE device when plugged in, and when the EVSE is disconnected, the same electrical circuit and apparatus can be used to power other high power devices such as heaters, air conditioners, vacuums, and tools. The apparatus includes output power receptacles that enable various external electrically-powered devices to be plugged in and powered by the EVSE device's circuit
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional electrical circuits are installed to support both EVSE and other high power devices, then versatility is improved, but installation costs and infrastructure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single electrical circuit and apparatus are designed to serve multiple purposes: EV charging when needed, and powering other high power devices at other times. The apparatus includes both an input power receptacle for the EVSE and output power receptacles for other devices, eliminating the need for separate circuits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the EVSE power circuit with the apparatus power circuit into a single shared infrastructure. The EVSE device and other high power devices share the same 208-240 VAC circuit through the apparatus, reducing the need for additional electrical installations
3Reliability
If the EVSE device remains connected but not charging, then readiness for charging is improved, but power consumption and circuit occupancy increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically transitions between states: the EVSE device can be quickly connected and ready to charge, and when not in use, it can be disconnected to free up the circuit. The apparatus provides dynamic power allocation based on whether the EVSE is actively charging or disconnected
Solution Approach 2:
The EVSE device and apparatus work together to automatically manage power distribution. When the EVSE plug is inserted, the system automatically transitions to charging mode when needed, and when disconnected, the same circuit automatically becomes available for other devices without manual intervention
Data Source
AI summary
An Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) powered apparatus includes an input power receptacle capable of receiving the plug of an EVSE device to power the apparatus using power supplied by the EVSE device, and a user-actuatable control that may be used to transition the EVSE device from a connected but not charging state to a charging state after the plug has been inserted into the input power receptacle to cause the EVSE device to transition to the charging state and supply power through the plug. In some instances, one or more output power receptacles may be provided to enable various external electrically-powered devices to be plugged into the apparatus and powered by the EVSE device, while in other instances, the apparatus itself may be an appliance, tool, or other high power device, such that the apparatus is powered directly from the EVSE device.