EVSE Controller Configuration Detection for Dynamic Charging Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing electric vehicle charging infrastructure faces challenges in efficiently handling diverse topologies and functionalities of electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), requiring complex and error-prone control schemes that are difficult to update and maintain, posing risks to safety and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A controller unit that detects hardware modules of the EVSE, determines a configuration based on these modules, and dynamically selects and updates control routines via a network interface, ensuring consistent and safe operation across various topologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different EVSE types with specific control schemes are provided to handle diverse topologies, then the system can accommodate various charging infrastructure configurations, but the device complexity and difficulty of maintaining multiple control schemes increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control scheme that can dynamically adapt to different EVSE types and topologies. The control scheme includes a detection module that identifies the EVSE type and configuration, and then selects appropriate control parameters from a set of predefined parameters. This allows a single control scheme to handle multiple EVSE types (power rectifiers, dispensers, HMI stations, combined systems) without requiring separate dedicated control schemes for each type, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control scheme is designed to be dynamic rather than static. It continuously detects the current EVSE configuration and topology through the detection module, and dynamically adjusts control parameters based on the detected type. This dynamic adaptation mechanism allows the system to switch between different control modes as needed, enabling a single flexible control scheme to replace multiple rigid control schemes, thus reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If separate control schemes are implemented for different EVSE types, then each EVSE type can be optimized for its specific function, but the ease of operation and updating control routines deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-defines multiple sets of control parameters corresponding to different EVSE types and topologies. During operation, the detection module identifies the current EVSE type, and the control scheme automatically selects the appropriate pre-defined parameter set. This preliminary preparation of multiple parameter sets allows the system to maintain optimized control for specific EVSE functions while simplifying the updating process, as updates can be performed by replacing entire parameter sets rather than modifying complex control logic for each EVSE type individually.
Solution Approach 2:
The control scheme incorporates a feedback mechanism through the detection module that continuously monitors EVSE type and configuration. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts and selects the appropriate control parameters from the predefined sets. This feedback-driven parameter selection ensures that each EVSE type receives optimized control while maintaining ease of operation, as the system self-adjusts based on detected conditions without requiring manual reconfiguration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex control schemes are used to handle diverse EVSE topologies, then comprehensive control coverage is achieved, but the risk of erroneous configurations and safety issues increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-defines multiple sets of control parameters corresponding to different EVSE types and topologies, with each parameter set being pre-tested and validated for its specific EVSE type. The detection module identifies the EVSE type, and the control scheme automatically selects the corresponding pre-defined parameter set. This preliminary preparation and validation of parameter sets ensures comprehensive control coverage across different EVSE types while minimizing the risk of erroneous configurations, as the system selects from pre-validated options rather than generating control parameters in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The control scheme incorporates self-service mechanisms through the detection module that automatically identifies EVSE types and selects appropriate control parameters without human intervention. The system self-configures by detecting the EVSE topology and automatically applying the correct parameter set, thereby eliminating manual configuration steps that could introduce errors. This self-service capability maintains comprehensive control coverage while significantly reducing the risk of erroneous configurations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A controller unit 100 for controlling an electric vehicle supply equipment 110, EVSE, with one or more hardware modules for charging an electric vehicle, EV, the controller unit comprising: -a processing unit configured to detect one or more hardware modules of the EVSE; -the processing unit 102 further configured to determine a configuration of the electric vehicle supply equipment 110, the configuration including data indicative of the detected hardware modules of the EVSE; the controller unit 100 being further configured to dynamically determine a control scheme of the EVSE based on the determined configuration of the EVSE, wherein the processing unit 102 has a memory 106 with stored control routines, and wherein the controller unit is configured for including selected control routines in the control scheme, the selected control routines being selected from the stored control routines based on the determined configuration of the EVSE, wherein the controller unit 100 is configured for installing and updating the control routines over a network interface, and is further configured to control the EVSE 110 based on the determined control scheme.