Multimodal Communication Adapter for EVSE Protocol Translation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Integrating electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) with diverse charging characteristics and communication protocols into a single central control solution is challenging, especially for operators managing fleets with different makes and models, due to the complexity of multiple communication protocols and network interfaces.

Innovation Solution

A multimodal communication device that includes multiple communication controllers and an adapter to facilitate communication between EVSE and a central control system using different protocols, allowing for detection and adaptation to new charging site devices, updating routing tables, and converting messages to match the specific protocols of each EVSE, enabling seamless integration into a unified power management system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple different EVSE with diverse charging characteristics and communication protocols are integrated into a single central control solution, then the system's adaptability and versatility improve, but the device complexity and difficulty of integration increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to support multiple EVSE typesVSAvoidcommunication protocol diversity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a central control system that acts as an intermediary between the cloud-based charging management system and multiple diverse EVSE devices. This central control system translates between the standardized communication protocol used by the cloud system and the various proprietary protocols used by different EVSE manufacturers, enabling unified management without requiring the cloud system to directly support each EVSE protocol.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system architecture is segmented into distinct layers: a cloud-based charging management system, a central control system at the charging site, and individual EVSE devices. This segmentation allows each layer to operate independently with its own protocol stack, reducing the complexity burden on any single component while maintaining overall system versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If a vertically integrated system with manufacturer-controlled protocols and network interfaces is used, then ease of manufacture and initial integration improve, but adaptability to different EVSE types and operators' needs deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevertical integration benefitVSAvoidmulti-EVSE compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The central control system is designed with universal functionality to support multiple communication protocols and work with various EVSE types from different manufacturers. Rather than being tied to a single manufacturer's proprietary system, the central control system can adapt to different EVSE configurations and protocols, making the overall system universally applicable to diverse charging needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If operators manage fleets with different makes and models requiring different charging capabilities, then the system's versatility improves, but the difficulty of incorporation into a central charging solution increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefleet diversity supportVSAvoidintegration difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the central control system automatically detects the communication protocol and charging characteristics of newly connected EVSE devices. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically configures itself to work with the specific EVSE type, reducing manual integration effort while supporting diverse fleet requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20240174117A1Network edge-based multimodal communication architecturefor controlling electric vehicle supply equipment

Publication Date: 2024.05.30 POWERFLEX SYST INC

AI summary

Provided herein are techniques for managing charging stations with diverse communication capabilities. A system for EVSE management may include a first communication controller in communication with a first network to communicatively couple to a central control system, a second communication controller in communication with a second network to communicatively couple to a first EVSE charger, and a third communication controller in communication with a third network to communicatively couple to a second EVSE charger. A communication adapter may communicatively couple the first communication controller, the second communication controller, and third communication controller to receive a first message from the remote charging manager using a first application protocol, send the first message to the first EVSE charger using a second application protocol, receive a second message from the remote charging manager using the first application protocol, and send the second message to the second EVSE charger using a third application protocol.