EVSE Observation Time Control for Grid-Compliant V2G Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicles (EVs) face challenges in complying with regional grid codes and specifications when operating as generators, necessitating complex compliance with various operational conditions and regulations for safe and efficient bidirectional power transfer (BPT) to the electrical grid.
Innovation Solution
An EVSE system with a processor and memory is configured to monitor operational conditions of the EV battery and grid for a defined ObservationTime, ensuring compliance with grid codes before enabling power discharge, using a GridObservationCompleted parameter to control the V2G operation and set discharge limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the EV is immediately enabled to discharge power to the grid upon connection, then the productivity of energy transfer is improved, but the reliability and safety are compromised due to potential adverse operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary monitoring of operating conditions during an ObservationTime period before enabling power discharge. This preliminary action ensures that all operational parameters are within acceptable ranges before the EV begins functioning as a power source, thus preventing adverse conditions while maintaining efficient energy transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The EVSE system acts as an intermediary between the EV battery and the electrical grid, mediating the power transfer process. It monitors operating conditions and controls the enabling of discharge functionality, ensuring that safety requirements are met before allowing direct interaction between the battery and grid.
2Reliability
If the ObservationTime period is extended to ensure thorough monitoring of operating conditions, then the reliability of safe operation is improved, but the loss of time for energy transfer increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the ObservationTime parameter based on the specific operating conditions of the battery and grid. By monitoring parameters such as battery charge level, temperature, and grid stability, the system determines the minimum necessary monitoring period, ensuring compliance without unnecessary delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The EVSE system autonomously evaluates operating conditions and determines when the ObservationTime period is sufficient to ensure safety. This self-service approach eliminates the need for fixed, overly conservative time periods, allowing the system to proceed with V2G operation as soon as safety criteria are met.
3Reliability
If comprehensive monitoring of both battery and grid operating conditions is implemented, then the safety and compliance are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The EVSE system is designed to perform multiple functions: it monitors battery operating conditions, monitors grid operating conditions, controls the ObservationTime period, and manages the enabling of discharge functionality. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could be separate complex systems into a single integrated solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors operating conditions and uses this feedback to control the discharge enabling process. Based on the monitored parameters, the EVSE system determines whether to proceed with V2G operation, creating a closed-loop control system that ensures safety without requiring overly complex open-loop monitoring infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
The described technology is generally directed towards implementation of an electric vehicle (EV) as an energy generator for a vehicle to grid (V2G) power discharge operation. Energy available at a battery onboard the EV can be discharged to an electrical grid, e.g., via an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE)/wallbox. Prior to power discharge occurring, an ObservationTime can be defined, and while the duration of the ObservationTime has not been met, power discharge between the EV and the grid can be prevented. Further, power discharge can be prevented based on one or more operational conditions not being met at the EV and/or the grid. In the event of the ObservationTime, and the one or more operational conditions being met at the EV and/or the grid, power discharge can be enabled. A GridObservationCompleted parameter, having a binary configuration, can be toggled TRUE/FALSE to control the power discharge operation.