EVSE Observation Timing for Grid-Compliant V2G Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles operating as generators face challenges in complying with location-specific grid regulations and specifications, necessitating complex compliance mechanisms to ensure safe and efficient bidirectional power transfer.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) that monitors both the EV battery and grid conditions for a defined period, ensuring compliance with local grid codes before enabling V2G operation, using a GridObservationCompleted parameter to manage power discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the EV battery is immediately connected to the electrical grid for power discharge, then the productivity of energy transfer is improved, but the reliability and safety of the system deteriorates due to potential adverse operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary monitoring of operating conditions for both the EV battery and electrical grid before enabling power discharge. This preliminary action ensures that all necessary checks are completed in advance, preventing potential safety issues while allowing immediate operation when conditions are favorable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors operating conditions and uses this feedback to dynamically control the power discharge operation. The monitoring mechanism provides real-time information about battery state, grid status, and other critical parameters, allowing the system to adjust operations to maintain both safety and efficiency.
2Reliability
If comprehensive monitoring of battery and grid conditions is implemented, then the reliability of V2G operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional monitoring requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The EVSE controller is designed to perform multiple functions including charging control, power discharge authorization, and comprehensive condition monitoring. By making the controller multi-functional, the system achieves reliable monitoring without adding separate dedicated monitoring devices, thus avoiding increased complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing communication infrastructure and control mechanisms of the EVSE to perform monitoring functions. Rather than adding external monitoring equipment, the system leverages its own built-in capabilities to monitor battery and grid conditions, maintaining simplicity while ensuring reliability.
3Reliability
If an observation time period is mandated before power discharge, then the safety of V2G operation is improved, but the loss of time for energy transfer increases
Solution Approach 1:
The observation time period serves as a preliminary action that ensures all necessary safety checks are completed before power discharge begins. This preliminary monitoring phase identifies and resolves potential issues in advance, enabling safe operation without requiring extended delays once conditions are confirmed favorable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the monitoring and authorization process based on real-time conditions. When conditions are favorable from the outset, the observation period can be minimized or bypassed, reducing time loss. When conditions require attention, the system extends monitoring appropriately, balancing safety requirements with operational efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
The described technology is generally directed towards implementation of an electric vehicle (EV) (110) as an energy generator for a vehicle to grid (V2G) power discharge operation. Energy available at a battery (112A-n) onboard the EV (110) can be discharged to an electrical grid (130), e.g., via an electric vehicle (110) supply equipment (EVSE)/wallbox (120). 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 (110) and the grid (130) can be prevented. Further, power discharge can be prevented based on one or more operational conditions not being met at the EV (110) and/or the grid (130). In the event of the Observation Time, and the one or more operational conditions being met at the EV (110) and/or the grid (130), power discharge can be enabled. A GridObservationCompleted parameter, having a binary configuration, can be toggled TRUE/FALSE to control the power discharge operation.