EVSE On-Site Diagnostics for Offline Network Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Networked Electric Vehicle Supply Equipments (EVSEs) often lose connectivity to their backend systems, leading to a need for on-site diagnosis and recovery to restore communication and functionality, as existing tools primarily focus on diagnosing charging function anomalies rather than networking issues that cause authorization and data reporting failures.
Innovation Solution
An on-site device with a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) interface and near-field communication capabilities, such as Modbus RTU or NFC, to diagnose and recover network connectivity by simulating charging scenarios, accessing control pilot signals, and dynamically evaluating and modifying communication channels to restore connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing diagnostic tools are used to diagnose charging function anomalies, then charging function diagnostics are improved, but networking issue diagnostics deteriorate (cannot diagnose authorization and data reporting failures)
Solution Approach 1:
The diagnostic device is designed to perform multiple diagnostic functions including both charging function diagnostics and networking issue diagnostics. It can diagnose authorization failures, data reporting failures, and charging anomalies through integrated communication interfaces and diagnostic algorithms, making a single tool sufficient for comprehensive EVSE diagnostics
2Measurement precision
If remote diagnostics are used when EVSE is online, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but on-site diagnostic capability deteriorates (cannot diagnose when offline)
Solution Approach 1:
The diagnostic device collects and stores diagnostic data, configuration parameters, and log information locally at the EVSE before network connectivity is lost or while offline. This preliminary data collection ensures that diagnostic information is available even when remote communication is not possible, enabling reliable on-site diagnostics
3Reliability
If Power cycle is performed to restore connection, then connection restoration is improved, but diagnostic capability deteriorates (loses diagnostic information)
Solution Approach 1:
The diagnostic device captures and stores diagnostic information, configuration data, and system logs in local memory before the Power cycle operation is performed. This ensures that valuable diagnostic information is preserved and can be analyzed after the connection is restored, preventing information loss that would otherwise occur during the power cycling process
4Measurement precision
If PC based tools and hardware diagnostic tools are used, then diagnostic precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates (requires specialized equipment and expertise)
Solution Approach 1:
The diagnostic device serves as an intermediary tool that connects to the EVSE through standard interfaces and simplifies the diagnostic process. It automatically collects diagnostic information, analyzes issues, and provides guidance, eliminating the need for technicians to use complex PC-based tools or hardware equipment while maintaining high diagnostic precision
Data Source
AI summary
An on-site device configured to be used with networked Electric Vehicle Supply Equipments (EVSEs) is provided to diagnose or recover an EVSE for configuration. The on-site device comprises a first coupler interface configured to electrically connect the on-site device to one or more EVSEs, a first communication interface to connect the on-site device to a short-range communication network on a wired network or on a wireless network. It further comprises a second communication interface to connect the on-site device to a long-range wireless communication network, a processor and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the on-site device to: establish a communication connection with the EVSE and interface to the EVSE via a programmable logic controller (PLC) on a control pilot, Modbus RTU or other near-field communication (NFC), perform diagnostics to locally recover charging operation or network connectivity of EVSEs and further aid in remote maintenance.