EVSE Control Pilot Compensation for Charging Coupler Mismatch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric vehicle charging systems lack optimal control during coupling, leading to errors in detecting voltage level switching due to incompatibilities between charging guns and couplers, resulting in abnormal operations and charging failures.

Innovation Solution

A control circuit and method for electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) that introduces a reference voltage for detecting and compensating errors in the control pilot signal, enabling closed-loop detection and compensation of deviations in the control pilot signal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If open-loop control is used for the coupler, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability for compatibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidcompatibility adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a closed-loop feedback control system where the detection circuit monitors the control pilot signal and feeds back error information to the compensation circuit. This feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically adjust and compensate for voltage level deviations, resolving the contradiction by maintaining low complexity while achieving high adaptability through intelligent feedback control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically changes the voltage level parameter of the control pilot signal based on detected errors. The compensation circuit adjusts the voltage level in real-time to match the actual voltage requirements, enabling the system to adapt to different charging gun and coupler configurations without increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If no error compensation is implemented, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol circuit complexityVSAvoidcharging operation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The detection circuit continuously monitors the control pilot signal and provides feedback on voltage level errors. This feedback enables the compensation circuit to correct deviations, ensuring reliable charging operations without requiring a completely complex control system. The feedback mechanism is the key to achieving high reliability with moderate complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical switching systems with an electronic compensation circuit that uses voltage division and signal processing to achieve error correction. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while improving reliability through electronic control and compensation capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If voltage level switching detection is not optimized, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection system complexityVSAvoidvoltage level detection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a detection circuit as an intermediary between the control pilot signal and the control system. This intermediary circuit specifically monitors voltage level switching and provides precise detection information, improving measurement precision without requiring the entire detection system to be complex. The intermediary focuses computational resources on the critical voltage level detection function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection circuit dynamically changes its detection parameters to optimize voltage level switching detection. By adjusting detection thresholds and sampling rates based on the operating state, the system achieves high measurement precision for voltage level transitions without maintaining permanently high complexity across all operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4617105A1Control circuit and method of electric vehicle supply equipment
Publication Date: 2025.09.17 DELTA ELECTRONICS INC(CN)
  • EP4617105A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4617105A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4617105A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A control circuit (1) and a control method of an EVSE are provided. The control circuit (1) includes a signal generator (11), a PWM unit (12), a relay (13) and a detection circuit (14). The signal generator (11) generates a voltage signal. The PWM unit (12) is electrically connected to a control pilot signal (CP) between the EVSE and an electric vehicle. The detection circuit (14) detects the control pilot signal (CP) and generates a detection signal. The control circuit (1) selectively performs a first mode or a second mode, under the first mode, the relay (13) switches the PWM unit (12) to electrically connect with the voltage signal, and under the second mode, the relay (13) switches the PWM unit (12) to electrically connect with the reference voltage (Vref). The control circuit (1) obtains an error value by comparing the detection signals under the first and second modes, and during performing the first mode, the control circuit (1) compensates the control pilot signal (CP) according to the error value.