Inter-Protocol Charging Adapter Bus Energization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles and rechargeable energy storage systems face challenges in adapting between different charging protocols, such as SAE J1772 and CHAdeMO, where the bus energization requirements differ, leading to compatibility issues during charging.
Innovation Solution
An inter-protocol charging adapter that includes first connectors for protocols requiring bus energization before closure and second connectors for protocols without pre-energization, coupled with a boost converter to energize the bus using energy from the charging system, along with a processor for handshaking and communication translation between dual-wire and single-wire CAN communications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an inter-protocol charging adapter is used to enable charging between different protocols, then compatibility between charging systems is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for protocol translation and bus energization control
Solution Approach 1:
The charging adapter serves as an intermediary device between the charging system and the load, translating between different charging protocols (CCS and CHAdeMO). The adapter includes protocol translation circuitry that mediates the communication and electrical connection differences between the two protocols, enabling compatibility without requiring direct modification of either the charging system or the load.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter performs preliminary bus energization before the load closes its contactor. The control circuit detects when the load is about to close the contactor and pre-energizes the DC bus to the required voltage level, ensuring that when the contactor closes, the bus is already at the correct voltage. This preliminary action prevents protocol incompatibility issues.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the bus is pre-energized before the load closes the contactor, then charging protocol compatibility is improved, but energy loss increases due to premature energization
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit continuously monitors the contactor status and bus voltage level. When the load is detected to be closing the contactor, the control circuit triggers the DC-DC converter to pre-energize the bus. After the contactor closes and the bus reaches the target voltage, the control circuit stops the energization process. This feedback-based control ensures energization occurs only when needed and stops immediately when the target is reached, minimizing energy waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The bus energization is performed as a periodic or pulsed action rather than continuous operation. The control circuit activates the DC-DC converter in short bursts to reach the target voltage level, then deactivates it. This periodic energization reduces energy consumption compared to continuous energization while still achieving the required voltage level for protocol compatibility.
3Measurement precision
If a DC-DC converter is used to control bus voltage, then voltage regulation precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The DC-DC converter dynamically changes electrical parameters (voltage and current) to regulate the bus voltage. The control circuit adjusts the converter's output parameters in real-time based on feedback from voltage sensors, ensuring the bus maintains the precise voltage level required for different charging protocols. This parameter control enables accurate voltage regulation despite variations in load and input conditions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables seamless charging across different protocols by ensuring the bus is energized to the required voltage level before contact closure, facilitating efficient energy transfer and compatibility between various electric vehicle and EVSE systems.
Implementation Method 1
a boost converter coupled to the bus and to at least one of the second connectors, wherein the boost converter uses energy from the second connector to energize the bus before the equipment closes onto the bus
Data Source
AI summary
An inter-protocol charging adapter for equipment to be charged via a bus includes: first connectors corresponding to a first charging protocol that requires the bus to be energized before the equipment closes onto the bus; second connectors corresponding to a second charging protocol that does not energize the bus before the equipment closes onto the bus; and a boost converter coupled to the bus and to at least one of the second connectors, wherein the boost converter uses energy from the second connector to energize the bus before the equipment closes onto the bus.