Pilot Signal Interceptor for Cross-EVSE Charge Rate Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The rapid expansion of the electric vehicle market is constrained by the need for infrastructure and the significant load and costs associated with EV charging, which are exacerbated by the lack of standardization in Electric Vehicle Service Equipment (EVSE) control software, impeding effective energy management.
Innovation Solution
The Pilot Interceptor intercepts and modifies the pilot signal conductor to provide a common means of remotely controlling EVSEs, allowing for dynamic management of charge and discharge rates, and enabling EVSE operators to interface with ISO/RTO grid signals for ancillary services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If proprietary and unregulated software/firmware is used to operate EVSEs, then each manufacturer can implement its own control logic, but there is no standardized way to manage charge/discharge limits and no ability to dynamically implement charge limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pilot signal interceptor as an intermediary device that sits between the EVSE controller and the pilot signal conductor. This interceptor captures, modifies, and retransmits pilot signals to dynamically control charge limits without requiring changes to the proprietary EVSE software/firmware. The interceptor acts as a mediator that enables standardized control across diverse EVSE manufacturers while preserving their existing control architectures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the control function by separating the dynamic charge limit control logic from the EVSE's proprietary software. The pilot signal interceptor handles the dynamic control functions independently, allowing the EVSE to continue operating with its original software while the interceptor provides layered control capabilities through pilot signal manipulation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple EVSE manufacturers with disparate controlling software/firmware programs are deployed, then market competition and diversity are increased, but energy management effectiveness is impeded and grid stability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The pilot signal interceptor provides a universal control mechanism that works across EVSEs from different manufacturers. By intercepting and modifying the standardized pilot signal conductor that all EVSEs use, the system achieves manufacturer-agnostic control capability, enabling consistent energy management practices across diverse hardware platforms without requiring manufacturer-specific solutions.
3Ease of operation
If EVSEs operate without standardized control interfaces, then proprietary control logic can be implemented, but load leveling and energy management techniques cannot be effectively implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The pilot signal interceptor serves as a mediator that enables remote control systems to communicate with EVSEs through the existing pilot signal infrastructure. This allows energy management systems to implement load leveling and other productivity-enhancing techniques without requiring direct access to or modification of the EVSE's proprietary control software, thereby maintaining ease of operation while improving energy management efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A pilot interceptor module is disposed in series with a pilot conductor of an EVSE installation. This allows the pilot interceptor module to control operation of the EVSE installation, notwithstanding the use by the EVSE equipment of proprietary and otherwise inaccessible control software.