Protocol Conversion Interface for EV Charging Interoperability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The lack of a standardized protocol for communication between charging stations and back end systems from different producers leads to complex exchanges of communication modules and limited interoperability, hindering seamless integration and operation across various charging infrastructure setups.
Innovation Solution
An interface device is introduced within the charging station, capable of protocol conversion between different communication protocols, allowing charging stations from various producers to communicate with back end systems using multiple protocols, ensuring interoperability without requiring manual hardware exchanges or technician intervention. This device can adapt to new protocols and hardware through remote maintenance, supporting various operator interfaces and back end systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If each charging station provider implements a proprietary protocol for communication with back end systems, then the charging station can be controlled and monitored via the corresponding protocol, but interoperability between charging stations from different producers is limited and communication module exchange becomes extremely complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protocol conversion device as an intermediary component that translates between different communication protocols. This device includes a first interface for receiving data in a first protocol and a second interface for transmitting data in a second protocol, enabling charging stations using proprietary protocols to communicate with back end systems using standardized protocols without requiring complex hardware exchanges
Solution Approach 2:
The protocol conversion device is designed to support multiple communication protocols simultaneously, making it universally compatible with different charging station providers. The device can be configured to handle various proprietary protocols and translate them to standardized protocols, eliminating the need for provider-specific communication modules
2Adaptability or versatility
If communication modules are exchanged manually in charging stations to support different protocols, then protocol compatibility can be achieved, but the process requires technician intervention and becomes extremely complex
Solution Approach 1:
The protocol conversion device is designed to automatically configure and adapt to different protocols without requiring manual intervention. It includes self-detection capabilities that identify the charging station's protocol and automatically set up the appropriate translation rules, enabling the system to serve itself rather than requiring technician configuration
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a charging station for electric vehicles. The charging station includes a charge control circuit designed to control a charging process of an electric vehicle at the charging station, a communication module having a charge control interface designed for communication with the charge control circuit, and an operator interface designed for communication with a control centre external to the charging station. A first protocol is implemented in the operator interface for communication with the control centre. Improved interoperability is ensured by providing an interface device arranged at the operator interface in the charging station. This interface device communicates with the operator interface by means of the first protocol and with the external control centre by means of a second protocol which is different from the first protocol.