Retrofit Adapter for Dynamic EVSE Load Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing EVSE charging infrastructure faces challenges in managing energy distribution efficiently, particularly during peak demand times, leading to increased costs and strain on utility networks, as it is difficult to adapt to the variability in electric vehicle charging demands without upgrading the existing infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A retrofit adapter that intercepts the Control Pilot Signal between the EVSE and the Electric Vehicle, allowing for dynamic adjustment of charging power based on current system capacity and usage, enabling efficient load management and reducing peak energy consumption through wireless communication and energy management algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If an energy management system is used to prevent EVSE charging load from exceeding installation capacity, then the service capacity requirement is reduced, but the cost increases due to additional capabilities required in individual EVSEs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a retrofittable energy management device that acts as an intermediary between the EVSE and the vehicle. This device intercepts control pilot signals from the EVSE and generates modified control pilot signals to vehicles, thereby implementing energy management functionality without requiring changes to the existing EVSE hardware. The intermediary device includes a signal generator that modifies charging parameters and a communication interface that coordinates with both the EVSE and the vehicle's battery management system.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy management functionality is segmented into a separate retrofittable device rather than being integrated into the EVSE itself. This allows the energy management capabilities to be added independently to existing EVSE infrastructure, reducing the complexity burden on the original EVSE design while still achieving load management objectives.
2Productivity
If the total system capacity is increased to allow simultaneous charging of more vehicles, then the charging throughput increases, but the infrastructure modification cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic load management by continuously monitoring the total charging load across multiple EVSEs and dynamically adjusting individual charging rates. The energy management device calculates optimal power distribution based on available capacity and vehicle requirements, allowing the system to adaptively maximize charging throughput within existing infrastructure constraints without requiring capacity upgrades.
Solution Approach 2:
The retrofittable device changes charging parameters by modifying control pilot signals to adjust charging current and voltage levels. By dynamically altering these electrical parameters based on system capacity and demand, the system optimizes charging throughput using existing infrastructure rather than requiring physical expansion.
3Loss of energy
If dynamic pricing based on demand is implemented to pass peak generation costs to end users, then the utility cost recovery improves, but the user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The energy management device implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring utility pricing signals and system load conditions, then using this information to automatically adjust charging schedules. The device communicates with vehicles to negotiate optimal charging times and rates, providing users with automated cost optimization without requiring manual intervention or complex user decisions.
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter which can be retrofit onto the downstream end of a standard Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment connector is used to control power consumption of an Electric Vehicle charging facility by intercepting the Control Pilot Signal going to the Electric Vehicle and issuing a new Control Pilot Signal to the Electric Vehicle which is particularly tailored for the present use, requirements and limitations of the delivery system capability. The adapter has wireless communication capability, requires no wiring to and from the Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment, is independent of any proprietary designs of the Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment and adds no constraints or requirements to the Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment.