Smart Charging Adapter Control for Legacy PEV and EVSE Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Many plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) and electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) lack the ability to participate in smart charging programs, such as time of use, demand response load control, and real-time pricing, due to existing adapters being overly complex, inflexible, or ineffective.
Innovation Solution
The development of smart adapters that include a receiver to receive utility information via a wide-area communication system and a controller to regulate systems based on this information, ensuring compatibility with existing systems and allowing for easy installation and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing adapters are used to enable smart charging participation, then PEVs and EVSEs can optimize charging costs, but the adapters become overly complex, inflexible, and ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a communication interface as an intermediary component that enables PEVs and EVSEs to participate in smart charging programs without requiring complex internal modifications. This intermediary handles the communication protocols and data exchange, simplifying the overall adapter design while maintaining versatility across different vehicle and charging equipment models.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter design incorporates universal communication capabilities that work across multiple smart charging programs and protocols. By implementing a standardized interface that can handle various communication standards, the adapter achieves adaptability without increasing complexity, as one multi-functional component replaces multiple specialized components.
2Productivity
If complex adapters are implemented to provide smart charging optimization, then charging cost optimization is achieved, but installation and operation become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter incorporates automatic detection and configuration capabilities that allow it to self-configure when connected to different PEVs and EVSEs. This self-service feature eliminates the need for manual configuration during installation, maintaining high optimization efficiency while simplifying the installation process. The adapter automatically identifies the connected devices and adjusts its operation accordingly.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter includes pre-programmed communication protocols and smart charging strategies that are prepared in advance. This preliminary configuration allows the adapter to immediately begin optimizing charging operations upon connection, without requiring complex setup procedures. The pre-configured capabilities enable efficient charging optimization while keeping installation simple.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adapters are designed to work with multiple smart charging programs, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter achieves versatility across multiple smart charging programs by dynamically changing operational parameters rather than incorporating multiple fixed configurations. The communication interface can adjust communication protocols, data formats, and control strategies based on the specific smart charging program being used, maintaining a simple physical structure while adapting to different program requirements through parameter modification.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are devices. The device generally includes a receiver and a controller. The receiver is configured to receive a datacast that includes utility information. The controller is configured to control a signal at a terminal of the system based at least in part on utility information. The device reacts to validated utility information and provides automatic communication and operations via signals controlled by the controller. The smart adapters and methods are easy and simple to install and have backwards/forward compatibility with a variety of existing systems.