Smart EV Charging Adapter Using Real-Time Utility Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart charging solutions for plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) are complex, inflexible, and ineffective in optimizing charging and power usage across various systems.
Innovation Solution
The development of smart adapters that receive utility information via wide-area communication systems, allowing for the control of system signals based on this information to optimize charging and power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing smart charging solutions are implemented, then charging optimization capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the smart charging control functionality from complex existing solutions and implements it through a simplified adapter that interfaces between the EVSE and PEV. The adapter contains minimal components (controller, communication module) while offloading complex charging optimization logic to external systems, thereby achieving charging optimization capability without increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is designed with universal compatibility to work with various EVSE and PEV combinations through standard interfaces (SAE J1772, NEMA 5-15). It provides multiple functions including communication relay, authentication, and charging control through a single device, achieving versatility without requiring multiple specialized components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing smart charging adapters are designed, then charging control capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is designed to nest within the existing charging infrastructure, physically plugging into the EVSE outlet and creating a nested connection chain (power grid → EVSE → adapter → PEV). This nesting approach allows the adapter to be installed without modifying existing systems, maintaining ease of operation while adding charging control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter implements automatic authentication and charging control through the communication relay between EVSE and PEV. Once installed, the system autonomously handles charging decisions based on utility information without requiring user configuration or intervention, ensuring ease of operation while providing sophisticated charging control.
3Loss of energy
If smart charging programs are implemented, then energy cost optimization is improved, but extent of automation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter implements feedback loops by continuously receiving utility information (pricing, demand signals) through the communication relay and automatically adjusting charging operations accordingly. The controller processes this feedback information and autonomously makes charging decisions, achieving energy cost optimization through automated feedback-driven control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary authentication and setup actions during the initial connection phase between EVSE and PEV. The adapter pre-configures communication channels and authentication credentials before charging begins, enabling subsequent automated operations without requiring real-time user intervention during the charging process.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are smart adapters and methods for regulating system based at least in part on utility information. An adapter generally includes a receiver and a controller. The receiver is configured to receive one or more datacasts each containing utility information. The controller is configured to control a signal at a terminal of the system based at least in part on utility information. Once the adapter is plugged in, it starts reacting to real time validated information, and provides automatic communication and operations. The smart adapters and methods are easy and simple to install and have backwards/forward compatibility with a variety of existing systems.