Claims:1. A vehicle control unit (10) for an electric vehicle (25) comprising:
a multi-charger detection module (20) configured to:
detect presence of a charging plug (15) connected to a charging port of the electric vehicle (25); and
detect a type of charging plug (15) connected to the charging port of the electric vehicle (25) based on one or more charger configuration parameters;
a protocol selection module (30) operatively coupled to the charger detection module (20), wherein the protocol selection module (30) is configured to:
initiate communication between a charging station and the electric vehicle through at least one communication method (40); and
select a charging protocol corresponding to the type of charging plug (15) from a plurality of charging protocols based on a hardware control signals; and
a control module (50) operatively coupled to the protocol selection module (30), wherein the control module (50) is configured to establish a connection with the charging station through one or more control signals corresponding to selected charging protocol relative to the type of charging station connection to control charging of the electric vehicle (25).
2. The vehicle control unit (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the type of charging plug (15) comprises a CHAdeMO charging plug, a GB/T charging plug, Chaoji charging plug, a combined charging system (CCS) charging plug, a type-1 alternate current (AC) charging plug or a type-2 alternate current (AC) charging plug.
3. The vehicle control unit (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the multi-charger detection module (20) is configured to detect a type of charging interface for the electric vehicle.
4. The vehicle control unit (10) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the type of charging interface comprises an alternate current (AC) charging interface or a direct current (DC) charging interface.
5. The vehicle control unit (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one communication method comprises a controlled area network (CAN), a power line communication (PLC) or a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal.
6. The vehicle control unit (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of charging protocol comprises a CHAdeMO charging protocol, a GB/T charging protocol, a Bharat charge protocol (BCP), an alternate current (AC) charging protocol and a combined charging system (CSS) charging protocol.
7. The vehicle control unit (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control module (50) is configured to monitor and control one or more drive related functions of the electric vehicle, wherein the one or more drive related functions comprises driver input control function, powertrain control function, cruise control function, traction control function, a battery management control function and a brake systems control function.
8. The vehicle control unit (10) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the control unit (50) is configured to calculate torque and gradient for load voltage based on the driver input control function and one or more driving modes.
9. The vehicle control unit (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a communication module (440) configured to generate a radio communication link of a predefined frequency between the electric vehicle (25) and a predefined structure to transmit vehicle data for alert generation, wherein the predefined structure comprises an electric vehicle or an infrastructure.
10. The vehicle control unit (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprising an alert generation module (450) configured to generate one or more alerts corresponding to at least one of an upcoming potential danger, traffic congestions, traffic routes or collision avoidance.
11. A method (500) comprising:
detecting, by a multi-charger detection module, presence of a charging plug connected to a charging port of the electric vehicle; (510)
detecting, by the multi-charger detection module, a type of charging plug connected to the charging port of the electric vehicle based on one or more charger configuration parameters; (520)
initiating, by a protocol selection module, communication between the charging station and the electric vehicle through at least one communication method; (530)
selecting, by the protocol selection module, a charging protocol corresponding to the type of charging plug from a plurality of charging protocols based on hardware control signals; (540) and
establishing, by a control module, a connection with charging station through one or more control signals corresponding to selected charging protocol relative to the type of charging plug to control charging of the electric vehicle. (550)
12. The method (500) as claimed in claim 11, wherein detecting a type of charging plug comprises detect a type of charging interface for the electric vehicle, wherein the type of charging interface comprises an alternate current (AC) charging interface or a direct current (DC) charging interface.
13. The method (50) as claimed in claim 11, comprising monitoring and controlling, by the control module, one or more drive related functions of the electric vehicle, wherein the one or more drive related functions comprises driver input control function, powertrain control function, cruise control function, traction control function, a battery management control function and a brake systems control function.
14. The method (500) as claimed in claim 11, comprising generating, by a communication module, a radio communication link of a predefined frequency between the electric vehicle and a predefined structure to transmit vehicle data for alert generation, wherein the predefined structure comprises an electric vehicle or an infrastructure.
15. The method (500) as claimed in claim 11, comprising generating, by an alert generation module, one or more alerts corresponding to at least one of an upcoming potential danger, traffic congestions, traffic routes or collision avoidance.

Dated this 27th day of April 2020

Signature

Vidya Bhaskar Singh Nandiyal
Patent Agent (IN/PA-2912)
Agent for the Applicant
, Description:BACKGROUND
[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to electric vehicles and more particularly, to a vehicle control unit for electric vehicles and a method to operate the same.
[0002] An electric vehicle (EV) is a vehicle that mainly obtains power by driving an alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) motor by using power from a battery. The electric vehicles are generally divided into battery dedicated electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles. The battery dedicated electric vehicle drives a motor by using power from a battery and when the battery power is completely consumed, the battery is recharged. The hybrid electric vehicle generates electricity by operating an engine to charge a battery and drives an electric motor by using the electricity to move. With the development of the electric vehicle over a time period, various developments have occurred where multiple electronic control units are used to operate the electric vehicles.
[0003] Currently available multiple electronic control units in an electric vehicle include electronic control units for a battery management function, a transmission control function, a steering control function, a brakes control function, drive related function, multiple charging interface ECUs for different charging protocols and the like. However, the aforementioned multiple electronic control units are separately available to individually perform different functions in the electric vehicle. So far, an integrated control unit for electric vehicles is not disclosed. Also, the existing units use traditional methods such as manual system development and testing activities.
[0004] Hence, there is a need for an improved vehicle control unit for electric vehicles to address the aforementioned issue(s).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0005] In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a vehicle control unit for an electric vehicle is provided. The vehicle control unit includes a multi-charger detection module configured to detect presence of a charging plug connected to a charging port of the electric vehicle. The multi-charger detection module is configured to detect a type of charging plug connected to the charging port of the electric vehicle based on one or more charger configuration parameters. The vehicle control unit also includes a protocol selection module operatively coupled to the charger detection module. The protocol selection module is configured to initiate communication between the charging station and the electric vehicle through at least one communication method. The protocol selection module is also configured to select a charging protocol corresponding to the type of charging plug from a plurality of charging protocols based on a hardware control signals. The vehicle control unit further includes a control module operatively coupled to the protocol selection module. The control module is configured to handshake with charging station through one or more control signals corresponding to selected charging protocol relative to the type of charging station connection to control charging of the electric vehicle.
[0006] In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method to operate the vehicle control unit is provided. The method includes detecting, by a multi-charger detection module, presence of a charging plug connected to a charging port of the electric vehicle. The method also includes detecting, by the multi-charger detection module, a type of charging plug connected to the charging port of the electric vehicle based on one or more charger configuration parameters. The method further includes initiating, by a protocol selection module, communication between the charging station and the electric vehicle through at least one communication method. The method further includes selecting, by the protocol selection module, a charging protocol corresponding to the type of charging plug from a plurality of charging protocols based on hardware control signals. The method further includes establishing, by a control module, a connection with charging station through one or more control signals corresponding to selected charging protocol relative to the type of charging plug to control charging of the electric vehicle.
[0007] To further clarify the advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will follow by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the appended figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a block diagram representation of a vehicle control unit for an electric vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a flow chart representation of a method involved in a GB/T charging protocol selected by the vehicle control unit of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 3(a) is a flow chart representing the method involved in a CHAdeMO charging protocol selected by the vehicle control unit of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 3(b) is a continuation of FIG. 3(b) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure:
[0012] FIG. 4 is a block diagram representation of type-2 AC charging protocol selected by the vehicle control unit of the FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates the sequence diagram of the AC charging process of FIG. 5 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a block diagram representation of combined charging system (CCS) charging protocol selected by the vehicle control unit of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a block diagram representation of one embodiment of a vehicle control unit for an electric vehicle of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0016] FIG. 8 is a flow chart representing the steps involved in a method for operating the vehicle control unit for the electric vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0017] Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0019] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices, sub-systems, elements, structures, components, additional devices, additional sub-systems, additional elements, additional structures or additional components. Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment.
[0020] In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings. The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0021] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a vehicle control unit for an electric vehicle and a method to operate the same. The vehicle control unit includes a multi-charger detection module configured to detect presence of a charging plug connected to a charging port of the electric vehicle. The charger detection module is also configured to detect a type of charging plug connected to the charging port of the electric vehicle based on one or more charger configuration parameters. The vehicle control unit also includes a protocol selection module operatively coupled to the charger detection module. The protocol selection module is configured to initiate communication between the charging station and the electric vehicle through at least one communication method. The protocol selection module is also configured to select a charging protocol corresponding to the type of charging plug from a plurality of charging protocols based on hardware control signals. The vehicle control unit further includes a control module operatively coupled to the protocol selection module. The control module is configured to establish a connection with charging station through one or more control signals corresponding to selected charging protocol relative to the type of charging plug to control charging of the electric vehicle.
[0022] FIG. 1 is a block diagram representation of a vehicle control unit (10) for an electric vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The vehicle control unit (10) includes a multi-charger detection module (20) to detect presence of a charging plug (15) connected to a charging port of the electric vehicle (25). The charger detection module (20) also detects a type of charging plug (15) connected to the charging port of the electric vehicle (25) based on one or more charger configuration parameters. In one embodiment, the type of charging plug (15) may include a CHAdeMO charging plug, a GB/T charging plug, Chaoji charging plug, a combined charging system (CCS) charging plug, a type-1 alternate current (AC) charging plug or a type-2 alternate current (AC) charging plug. In some embodiments, the one or more charger configuration parameters may include power, voltage, current, port details and the like.
[0023] In one embodiment, the multi-charger detection module (20) may detect a type of charging interface for the electric vehicle (15). In such an embodiment, the type of charging interface may include an alternate current (AC) charging interface or a direct current (DC) charging interface. As used herein, the AC charging interface and the DC charging interface enables the connectivity between the type of charger and the electric vehicle. The vehicle control unit (10) also includes a protocol selection module (30) which is operatively coupled to the charger detection module (20). The protocol selection module (30) initiates communication between the charging station and the electric vehicle (25) through at least one communication method.). In one embodiment, the at least one communication method may include a controlled area network (CAN), a power line communication (PLC) or a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal. As used herein, the CAN enable devices to communicate with each other's applications without a host computer. For each device the data in a frame is transmitted sequentially but in such a way that if more than one device transmits at the same time the highest priority device is able to continue while the others back off. Frames are received by all devices, including by the transmitting device.
[0024] Furthermore, the protocol selection module (30) selects a charging protocol corresponding to the type of charging plug (15) from multiple charging protocols based on the controlled area network (CAN) data. In one embodiment, the multiple charging protocol may include a CHAdeMO charging protocol, a GB/T charging protocol, a Bharat charge protocol (BCP), an alternate current (AC) charging protocol and a combined charging system (CSS) charging protocol. The multiple charging protocols are described in detail in the subsequent FIGs. 2 to FIG. 7.
[0025] The vehicle control unit (10) further includes a control module (50) which is operatively coupled to the protocol selection module (30). The control module (50) establish a connection with the charging station through one or more control signals corresponding to selected charging protocol relative to the type of charging plug (15) to control charging of the electric vehicle (25). The electric vehicle (25), in the initial phase, sends maximum limits for DC supply output current and voltage to the charger for charging. Once, the charging reaches to the maximum limit, the charger plug (15) cuts off the supply and stop the charging process.
[0026] In a specific embodiment, the control module (50) may monitor and control one or more drive related functions of the electric vehicle (25). In such an embodiment, the one or more drive related functions may include driver input control function, powertrain control function, cruise control function, traction control function, a battery management control function, a brake systems control function or the like. In some embodiments, the control unit (50) may calculate torque and gradient for load voltage based on the driver input control function and one or more driving modes. The driver input control function may include the acceleration inputs provided through the acceleration pedal.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a flow chart representation of a method (60) involved in a GB/T charging protocol selected by the vehicle control unit of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As a first step, the GB/T charging protocol establishes a connection between the charger plug (15) and the electric vehicle (25) in step 70. The GB/T charging protocol determines a logic low signal at the vehicle control unit in step 80. If the logic low signal is not detected, then the protocol again tests the connection between the charger plug and the electric vehicle. In case the logic low signal is detected at the vehicle control unit, the vehicle control unit locks the charger plug in step 90. Furthermore, the vehicle control unit determines whether the charger plug is locked or not in step 100. In case the charger plug is locked properly, the vehicle control unit monitors the feedback signal from the charger plug lock. After the feedback signal is monitored, the vehicle control unit initiates the CAN communication between the charger and the electric vehicle to commence the charging of the electric vehicle in step 120. When the plug is not properly locked, the vehicle control unit initiates charging sequence termination handling mode in step 125.
[0028] FIG. 3(a) and FIG. 3(b) is a flow chart representing the method (130) involved in a CHAdeMO charging protocol selected by the vehicle control unit of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The vehicle control unit examines whether the ignition is in OFF condition, charger plug is plugged in, low priority is set for normal charging (AC charging) and high priority is set for fast charging (DC charging) in steps 140, 150, 160, and 170 respectively. The vehicle control unit invokes the fast charger monitor process and the fast charger CAN initialization process in steps 180. In case when charger plug is not plugged in properly and the vehicle is in parking position with not in normal charging mode, then the vehicle control unit invokes the fast charge normal shutdown process and set the low priority for the fast charge in steps 190.
[0029] In a case where ignition of the electric vehicle is not in OFF condition, then the vehicle control unit identifies the CHAdeMO fast charge CAN communication and invokes fast charge shutdown process 200. Once the vehicle control unit invokes fast charger monitor process, the vehicle control unit examine whether the fast charger CAN communication is initiated, the fast charger is in idle mode, fast charger CAN messages are received by the electric vehicle and maximum charge time of fast charger is above 255 seconds in steps 210, 220, 230 and 240 respectively. If yes, then the charge time of fast charger is represented in terms of minutes in step 250. The vehicle control unit changes fast charger state to “fast charger initialized” upon representing the charge time of fast charger in terms of minutes and when the fast charger is not in idle mode in step 260.
[0030] In another case when fast charger CAN messages are not received by the electric vehicle, then the vehicle control unit waits for 2.5 seconds and invokes fast charge shutdown process in step 270. In yet another case when the maximum charge time of the fast charger is below 255 seconds, then the charge time of fast charger is represented in terms of seconds in step 280. The vehicle control unit further to this may examine the fast charger initialization process in step 290. If the fast charger is initialized, then vehicle control unit enables fast charging and update charger mode to fast charging mode in step 300. Further, the vehicle control unit stops the fast charger CAN communication and invoke RESET fast charger related fault process in step 301 and 302. In case the charger connection is off in step 303, then the vehicle control unit make the fast charger priority as low in step 304. The communication (305) between the charger plug and the electric vehicle in case of CHAdeMO charging protocol is shown in FIG. 4.
[0031] FIG. 4 is a block diagram representation of type-2 AC charging protocol (310) selected by the vehicle control unit of the FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The vehicle control unit (10) receives signals (320) such as proximity pilot signal from an electric vehicle supply equipment (330). The signals (320) provides a signal to the electric vehicle's control system so as to prevent movement while connected to the electric vehicle supply equipment (330) and signals the latch release button to the electric vehicle (25). The vehicle control unit (10) in return initiate a request (340) such as the master charge enable signal when the proximity pilot signal (320) reaches to a predefined value. Furthermore, upon receiving the request, the OBC (333) provides power to the battery management unit (BMU) (350). The BMU (350), upon receiving the power, sends status of battery (355) to the VCU (10) to provide status of the charging process.
[0032] FIG. 5 illustrates the sequence diagram (360) of the AC charging process depicting the aforementioned process of FIG. 5 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The vehicle control unit (10) receives signals proximity pilot signal (320) from an electric vehicle supply equipment (330) and OBC (333) provide a mains available signal (334) to indicate availability of the mains power supply. Further, the control pilot signal (350) is generated by the EVSE (330) upon receiving the mains available signal (334). The control pilot signal (350) is further converted into DC current and voltage (336) which may be supplied to battery management system (350) of the electric vehicle (25).
[0033] FIG. 6 is a block diagram representation of combined charging system (CCS) charging protocol (370) selected by the vehicle control unit of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The combined charging system (370) involves both AC and DC charging process. The charging plug of the combined charging system (370) includes interface for AC charging and DC charging as well which may be selected based on the requirement. Based on the selection of the charging, the electric vehicle (25) receives the PWM signal from the charging plug. The value of the PWM signal varies based on the type of charging (AC or DC) which is detected by the vehicle control unit (10). In one embodiment, when the vehicle control unit (10) selects the DC charging, then the high-level PLC communication (380) takes place. In another embodiment, when the vehicle control unit (10) selects the AC charging, then the low-level control pilot communication (390) takes place. Before initializing the charging process, the EVSE checks for the isolation (400) after connector lock (410) has been confirmed. The DC power unit (420) starts checking HV system (430) isolation and continuously reports isolation state. The DC power unit (420) determined that isolation resistance of system is above 100 kilo-ohms. Once the isolation check (400) is successful, the DC power unit (420) indicates status “valid” with subsequent message. Furthermore, the DC power unit (420) starts pre-charge phase with the electric vehicle sending pre-charge request, where the pre-charge request includes both requested DC current and requested DC voltage. The DC power unit (420) adapts DC output voltage to requested value while limiting current to maximum value for charging.
[0034] FIG. 7 is a block diagram represent of one embodiment (430) of a vehicle control unit for an electric vehicle (10) of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As described in aforementioned FIG. 1, the vehicle control unit (10) includes the charger detection module (20), the protocol selection module (30) and the control module (50). In one embodiment, the vehicle control unit (10) of FIG. 1 includes a communication module (440) operatively coupled to the control module (50). The communication module (440) generates a radio communication link of a predefined frequency between the electric vehicle (25) and a predefined structure to transmit vehicle data for alert generation. In such an embodiment, the predefined structure may include an electric vehicle or an infrastructure. In some embodiments, the vehicle data may include position and speed of the electric vehicle. In one embodiment, the vehicle control unit (10) of FIG. 1 also includes an alert generation module (450) operatively coupled to the communication module (440). The alert generation module (450) generates one or more alerts corresponding to at least one of an upcoming potential danger, traffic congestions, traffic routes or collision avoidance.
[0035] In a specific embodiment, the vehicle control unit (10) operates an adaptive cruise control and a collision avoidance system based on the alert generated by the alert generation module. In such an embodiment, the vehicle control unit (10) generates a smooth transition with respect to time for storing the present state parameters for diagnostics and giving the user sufficient time to park the electric vehicle (15) in case of any failure event. In one embodiment, the vehicle control unit (10) may include power unit (460) to generate a sleep mode for low power applications. In such an embodiment, the power unit (460) consumes power below a predefined threshold in the sleep mode. The power unit (460) may be revived through remote wake-up of CAN and LIN data, periodic wake-up through RTC and wake-up on charge plug insertion to the Electric Vehicle.
[0036] FIG. 8 is a flow chart representing the steps involved in a method (500) for operating the vehicle control unit for the electric vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method (510) includes detecting presence of a charging plug connected to a charging port of the electric vehicle in step 510. In one embodiment, detecting presence of the charging plug may include detecting presence of the charging plug connected to the charging port of the electric vehicle by a charger detection module. The method (500) also includes detecting a type of charging plug connected to the charging port of the electric vehicle based on one or more charger configuration parameters in step 520. In on embodiment, detecting the type of charging plug may include detecting the type of charging plug connected to the charging port of the electric vehicle based on one or more charger configuration parameters by the charger detection module.
[0037] In one embodiment, detecting the type of charging plug may include determining a CHAdeMO charging plug, a GB/T charging plug, Chaoji charging plug, a combined charging system (CCS) charging plug, a type-1 alternate current (AC) charging plug or a type-2 alternate current (AC) charging plug. In some embodiments, determining the one or more charger configuration parameters may include determining power, voltage, current, port details and the like. in a specific embodiment, the method (500) may include detecting a type of charging interface for the electric vehicle. In such an embodiment, detecting the type of charging interface may include detecting an alternate current (AC) charging interface or a direct current (DC) charging interface. As used herein, the AC charging interface and the DC charging interface enables the connectivity between the type of charger and the electric vehicle.
[0038] Furthermore, the method (500) includes initiating communication between the charging station and the electric vehicle through at least one communication method in step 530. In one embodiment, initiating communication of controlled area network (CAN) data between the charging plug and the electric vehicle may include initiating communication of controlled area network (CAN) data between the charging station and the electric vehicle by a protocol selection module. In one embodiment, initiating communication may include initiating communication between charging station and the electric vehicle through a controlled area network (CAN), a power line communication (PLC) or a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal. As used herein, the CAN enable devices to communicate with each other's applications without a host computer. For each device the data in a frame is transmitted sequentially but in such a way that if more than one device transmits at the same time the highest priority device is able to continue while the others back off. Frames are received by all devices, including by the transmitting device.
[0039] The method (500) further includes selecting a charging protocol corresponding to the type of charging plug from multiple charging protocols based on the controlled area network (CAN) data in step 540. In one embodiment, selecting the charging protocol may include selecting the charging protocol corresponding to the type of charging plug from multiple charging protocols by the protocol selection module. In such an embodiment, selecting the charging protocol may include selecting the charging protocol from multiple charging protocol such as a CHAdeMO charging protocol, a GB/T charging protocol, a Bharat charge protocol (BCP), an alternate current (AC) charging protocol and a combined charging system (CSS) charging protocol.
[0040] The method (500) further includes establishing a connection with the charging station through one or more control signals corresponding to selected charging protocol relative to the type of charging plug to control charging of the electric vehicle in step 550. In one embodiment, executing one or more control signals corresponding to selected charging protocol may include executing one or more control signals corresponding to selected charging protocol relative to the type of charging plug to control charging of the electric vehicle by a control module. The electric vehicle, in the initial phase, sends maximum limits for DC supply output current and voltage to the charger for charging. Once, the charging reaches to the maximum limit, the charger cuts off the supply and stop the charging process.
[0041] In a specific embodiment, the method (500) may include monitoring and controlling, by the control module one or more drive related functions of the electric vehicle. In such an embodiment, the one or more drive related functions may include driver input control function, powertrain control function, cruise control function, traction control function, a battery management control function, a brake systems control function or the like. In some embodiments, the method (500) may include calculating, by the control unit, torque and gradient for load voltage based on the driver input control function and one or more driving modes. The driver input control function may include the acceleration inputs provided through the acceleration pedal.
[0042] In one embodiment, the method (500) may include generating a radio communication link of a predefined frequency between the electric vehicle and a predefined structure to transmit vehicle data for alert generation. In such an embodiment, the predefined structure may include an electric vehicle or an infrastructure. In some embodiments, the vehicle data may include position and speed of the electric vehicle. In a specific embodiment, generating a radio communication link of a predefined frequency between the electric vehicle and a predefined structure by a communication module. In one embodiment, the method (500) may include generating one or more alerts corresponding to at least one of an upcoming potential danger, traffic congestions, traffic routes or collision avoidance. In such an embodiment, generating one or more alerts may include generating one or more alerts corresponding to at least one of an upcoming potential danger, traffic congestions, traffic routes or collision avoidance by an alert generation module.
[0043] Various embodiments of the vehicle control unit for the electric vehicle as described above enables efficient system which includes both vehicle supervisory and universal AC and DC charging applications which complies CCS (Combined charging System) protocol and other global fast charging standard interfaces like GBT, Bharat charge protocol and Chaoji in one integrated unit. The integrated unit is referred to as a vehicle control unit which has the intelligence of automatic detection of respective plug and interfaces dynamically during the initiation of the charging process. The vehicle control unit controls the charging process based on the plug detection. The vehicle control unit with implemented state machine may handle the drive and charge functionality efficiently by optimizing memory and CPU resources with nominal CPU load.
[0044] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.
[0045] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.
[0046] The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, order of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts need to be necessarily performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.