Claims:We claim:
1. A charging device (103) comprising
a plurality of contactor ports; and
a controller (216), the controller (216) further comprising
a microcontroller (220) configured to
detect at least one charging protocol supported by an electric vehicle, when the electric vehicle is plugged into a charging station via the charging device (103);
detect at least one charging protocol supported by the charging station;
activate a first connector port and a second connector port, wherein the first connector port and the second connector port corresponding to the at least one charging protocol supported by the electric vehicle and the at least one charging protocol supported by the charging station respectively; and
charge the electric vehicle through the first connector port using power supplied by the charging station through the second connector port.

2. The charging device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the charging device (103) comprises of 2*n contactor ports, where n is the number of protocols embedded in the charging device (103).

3. The charging device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller (216) further comprises a Limited Power Source (LPS) (214); and at least one contactor driver (215).

4. The charging device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the microcontroller (220) further comprises an analog to digital converter (ADC) converter (222); a pulse width modulator (PWM) (224); an interface (219); a general-purpose input output (GPIO) output pin (221); and a GPIO input (I/P) pin (223).

5. The charging device, as claimed in claim 4, wherein the interface (219) is a Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI).

6. The charging device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the charging device (103) is configured to initialize a first contactor port (C1), if at least one of the electric vehicle and the charging station needs an OEM specific charging protocol, wherein the first contactor port (C1) is controlled by the microcontroller (220), based on information present on CAN H (high), CAN (low), plug sense, and GND pins of the microcontroller (220).

7. The charging device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the charging device (103) is configured to initialize a second contactor port (C2), if at least one of the electric vehicle and the charging station needs a GB/T plug, wherein the second contactor port (C2) is controlled by the microcontroller (220), based on information present on PE (protective earth), CAN H (high), CAN (low), CC1, A+ve and A-ve pins of the microcontroller (220).

8. The charging device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the charging device (103) is configured to initialize a third contactor port (C3), if at least one of the electric vehicle and the charging station needs a CHAdeMO plug, wherein the third contactor port (C3) is controlled by the microcontroller (220), based on information present on charging enable or disable, CAN H, CAN L, GND (ground), PP and charger start or stop (CS) pins of the microcontroller (220).

9. The charging device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the charging device (103) is configured to initialize a fourth contactor port (C4), if at least one of the electric vehicle and the charging station needs a CCS plug, wherein the fourth contactor port (C4) is controlled by the microcontroller (220), based on information present on PE (protective earth), CP (control pilot), PP (proximity pilot), L (single-phase AC), N (neutral) and E (earth) pins of the microcontroller (220).

10. The charging device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the charging device (103) is configured to initialize a second contactor port (C5), if at least one of the electric vehicle and the charging station needs a type2 connector, wherein the fifth contactor port (C5) is controlled by the microcontroller (220), based on information present on PE (protective earth), CP (control pilot) (which is post-insertion signaling), PP( proximity pilot) (which is pre-insertion signalling), L1 (which is a single/three phase AC/DC mid line), N (neutral), E (earth), L2 (a three-phase AC/DC mid line) and L3 (a three-phase AC/DC mid line) pins of the microcontroller (220).

11. The charging device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the charging device (103) can communicate between the vehicle and the charging station at the same time by switching between baud rates.

12. The charging device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the charging device (103) is configured to communicate voltage requirements of the vehicle to the charging station.
13. A method for charging an electric vehicle, the method comprising charging device (103) comprises
detecting, by a charging device (103), at least one charging protocol supported by an electric vehicle, when the electric vehicle is plugged into a charging station via the charging device (103);
detecting, by the charging device (103), at least one charging protocol supported by the charging station;
activating, by the charging device (103), a first connector port and a second connector port, wherein the first connector port and the second connector port corresponding to the at least one charging protocol supported by the electric vehicle and the at least one charging protocol supported by the charging station respectively; and
charging, by the charging device (103), the electric vehicle through the first connector port using power supplied by the charging station through the second connector port.

14. The method, as claimed in claim 13, wherein the method comprises initializing a first contactor port (C1), if at least one of the electric vehicle and the charging station needs an OEM specific charging protocol, wherein the first contactor port (C1) is controlled based on information present on CAN H (high), CAN (low), plug sense, and GND pins of a microcontroller (220).

15. The method, as claimed in claim 13, wherein the method comprises initializing a second contactor port (C2), if at least one of the electric vehicle and the charging station needs a GB/T plug, wherein the second contactor port (C2) is controlled based on information present on PE (protective earth), CAN H (high), CAN (low), CC1, A+ve and A-ve pins of the microcontroller (220).
16. The method, as claimed in claim 13, wherein the method comprises initializing a third contactor port (C3), if at least one of the electric vehicle and the charging station needs a CHAdeMO plug, wherein the third contactor port (C3) is controlled based on information present on charging enable or disable, CAN H, CAN L, GND (ground), PP and charger start or stop (CS) pins of the microcontroller (220).

17. The method, as claimed in claim 13, wherein the method comprises initializing a fourth contactor port (C4), if at least one of the electric vehicle and the charging station needs a CCS plug, wherein the fourth contactor port (C4) is controlled based on information present on PE (protective earth), CP (control pilot), PP (proximity pilot), L (single-phase AC), N (neutral) and E (earth) pins of the microcontroller (220).

18. The method, as claimed in claim 13, wherein the method comprises initializing a second contactor port (C5), if at least one of the electric vehicle and the charging station needs a type2 connector, wherein the fifth contactor port (C5) is controlled based on information present on PE (protective earth), CP (control pilot) (which is post-insertion signaling), PP( proximity pilot) (which is pre-insertion signalling), L1 (which is a single/three phase AC/DC mid line), N (neutral), E (earth), L2 (a three-phase AC/DC mid line) and L3 (a three-phase AC/DC mid line) pins of the microcontroller (220).

19. The method, as claimed in claim 13, wherein the method comprises communicating between the vehicle and the charging station at the same time by switching between baud rates.

20. The method, as claimed in claim 13, wherein the method comprises initializing communicating voltage requirements of the vehicle to the charging station.
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiment herein relates to the field of charging systems for electric vehicles and more particularly the embodiments herein relate to a universal charging device for electric vehicles.

BACKGROUND
[002] Generally, in the automobile industry, electric vehicles have an increasing share of the automobile market. Various charging stations and interfaces, that are incompatible with each other, are used throughout the world. In addition to the different realization methods of charging electric vehicles with alternating current or direct current, various connector standards for the US, Europe and China are available as variations for AC and AC/DC throughout the world. System adaptation cannot be easily achieved due to various technical situations such as difference in voltage levels, difference in protocol operation(s), complexity/cost due to multiple hardware implementations, and so on. Also, the mounting of various charging system interfaces in parallel with the vehicle is ignored due to the size of the socket system or the constraints on the available installation space and the cost situation. In addition to the CHAdeMO, CCs, GB/T standards, there are also OEM-specific connector solutions. A multiplicity of standardized electrical interfaces exist for forming an electrical connection between the charging station and the electric vehicle. For charging with an alternating current via an AC charging cable, the charging protocol types type1, type2 and GB/T AC (GB/T 20234.2) exist; for charging with a direct current via a DC charging cable, the charging protocol CCS type 1, CCS type 2, GB/T DC (GB/T 20234.3-2015) and CHAdeMO exist. Overall, these standards are incompatible with one another. This makes the construction of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles more difficult.
[003] For example, if the electric vehicle has a CCS2 Interface (vehicle inlet) and a charging station has a CHAdeMO interfaces (Station Connector), the customer cannot charge the electric vehicle directly at the charging station.

OBJECTS

[004] The principal object of embodiments herein is to provide a universal charging device (protocol) for electric vehicles.
[005] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide a universal charging device, wherein the charging device is configured to detect the electric vehicle being charged and the type of charger available on the electric vehicle.
[006] These and other objects of embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with following description and accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[001] The embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[002] FIG. 1 is a block diagram depicting a universal charging system 100, according to embodiments disclosed herein;
[003] FIGs. 2A and 2B depict the universal charging device, according to embodiments disclosed herein;
[004] FIG. 3 illustrates the universal charging device, electric vehicle, or charging station detection logic according to embodiments disclosed herein;
[005] FIG. 4 depicts the state machine logic of the charging device, according to embodiments disclosed herein;
[006] FIG. 5 depicts an example scenario, wherein the OEM Specific Protocol is connected at the charger side (i.e., the charging station) and GB/T connector is connected at the vehicle side, according to embodiments disclosed herein;
[007] FIGs. 6A and 6B is an example state machine and a flowchart for plug (from either a vehicle or the charging station) connected in a GB/T socket respectively, according to embodiments disclosed herein;
[008] FIGs. 7A and 7B are an example state machine and flowchart for plug (from either a vehicle or the charging station) connected in a ChadeMo socket respectively, according to embodiments disclosed herein; and
[009] FIGs. 8A and 8B are an example state machine and flowchart for plug (from either a vehicle or the charging station) connected in a CCS/Type 2 socket respectively, according to embodiments disclosed herein.

 
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0010] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0011] The embodiment herein provide a universal charging device for electric vehicles. A universal charging device can detect a type of charger present on the electric vehicle and detect the type of charger present in a charging station for charging electric vehicle on detected charger. Embodiments herein disclose a universal charging device configured with one or more standard charging protocols, such as OEM specific, GB/T, ChadeMo, CCS and type2 DC, between the charging station and the electric vehicle. In an embodiment herein, the universal charging device may be present in either the electric vehicle or in the charging station. In an embodiment herein, the universal charging device may be an external device, which can be connected between the vehicle and the charging station. The universal charging device is an interface device which enables any charging station to be connected to any vehicle, and charge the vehicle without any interoperability issues (arising due to issues due to difference between charging protocols used by the charging station and the vehicle). The universal charging device can detect electric vehicle with a type of charger inserted and detect charging station with a type of charger plugged. Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 through FIG. 8B, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram depicting a universal charging system 100, according to embodiments disclosed herein. The universal charging system 100 includes a charging station 101, a station outlet 102, a vehicle inlet 109, a universal charging device 103 and an electric vehicle 110.
[0013] The charging station 101 (also referred to herein as an EV charger or electric vehicle supply equipment) can supply electrical power for electric vehicles 110, plugged into the charging station 101. The station outlet 102 is a port on the charging station 101, wherein a vehicle may be plugged into the charging station 101, via the station outlet 102. The universal charging device 103 act as an interface between charging station 101 and electric vehicle 110. The universal charging device 103 is an all-in-one universal charging device configured to charge electric vehicles 110, connected to the charging device 103 via the station outlet 102. The universal charging device 103 can be deployed in the charging station 101 and it can be carried by a user of an electric vehicle 110. The vehicle inlet 109 can be a plug present on the electric vehicle 110.
[0014] In an embodiment herein, the electric vehicle 110 can be a vehicle, configured to run on electric power. In another embodiment herein, the electric vehicle 110 can be a vehicle, configured to run on electric power and/or at least one other form of propulsion (such as, an Internal Combustion (IC) engine).
[0015] The universal charging device 103 supports a plurality of protocols such as CCS 104, GB/T 105, ChadeMo 106, Type2 (DC) 107, and OEM specific protocols 108. The universal charging device 103 can detect the protocol supported by a vehicle, accordingly, and charge the vehicle using detected protocol. An electric vehicle 110 may be able to charge itself using at least one of the supported protocols. For example, a vehicle is equipped with port CCS may be charged at the charger station 101 using the port ChadeMo on the universal charging device 103 through the vehicle inlet 109.
[0016] FIGs. 2A and 2B depict the architecture of the universal charging device. The universal charging device 103 comprises a controller 216 and at least one contactor driver (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5) embedded in the universal charging device 103. The universal charging device 103 can be configured to detect at least one protocol supported by an electric vehicle, when the electric vehicle is plugged into the universal charging device; and charging, by the universal charging device 103, the electric vehicle using the detected protocol. The charging station can use any protocol for charging a vehicle connected to the charging station, and the vehicle can use the same protocol or a different protocol for charging itself.
[0017] As shown in FIG. 2A, the controller 216 can be a printed circuit board. The controller 216 can be further comprising of a microcontroller 220, at least one contactor driver 215, and a Low Voltage Power Supply (LPS) 214. The controller area network (CAN) (which can be CAN high and CAN low) can receive or transmit the signals from or to the electric vehicle, which can be communicated to the microcontroller 220. A voltage 12VDC can be connected to the controller 216. A ground (GND) can be connected to the controller 216. Power line communication (PLC) high and PLC low lines can be connected to the controller 220 to receive and/or transmit the signals to/from the electric vehicle.
[0018] The microcontroller 220 can detect the inserted plug(s) and can convert the different protocols based on the detected plug(s). Based on the detected plug, the microcontroller 220 can detect charging protocols used by the vehicle and the charging station. The microcontroller 220 can automatically switch to the intended protocol based on the detected vehicle and the charging station. Based on the detected protocols, the microcontroller 220 can close the respective contactors for enabling voltage transfer to the vehicle from the charging station. The microcontroller 220 can detect the voltage requirement according to the vehicle platform and instruct the charger to deliver same. Additionally, the microcontroller 220 can switch between the baud rates for 2 different protocols to communicate between station and the charging station at the same time.
[0019] The microcontroller 220 comprises an analog to digital converter (ADC) converter 222, a pulse width modulator (PWM) 224, an interface (such as, but not limited to, a Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI)) 219, a general-purpose input output (GPIO) output pin 221 and a GPIO input (I/P) pin 223. The pulse width modulation (PWM) 224 can be used to produce a continuous pulse signal. The interface 219 is a communication protocol. The ADC 222 can convert AC to DC based on the required output voltage. The GPIOs are specific to different protocols.
[0020] The control pilot (CP) is connected to the input of the microcontroller 220, which acts as an input signal for CCS (combined charging system) connector and a type2 connector. The proximity pilot (PP) is connected to the input of the microcontroller 220, which acts as an input signal for the CCS connector and the type2 connector. The CC1 (charging confirmation) is connected to the input of the microcontroller 220, and acts as an input signal for GB/T plug connectors. The plug sense is connected to the input of the microcontroller 220, which is used to sense whether the plug is connected to the electric vehicle through the GPIO 2221, 223. The charge start (CS) is connected to the input of the microcontroller 220 and can be sensed through the ADC 222, which is used to initialize the charging in one or more of the OEM protocol, GB/T plug, ChadeMo protocol, CCS protocol and Type2 connector protocol. A charge enable pin enables the microcontroller 220 to couple with the communication board.
[0021] The contactor driver 215 can initialize the different type of output connectors a, b, c, d, and e, which are provided to the contactors C1, C2, C3, C4 and C5. Depending upon the availability of a specific charger in the charging station or the electric vehicle, the respective ports, a, b, c, d and e are activated. The charging device 103 comprises of 2*n contactors, wherein n is the number of protocols embedded in the charging device 103. Based on the detected protocol for each connected Connector, there is one positive connector and one negative contactor.
[0022] The microcontroller 220 can detect the charging protocols used by the vehicle and the charging station. The microcontroller 220 can automatically activate the contactor ports based on the charging protocols used by the vehicle and the charging station. Activating the respective contactor ports can comprise of closing the contactor ports, hereby enabling voltage transfer to the vehicle from the charging station. The microcontroller 220 can detect the voltage requirement according to the vehicle platform and instruct the charger to deliver same. Additionally, the microcontroller 220 can switch between the baud rates for 2 different protocols to communicate between the vehicle and the charging station at the same time, depending on the requirements of the detected protocols.
[0023] The contactor port (C1) is initialized when port a is activated, if the electric vehicle and/or the charging station needs OEM specific protocol. The contactor port (C1) can be controlled by the microcontroller 220, based on the information present on the CAN H (high), CAN (low), plug sense, and GND pins. When the OEM specific protocol is required for charging the electric vehicle, the microcontroller 220 receives the signal and the broadcast information via the CAN bus (CAN high, CAN low).
[0024] The contactor port (C2) is initialized when a port b is activated, if the electric vehicle and/or the charging station needs the GB/T plug. The contactor port (C2) can be controlled by the microcontroller 220, based on the information present on the PE (protective earth), CAN H (high), CAN (low), CC1, A+ve and A-ve pins. The Protective Earth (PE) pin can be used for connecting earth wire of the power supply equipment and the electrical chassis of the electric vehicle.
[0025] The contactor port (C3) is initialized, if the electric vehicle and/or the charging station needs the CHAdeMO plug. The contactor port (C3) can be controlled by the microcontroller 220, based on the information present on the enable or disable, CAN H, CAN L, GND (ground), PP and charger start or stop (CS) pins. The CAN H (high) and the CAN L (low) lines can be used for digital communication. The PP (Proximity Pilot) can be used for transmitting the CAN message to the electric vehicle.
[0026] The contactor port (C4) is initialized, if the electric vehicle and/or the charging station needs CCS plug. The contactor port (C4) can be controlled by the microcontroller 220, based on the information present on the PE (protective earth), CP (control pilot), PP (proximity pilot), L (single-phase AC), N (neutral) and E (earth) pins. The CP line is a signal where the data is exchanged between the charging station and the electric vehicle.
[0027] The contactor port (C5) is initialized if the electric vehicle and/or the charging station needs type2 connector. The contactor port (C5) can be controlled by the microcontroller 220, based on the information present on the PE (protective earth), CP (control pilot) (which is post-insertion signaling), PP( proximity pilot) (which is pre-insertion signalling), L1 (which is a single/three phase AC/DC mid line), N (neutral), E (earth), L2 (a three-phase AC/DC mid line) and L3 (a three-phase AC/DC mid line) pins.
[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates the universal charging device, electric vehicle, or charging station detection logic, according to embodiments disclosed herein. Consider that the vehicle is plugged into the charging station. The charging device 103 can detect the protocol that is being used by the vehicle and the charging station for charging the vehicle. Examples of the protocols can be, but not limited to, an OEM specific protocols, GB/T, ChadeMo, CCS, Type2 DC, and so on. The charging device 103 can determine the plug to which the electric vehicle has been connected.
[0029] In an example, consider that the charging device 103 has detected that the vehicle is using an OEM specific charging protocol. The charging device 103 determines that the plug sense pin is high (1), hereby indicating the vehicle connected to the charging station is using an OEM specific protocol for charging itself. The charging device 103 can use the OEM specific protocol for charging the electric vehicle.
[0030] In an example, consider that the charging device 103 has detected that the vehicle is using GB/T charging protocol. The charging device 103 determines that the CC1 pin is high (1), hereby indicating the vehicle connected to the charging station is using a GB/T protocol for charging itself. The charging device 103 can use the GB/T protocol for charging the electric vehicle.
[0031] In an example, consider that the charging device 103 has detected that the vehicle is using an ChadeMo charging protocol. The charging device 103 determines that the charge enable/charge start pin is high (1), hereby indicating the vehicle connected to the charging station is using the ChadeMo protocol for charging itself. The charging device 103 can use the ChadeMo protocol for charging the electric vehicle.
[0032] In an example, consider that the charging device 103 has detected that the vehicle is using a CCS charging protocol. The charging device 103 determines that the CCS pin is high (1), hereby indicating the vehicle connected to the charging station is using the CCS protocol for charging itself. The charging device 103 can use the CCS protocol for charging the electric vehicle.
[0033] In an example, consider that the charging device 103 has detected that the vehicle is using a Type2 DC charging protocol. The charging device 103 determines that the PP2 pin is high (1), hereby indicating the vehicle connected to the charging station is using the Type2 DC protocol for charging itself. The charging device 103 can use the Type2 DC protocol for charging the electric vehicle.
[0034] FIG. 4 depicts the state machine logic of the charging device. The charging device 103 can limit the current as per different power classes of Mode 2 charging which is configured at the developer end, when the charging device 103 is being manufactured based on intended country protocols.
[0035] The charging device 103 performs initialization. After initialization, the charging device 103 checks for the power class variant, which was configured at the time of manufacturing. The charging device 103 can store the respective current limit in a variable “power class current limit”. Further, the charging device 103 can check for vehicle plug and the station plug is inserted. With the help of the GPIO’s, the charging device 103 detects the protocol. If the protocol requires PLC communication, the charging device 103 initializes the PLC Communication. If the protocol requires CAN communication, the charging device 103 initializes the CAN. In CAN, the charging device 103 sets baud rate and identifiers settings, based on different protocols. After that, the charging device 103 performs handshaking with the vehicle and the station for parameters, such as, but not limited to, pre charge status, charger health status, charger voltage capability, charger current capability, vehicle contactor status, charger heath status, vehicle health status, charging voltage required, charging current required, and so on. If the handshaking is successful, the charging device 103 communicates enable, required programmable voltage and current to the charging station and the respective contactor is closed.
[0036] In steps A and B, the charging device 103 is powered on and one or more peripherals are initialized. In step C, the charging device 103 checks if a plug has been connected, wherein an electric vehicle has been connected to the plug. If a plug has been detected, in step D, the charging device 103 detects the protocol. The charging device 103 can detect the protocol using one or more unique pins connected to the microcontroller 220 through GPIOs. For example, the charging device 103 can determine that the vehicle is using an OEM specific protocol, if the plug sense pin is high. For example, the charging device 103 can determine that the vehicle is using the GB/T protocol, if the CC1 pin is high. For example, the charging device 103 can determine that the vehicle is using the ChadeMo protocol, if charge enable/charge start pin is high. For example, the charging device 103 can determine that the vehicle is using the CCS protocol, if the PP1 pin is high. For example, the charging device 103 can determine that the vehicle is using the type2 DC protocol, if the PP2 pin is high. If the detected protocol is a CAN specific protocol, in step E, initialization is performed, wherein initialization comprises of setting CAN Baud rates settings (based on the detected protocol), setting CAN Identifier settings (based on the detected protocol), and setting up the network layer (based on the detected protocol). If the detected protocol is a PLC specific protocol, in step L, initialization is performed, wherein initialization comprises of setting PLC peripheral settings (based on the detected protocol). On completing the initialization, in step G, the connected plug is detected (as depicted in FIG. 3). If the connected plug is on the station side, in step H, the charging device 103 sends the vehicle handshaking commands. If the connected plug is on the vehicle side, in step I, the charging device 103 sends the station handshaking commands. Once the station handshaking commands have been completed, in step F, the contactor is opened, and faults (if any) are communicated to the charging station and the vehicle. If the faults are OK, in step K, the charge enable signal is sent to the charging station. Once the vehicle handshaking commands have been completed, in step J, the charging station initiates the charging of the vehicle.
[0037] In an embodiment herein, the charging device 103 can continuously monitor faults and on detecting a fault, the charging device 103 can open the contactor immediately to stop power delivery. When the plug is disconnected, the charging device 103 checks the connection state again and waits till the next plug is inserted.
[0038] In an embodiment herein, there may be different variants of the charging device 103, according to power class (based on the country). This variant can be stored at the time of manufacturing and read at every power on.
[0039] In an embodiment herein, if the current exceeds the power class current limit, then the current drawn from the charging station and the current drawn from the vehicle is limited.
[0040] Consider an example scenario, wherein the OEM Specific Protocol is connected at the charger side (i.e., the charging station) and GB/T connector is connected at the vehicle side (as depicted in FIG. 5). In this example, the OEM specific protocol connects through an Anderson connector to the vehicle hence phrases OEM specific protocol and Anderson connector are used interchangeably further. If the connected plug is an Anderson connector, then the charging device 103 configures the CAN Communication (ISO11898) with 29bit Identifier at required Baud Rate (here 500kbps). The logic as per the vehicle protocol to handshake with FC ECU is followed by the charging device 103. When the connected plug is GB/T, then the charging device 103 follows CAN Communication (SAE J1939) with Baud Rate 250kbps and protocol, as per BCP to handshake with FC ECU. As per the vehicle detected, the charging device 103 sends the required voltage request to the charger. The charging device 103 can communicate the protection related parameters (such as, but not limited to, over temperature, overload, voltage out of range, and so on) between the vehicle and the station and open the contactors immediately.
[0041] FIGs. 6A and 6B is an example state machine and a flowchart for plug (from either a vehicle or the charging station) connected in a GB/T socket respectively. Consider that a plug (from either the vehicle or the charging station) is connected to the GB/T socket. Baud Rate can vary from 50kbps, 125kbps, 250kbps depending on the protocol being followed in different countries. Hence to detect the Baud Rate, 1 Baud Rate is assumed, and CAN Messages are monitored. If there are no CAN Messages, then the charging device 103 switches to the next Baud Rate. This goes on until CAN Messages are observed, based on GB/T Handshake Initiation Protocol. If the CAN message observed is Charger Handshake Message (CHM), then the charging device 103 determines the connected node as a charging station and the respective contactor is closed. The charging device 103 acts as a vehicle and transmits the vehicle handshake messages to the charging station and the sequence depicted in FIG. 6B is followed. The steps depicted in FIG. 6B reads upon the GB/T Standard. GB/T Protocol is CAN based and higher-Level Protocol as CAN J1939. Identifier used is 29Bit Identifier. Station Address defined is 86h and Vehicle Address is 24h. Baud Rate can vary from 50kbps, 125kbps, 250kbps depending on protocol being followed in different countries. If timeout occurs for a pre-defined time period (for example, 5 seconds), then the charging device 103 transmits the charger handshake message. After receiving the BHM (Battery Handshake Message), the charging device 103 detects that the connected socket is the vehicle side, and the respective contactor is closed. The charging device 103 acts as a charging station and the steps depicted in FIG. 6B are followed from the station side. If any fault is detected in the process from the station/vehicle side, the contactors are opened Immediately, and an indication about the fault is provided through at least one of a communication interface and/or a user interface.
[0042] FIGs. 7A and 7B are an example state machine and flowchart for plug (from either a vehicle or the charging station) connected in a ChadeMo socket respectively. Consider that a plug (from either the vehicle or the charging station) is connected to the ChadeMo socket. If Analog Pin Charge Enable is detected as 1, which is mapped to the controller’s ADC, then the charging device 103 detects the plug as a charging station and the respective contactor is closed. The charging device 103 acts as a vehicle and transmits vehicle handshake messages and the sequence depicted in FIG. 7B is followed. The sequence depicted in FIG. 7B reads upon the standard IEC 61852:24. The Communication Protocol used is CAN. The Identifier is a 29-bit Identifier. Baud Rate used is 500Kbps. Detection mechanism to detect Protocol is Charge Enable and Charge Start Analog Pins present in the connector. If the Analog Pin Charge Start is detected as 1 which is mapped to the Controller’s ADC, the charging device 103 detects the connected socket is the vehicle side and the respective contactor is closed. The charging device 103 acts as a charging station and the sequence depicted in FIG. 7B from the charging station side is followed. If any fault is detected in the process from the station/vehicle side, the contactors are opened Immediately, and an indication about the fault is provided through at least one of a communication interface and/or a user interface.
[0043] FIGs. 8A and 8B are an example state machine and flowchart for plug (from either a vehicle or the charging station) connected in a CCS/Type 2 socket respectively. Consider that a plug (from either the vehicle or the charging station) is connected to the CCS/Type 2 socket. If message observed is EV Status is ready, then the charging device 103 detects the connected node as a vehicle and the respective contactor is closed. The charging device 103 acts as a charging station and transmits vehicle handshake messages to the charging station and the steps depicted in FIG. 8B are performed. The steps depicted in FIG. 8B read upon the standard ISO 15118. Communication Protocol used is PLC. Detection mechanism to detect Protocol is Supply Ready Status and EV Status in PLC Communication. If EV Status is observed as Not Ready, then the charging device 103 transmits EV Status as Ready and after receiving of Supply Status is Ready, the charging device 103 detects the connected socket is the station side and the respective contactor is closed. The charging device 103 acts as a vehicle and the steps depicted in FIG. 8B from the vehicle side is followed. If any fault is detected in the process from the station/vehicle side, the contactors are opened Immediately, and an indication about the fault is provided through at least one of a communication interface and/or a user interface.
[0044] Embodiments herein enable the bidirectional inter-operability of the charging station and vehicle which are compliant to different protocols. Embodiments herein can detect the vehicle based on plug connected and charge further with intended protocol. Embodiments herein enable the charging of an electric vehicle through any charging station. Embodiments herein also limit current as per power class in mode 2 charging.
[0045] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modifications within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.