The present disclosure relates generally to wireless power transfer, and more specifically to devices, systems, and methods related to wireless power transfer to remote systems such as vehicles including batteries and communications therebetween.
Remote systems, such as vehicles, have been introduced that include locomotion power derived from electricity received from an energy storage device such as a battery. For example, hybrid electric vehicles include on-board chargers that use power from vehicle braking and traditional motors to charge the vehicles. Vehicles that are solely electric generally receive the electricity for charging the batteries from other sources. Battery electric vehicles (electric vehicles) are often proposed to be charged through some type of wired alternating current (AC) such as household or commercial AC supply sources. The wired charging connections require cables or other similar connectors that are physically connected to a power supply. Cables and similar connectors may sometimes be inconvenient or cumbersome and have other drawbacks. Wireless charging systems that are capable of transferring power in free space (e.g., via a wireless field) to be used to charge electric vehicles may overcome some of the deficiencies of wired charging solutions.
In a parking facility with a plurality of charging stations available, an electric vehicle typically navigates within the parking facility to find a proper parking space for receiving charging from a charging station therein. An electric vehicle may attempt to pair with one or more charging stations within its communication range when a driver is attempting to use a wireless power charging facility with multiple charging pads. As such, wireless charging systems and methods that efficiently and effectively facilitate the identification of a charging station for a vehicle are needed.
Various implementations of systems, methods and devices within the scope of the appended claims each have several aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible for the desirable attributes described herein. Without limiting the scope of the appended claims, some prominent features are described herein.
Details of one or more implementations of the subject matter described in this specification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. Note that the relative dimensions of the following figures may not be drawn to scale.
One aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides a method of communicating with a charging system comprising a plurality of charging stations configured to charge an electric vehicle. The method comprises transmitting at least one first signal to the charging system via a first communication link while the electric vehicle is a first distance from at least one charging station of the plurality of charging stations. The at least one first signal is indicative of a vehicle identifier of the electric vehicle. The method further comprises receiving at least one second signal from the at least one charging station of the plurality of charging stations via a second communication link while the electric vehicle is a second distance from the at least one charging station of the plurality of charging stations. The second distance is less than the first distance. The at least one second signal is indicative of a charging station identifier of the at least one charging station.
Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides a method of communicating with an electric vehicle. The method comprises receiving at least one first signal from the electric vehicle via a first communication link while the electric vehicle is a first distance from at least one charging station of a charging system. The at least one first signal is indicative of a vehicle identifier of the electric vehicle. The method further comprises transmitting at least one second signal to the electric vehicle via a second communication link while the electric vehicle is a second distance from the at least one charging station of the charging system. The second distance is less than the first distance. The at least one second signal is indicative of an identifier of at least one charging station of a charging system.
Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides a communication system of an electric vehicle, the communication system comprising a transmitter and a first receiver. The transmitter is configured to transmit at least one first signal to a charging system via a first communication link while the electric vehicle is a first distance from at least one charging station of a plurality of charging stations of the charging system. The at least one first signal is indicative of a vehicle identifier of the electric vehicle. The first receiver is configured to receive at least one second signal from the at least one charging station of the plurality of charging stations via a second communication link while the electric vehicle is a second distance from the at least one charging station. The second distance is less than the first distance. The at least one second signal is indicative of a charging station identifier of the at least one charging station.
Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides a charging system comprising a receiver and a plurality of charging stations. The receiver is configured to receive at least one first signal from an electric vehicle via a first communication link while the electric vehicle is a first distance from at least one charging station of the charging system. The at least one first signal is indicative of a vehicle identifier of the electric vehicle. The plurality of charging stations comprises the at least one charging station and the plurality of charging stations is configured to charge the electric vehicle. Each charging station of the plurality of charging stations comprises a first transmitter configured to transmit at least one second signal via a second communication link while the electric vehicle is a second distance from the at least one charging station. The second distance is less than the first distance. The at least one second signal is indicative of an identifier of the at least one charging station of the plurality of charging stations.
Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides an apparatus for communicating with a charging system comprising a plurality of charging stations configured to charge an electric vehicle. The apparatus comprises means for transmitting at least one first signal to the charging system via a first communication link while the electric vehicle is a first distance from at least one charging station of the plurality of charging stations. The at least one first signal is indicative of a vehicle identifier of the electric vehicle. The apparatus further comprises means for receiving at least one second signal from the at least one charging station of the plurality of charging stations via a second communication link while the electric vehicle is a second distance from the at least one charging station. The second distance is less than the first distance. The at least one second signal is indicative of a charging station identifier of the at least one charging station.
Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides an apparatus for communicating with an electric vehicle. The apparatus comprises means for receiving at least one first signal from the electric vehicle via a first communication link while the electric vehicle is a first distance from at least one charging station of a charging system. The at least one first signal is indicative of a vehicle identifier of the electric vehicle. The apparatus further comprises means for transmitting at least one second signal via a second communication link while the electric vehicle is a second distance from the at least one charging station of the charging system. The second distance is less than the first distance. The at least one second signal is indicative of an identifier of at least one charging station of a charging system.
Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising code that, when executed, causes an apparatus to transmit at least one first signal to the charging system via a first communication link while an electric vehicle is a first distance from at least one charging station of a plurality of charging stations. The at least one first signal is indicative of a vehicle identifier of the electric vehicle. The code, when executed, further causes the apparatus to receive at least one second signal from the at least one charging station of the plurality of charging stations via a second communication link while the electric vehicle is a second distance from the at least one charging station. The second distance is less than the first distance. The at least one second signal is indicative of a charging station identifier of the at least one charging station.
Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising code that, when executed, causes an apparatus to receive at least one first signal from an electric vehicle via a first communication link while the electric vehicle is a first distance from at least one charging station of a charging system. The at least one first signal is indicative of a vehicle identifier of the electric vehicle. The code, when executed, further causes the apparatus to transmit at least one second signal via a second communication link while the electric vehicle is a second distance from the at least one charging station. The second distance is less than the first distance. The at least one second signal is indicative of an identifier of the at least one charging station of the charging system.
The various features illustrated in the drawings may not be drawn to scale. Accordingly, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. In addition, some of the drawings may not depict all of the components of a given system, method or device. Finally, like reference numerals may be used to denote like features throughout the specification and figures.
The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of exemplary embodiments of the invention and is not intended to represent the only embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. The term “exemplary” used throughout this description means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other exemplary embodiments. The terms “first,” “second,” and “third” are used herein to distinguish among various elements (e.g., “first signal,” “second signal,” and “third signal”) and are not intended to denote any particular order to these elements (e.g., are not intended to denote any particular order to the transmission of the first, second, or third signals or the reception of the first, second, or third signals). The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the exemplary embodiments of the invention. In some instances, some devices are shown in block diagram form.
Wirelessly transferring power may refer to transferring any form of energy associated with electric fields, magnetic fields, electromagnetic fields, or otherwise from a transmitter to a receiver without the use of physical electrical conductors (e.g., power may be transferred through free space). The power output into a wireless field (e.g., a magnetic field) may be received, captured by, or coupled by a “receiving coil” to achieve power transfer.
An electric vehicle is used herein to describe a remote system, an example of which is a vehicle that includes, as part of its locomotion capabilities, electrical power derived from a chargeable energy storage device (e.g., one or more rechargeable electrochemical cells or other type of battery). As non-limiting examples, some electric vehicles may be hybrid electric vehicles that include besides electric motors, a traditional combustion engine for direct locomotion or to charge the vehicle's battery. Other electric vehicles may draw all locomotion ability from electrical power. An electric vehicle is not limited to an automobile and may include motorcycles, carts, scooters, and the like. By way of example and not limitation, a remote system is described herein in the form of an electric vehicle (EV). Furthermore, other remote systems that may be at least partially powered using a chargeable energy storage device are also contemplated (e.g., electronic devices such as personal computing devices and the like).
In some exemplary embodiments, the electric vehicle induction coil 116 may receive power when the electric vehicle induction coil 116 is located in an energy field produced by the base system induction coil 104a. The field corresponds to a region where energy output by the base system induction coil 104a may be captured by an electric vehicle induction coil 116. For example, the energy output by the base system induction coil 104a may be at a level sufficient to charge or power the electric vehicle 112 (e.g., to charge the battery unit 118). In some cases, the field may correspond to the “near field” of the base system induction coil 104a. The near-field may correspond to a region in which there are strong reactive fields resulting from the currents and charges in the base system induction coil 104a that do not radiate power away from the base system induction coil 104a. In some cases the near-field may correspond to a region that is within about ½π of wavelength of the base system induction coil 104a (and vice versa for the electric vehicle induction coil 116) as will be further described below.
Local distribution center 130 may be configured to communicate with external sources (e.g., a power grid) via a communication backhaul 134, and with the base wireless charging system 102a via a communication link 108.
Base wireless charging systems 102a and 102b may be configured to communicate with the electric vehicle wireless charging system 114 via antennas 136 and 138. For example, the wireless charging system 102a may communicate with the electric vehicle wireless charging system 114 using a communication channel between antennas 138 and 140. The communication channels may be any type of communication channels such as, for example, Bluetooth, zigbee, cellular, wireless local area network (WLAN), etc.
In some embodiments the electric vehicle induction coil 116 may be aligned with the base system induction coil 104a and, therefore, disposed within a near-field region simply by the driver positioning the electric vehicle 112 correctly relative to the base system induction coil 104a. In other embodiments, the driver may be given visual feedback, auditory feedback, or combinations thereof to determine when the electric vehicle 112 is properly placed for wireless power transfer. In yet other embodiments, the electric vehicle 112 may be positioned by an autopilot system, which may move the electric vehicle 112 back and forth (e.g., in zig-zag movements) until an alignment error has reached a tolerable value. This may be performed automatically and autonomously by the electric vehicle 112 without or with only minimal driver intervention provided that the electric vehicle 112 is equipped with a servo steering wheel, ultrasonic sensors, and intelligence to adjust the vehicle. In still other embodiments, the electric vehicle induction coil 116, the base system induction coil 104a, or a combination thereof may have functionality for displacing and moving the induction coils 116 and 104a relative to each other to more accurately orient them and develop more efficient coupling therebetween.
The base wireless charging system 102a may be located in a variety of locations. As non-limiting examples, some suitable locations include a parking area at a home of the electric vehicle 112 owner, parking areas reserved for electric vehicle wireless charging modeled after conventional petroleum-based filling stations, and parking lots at other locations such as shopping centers and places of employment.
Charging electric vehicles wirelessly may provide numerous benefits. For example, charging may be performed automatically, virtually without driver intervention and manipulations thereby improving convenience to a user. There may also be no exposed electrical contacts and no mechanical wear out, thereby improving reliability of the wireless power transfer system 100. Manipulations with cables and connectors may not be needed, and there may be no cables, plugs, or sockets that may be exposed to moisture and water in an outdoor environment, thereby improving safety. There may also be no sockets, cables, and plugs visible or accessible, thereby reducing potential vandalism of power charging devices. Further, since an electric vehicle 112 may be used as distributed storage devices to stabilize a power grid, a docking-to-grid solution may be used to increase availability of vehicles for Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) operation.
A wireless power transfer system 100 as described with reference to
As a further explanation of the vehicle-to-grid capability, the wireless power transmit and receive capabilities may be configured to be reciprocal such that the base wireless charging system 102a transfers power to the electric vehicle 112 and the electric vehicle 112 transfers power to the base wireless charging system 102a e.g., in times of energy shortfall. This capability may be useful to stabilize the power distribution grid by allowing electric vehicles to contribute power to the overall distribution system in times of energy shortfall caused by over demand or shortfall in renewable energy production (e.g., wind or solar).
With reference to
The base system transmit circuit 206 including the base system induction coil 204 and electric vehicle receive circuit 222 including the electric vehicle induction coil 216 may be tuned to substantially the same frequencies and may be positioned within the near-field of an electromagnetic field transmitted by one of the base system induction coil 204 and the electric vehicle induction coil 116. In this case, the base system induction coil 204 and electric vehicle induction coil 116 may become coupled to one another such that power may be transferred to the electric vehicle receive circuit 222 including capacitor C2 and electric vehicle induction coil 116. The capacitor C2 may be provided to form a resonant circuit with the electric vehicle induction coil 216 that resonates at a desired frequency. Element k(d) represents the mutual coupling coefficient resulting at coil separation. Equivalent resistances Req,1 and Req,2 represent the losses that may be inherent to the induction coils 204 and 216 and the anti-reactance capacitors C1 and C2. The electric vehicle receive circuit 222 including the electric vehicle induction coil 316 and capacitor C2 receives power P2 and provides the power P2 to an electric vehicle power converter 238 of an electric vehicle charging system 214.
The electric vehicle power converter 238 may include, among other things, a LF/DC converter configured to convert power at an operating frequency back to DC power at a voltage level matched to the voltage level of an electric vehicle battery unit 218. The electric vehicle power converter 238 may provide the converted power PLDC to charge the electric vehicle battery unit 218. The power supply 208, base charging system power converter 236, and base system induction coil 204 may be stationary and located at a variety of locations as discussed above. The battery unit 218, electric vehicle power converter 238, and electric vehicle induction coil 216 may be included in an electric vehicle charging system 214 that is part of electric vehicle 112 or part of the battery pack (not shown). The electric vehicle charging system 214 may also be configured to provide power wirelessly through the electric vehicle induction coil 216 to the base wireless power charging system 202 to feed power back to the grid. Each of the electric vehicle induction coil 216 and the base system induction coil 204 may act as transmit or receive induction coils based on the mode of operation.
While not shown, the wireless power transfer system 200 may include a load disconnect unit (LDU) to safely disconnect the electric vehicle battery unit 218 or the power supply 208 from the wireless power transfer system 200. For example, in case of an emergency or system failure, the LDU may be triggered to disconnect the load from the wireless power transfer system 200. The LDU may be provided in addition to a battery management system for managing charging to a battery, or it may be part of the battery management system.
Further, the electric vehicle charging system 214 may include switching circuitry (not shown) for selectively connecting and disconnecting the electric vehicle induction coil 216 to the electric vehicle power converter 238. Disconnecting the electric vehicle induction coil 216 may suspend charging and also may adjust the “load” as “seen” by the base wireless charging system 102a (acting as a transmitter), which may be used to “cloak” the electric vehicle charging system 114 (acting as the receiver) from the base wireless charging system 102a. The load changes may be detected if the transmitter includes the load sensing circuit. Accordingly, the transmitter, such as a base wireless charging system 202, may have a mechanism for determining when receivers, such as an electric vehicle charging system 114, are present in the near-field of the base system induction coil 204.
As described above, in operation, assuming energy transfer towards the vehicle or battery, input power is provided from the power supply 208 such that the base system induction coil 204 generates a field for providing the energy transfer. The electric vehicle induction coil 216 couples to the radiated field and generates output power for storage or consumption by the electric vehicle 112. As described above, in some embodiments, the base system induction coil 204 and electric vehicle induction coil 116 are configured according to a mutual resonant relationship such that the resonant frequency of the electric vehicle induction coil 116 and the resonant frequency of the base system induction coil 204 are very close or substantially the same. Transmission losses between the base wireless power charging system 202 and electric vehicle charging system 214 are minimal when the electric vehicle induction coil 216 is located in the near-field of the base system induction coil 204.
As stated, an efficient energy transfer occurs by coupling a large portion of the energy in the near field of a transmitting induction coil to a receiving induction coil rather than propagating most of the energy in an electromagnetic wave to the far-field. When in the near field, a coupling mode may be established between the transmit induction coil and the receive induction coil. The area around the induction coils where this near field coupling may occur is referred to herein as a near field coupling mode region.
While not shown, the base charging system power converter 236 and the electric vehicle power converter 238 may both include an oscillator, a driver circuit such as a power amplifier, a filter, and a matching circuit for efficient coupling with the wireless power induction coil. The oscillator may be configured to generate a desired frequency, which may be adjusted in response to an adjustment signal. The oscillator signal may be amplified by a power amplifier with an amplification amount responsive to control signals. The filter and matching circuit may be included to filter out harmonics or other unwanted frequencies and match the impedance of the power conversion module to the wireless power induction coil. The power converters 236 and 238 may also include a rectifier and switching circuitry to generate a suitable power output to charge the battery.
The electric vehicle induction coil 216 and base system induction coil 204 as described throughout the disclosed embodiments may be referred to or configured as “loop” antennas, and more specifically, multi-turn loop antennas. The induction coils 204 and 216 may also be referred to herein or be configured as “magnetic” antennas. The term “coils” is intended to refer to a component that may wirelessly output or receive energy four coupling to another “coil.” The coil may also be referred to as an “antenna” of a type that is configured to wirelessly output or receive power. As used herein, coils 204 and 216 are examples of “power transfer components” of a type that are configured to wirelessly output, wirelessly receive, and/or wirelessly relay power. Loop (e.g., multi-turn loop) antennas may be configured to include an air core or a physical core such as a ferrite core. An air core loop antenna may allow the placement of other components within the core area. Physical core antennas including ferromagnetic or ferromagnetic materials may allow development of a stronger electromagnetic field and improved coupling.
As discussed above, efficient transfer of energy between a transmitter and receiver occurs during matched or nearly matched resonance between a transmitter and a receiver. However, even when resonance between a transmitter and receiver are not matched, energy may be transferred at a lower efficiency. Transfer of energy occurs by coupling energy from the near field of the transmitting induction coil to the receiving induction coil residing within a region (e.g., within a predetermined frequency range of the resonant frequency, or within a predetermined distance of the near-field region) where this near field is established rather than propagating the energy from the transmitting induction coil into free space.
A resonant frequency may be based on the inductance and capacitance of a transmit circuit including an induction coil (e.g., the base system induction coil 204) as described above. As shown in
As described above, according to some embodiments, coupling power between two induction coils that are in the near field of one another is disclosed. As described above, the near field may correspond to a region around the induction coil in which electromagnetic fields exist but may not propagate or radiate away from the induction coil. Near-field coupling-mode regions may correspond to a volume that is near the physical volume of the induction coil, typically within a small fraction of the wavelength. According to some embodiments, electromagnetic induction coils, such as single and multi turn loop antennas, are used for both transmitting and receiving since magnetic near field amplitudes in practical embodiments tend to be higher for magnetic type coils in comparison to the electric near fields of an electric type antenna (e.g., a small dipole). This allows for potentially higher coupling between the pair. Furthermore, “electric” antennas (e.g., dipoles and monopoles) or a combination of magnetic and electric antennas may be used.
The base wireless charging system 302 includes a base charging system controller 342 and the electric vehicle charging system 314 includes an electric vehicle controller 344. The base charging system controller 342 may include a base charging system communication interface to other systems (not shown) such as, for example, a computer, a wireless device, and a power distribution center, or a smart power grid. The electric vehicle controller 344 may include an electric vehicle communication interface to other systems (not shown) such as, for example, an on-board computer on the vehicle, other battery charging controller, other electronic systems within the vehicles, and remote electronic systems.
The base charging system controller 342 and electric vehicle controller 344 may include subsystems or modules for specific application with separate communication channels. These communications channels may be separate physical channels or separate logical channels. As non-limiting examples, a base charging alignment system 352 may communicate with an electric vehicle alignment system 354 through a communication link 356 to provide a feedback mechanism for more closely aligning the base system induction coil 304 and electric vehicle induction coil 316, either autonomously or with operator assistance. Similarly, a base charging guidance system 362 may communicate with an electric vehicle guidance system 364 through a guidance link 366 to provide a feedback mechanism to guide an operator in aligning the base system induction coil 304 and electric vehicle induction coil 316. In addition, there may be separate general-purpose communication links (e.g., channels), such as communication link 376, supported by base charging communication system 372 and electric vehicle communication system 374 for communicating other information between the base wireless power charging system 302 and the electric vehicle charging system 314. This information may include information about electric vehicle characteristics, battery characteristics, charging status, and power capabilities of both the base wireless power charging system 302 and the electric vehicle charging system 314, as well as maintenance and diagnostic data for the electric vehicle 112. These communication links or channels may be separate physical communication channels such as, for example, Dedicated Short-Range Communications (DSRC), IEEE 802.11 (e.g., WiFi), Bluetooth, zigbee, cellular, etc.
Electric vehicle controller 344 may also include a battery management system (BMS) (not shown) that manages charge and discharge of the electric vehicle principal battery, a parking assistance system based on microwave or ultrasonic radar principles, a brake system configured to perform a semi-automatic parking operation, and a steering wheel servo system configured to assist with a largely automated parking ‘park by wire’ that may provide higher parking accuracy, thus reducing the need for mechanical horizontal induction coil alignment in any of the base wireless charging system 102a and the electric vehicle charging system 114. Further, electric vehicle controller 344 may be configured to communicate with electronics of the electric vehicle 112. For example, electric vehicle controller 344 may be configured to communicate with visual output devices (e.g., a dashboard display), acoustic/audio output devices (e.g., buzzer, speakers), mechanical input devices (e.g., keyboard, touch screen, and pointing devices such as joystick, trackball, etc.), and audio input devices (e.g., microphone with electronic voice recognition).
Furthermore, the wireless power transfer system 300 may include detection and sensor systems. For example, the wireless power transfer system 300 may include sensors for use with systems to properly guide the driver or the vehicle to the charging spot, sensors to mutually align the induction coils with the required separation/coupling, sensors to detect objects that may obstruct the electric vehicle induction coil 316 from moving to a particular height and/or position to achieve coupling, and safety sensors for use with systems to perform a reliable, damage free, and safe operation of the system. For example, a safety sensor may include a sensor for detection of presence of animals or children approaching the wireless power induction coils 104a, 116 beyond a safety radius, detection of metal objects near the base system induction coil 304 that may be heated up (induction heating), detection of hazardous events such as incandescent objects on the base system induction coil 304, and temperature monitoring of the base wireless power charging system 302 and electric vehicle charging system 314 components.
The wireless power transfer system 300 may also support plug-in charging via a wired connection. A wired charge port may integrate the outputs of the two different chargers prior to transferring power to or from the electric vehicle 112. Switching circuits may provide the functionality as needed to support both wireless charging and charging via a wired charge port.
To communicate between a base wireless charging system 302 and an electric vehicle charging system 314, the wireless power transfer system 300 may use both in-band signaling and an RF data modem (e.g., Ethernet over radio in an unlicensed band). The out-of-band communication may provide sufficient bandwidth for the allocation of value-added services to the vehicle user/owner. A low depth amplitude or phase modulation of the wireless power carrier may serve as an in-band signaling system with minimal interference.
In addition, some communication may be performed via the wireless power link without using specific communications antennas. For example, the wireless power induction coils 304 and 316 may also be configured to act as wireless communication transmitters. Thus, some embodiments of the base wireless power charging system 302 may include a controller (not shown) for enabling keying type protocol on the wireless power path. By keying the transmit power level (amplitude shift keying) at predefined intervals with a predefined protocol, the receiver may detect a serial communication from the transmitter. The base charging system power converter 336 may include a load sensing circuit (not shown) for detecting the presence or absence of active electric vehicle receivers in the vicinity of the near field generated by the base system induction coil 304. By way of example, a load sensing circuit monitors the current flowing to the power amplifier, which is affected by the presence or absence of active receivers in the vicinity of the near field generated by base system induction coil 104a. Detection of changes to the loading on the power amplifier may be monitored by the base charging system controller 342 for use in determining whether to enable the oscillator for transmitting energy, to communicate with an active receiver, or a combination thereof.
To enable wireless high power transfer, some embodiments may be configured to transfer power at a frequency in the range from 10-60 kHz. This low frequency coupling may allow highly efficient power conversion that may be achieved using solid state devices. In addition, there may be less coexistence issues with radio systems compared to other bands.
The wireless power transfer system 100 described may be used with a variety of electric vehicles 102 including rechargeable or replaceable batteries.
It may be useful for the electric vehicle induction coil to be integrated flush with a bottom side of electric vehicle battery unit or the vehicle body so that there are no protrusive parts and so that the specified ground-to-vehicle body clearance may be maintained. This configuration may require some room in the electric vehicle battery unit dedicated to the electric vehicle wireless power subsystem. The electric vehicle battery unit 422 may also include a battery-to-EV cordless interface 422, and a charger-to-battery cordless interface 426 that provides contactless power and communication between the electric vehicle 412 and a base wireless charging system 102a as shown in
In some embodiments, and with reference to
The design of this deployable electric vehicle induction coil module 542d is similar to that of
As discussed above, the electric vehicle induction coil module 542d that is deployed may contain only the coil 536d (e.g., Litz wire) and ferrite material 538d. Ferrite backing may be provided to enhance coupling and to prevent from excessive eddy current losses in a vehicle's underbody or in the conductive layer shield 532d. Moreover, the electric vehicle induction coil module 542d may include a flexible wire connection to power conversion electronics and sensor electronics. This wire bundle may be integrated into the mechanical gear for deploying the electric vehicle induction coil module 542d.
With reference to
Furthermore, the disclosed embodiments are applicable to parking lots having one or more parking spaces or parking areas, wherein at least one parking space within a parking lot may comprise a base wireless charging system 102a. Guidance systems (not shown) may be used to assist a vehicle operator in positioning an electric vehicle 112 in a parking area to align an electric vehicle induction coil 116 within the electric vehicle 112 with a base wireless charging system 102a. Guidance systems may include electronic based approaches (e.g., radio positioning, direction finding principles, and/or optical, quasi-optical and/or ultrasonic sensing methods) or mechanical-based approaches (e.g., vehicle wheel guides, tracks or stops), or any combination thereof, for assisting an electric vehicle operator in positioning an electric vehicle 112 to enable an induction coil 116 within the electric vehicle 112 to be adequately aligned with a charging induction coil within a charging base (e.g., base wireless charging system 102a). For example, the guidance system may present the vehicle operator with information helpful in positioning the electric vehicle 112 (e.g., by presenting signs, directions, or other information to the vehicle operator, for example, by augmented reality displayed in the driver's cockpit). This information can include information (e.g., a driving angle, a distance value) derived from a beacon guidance subsystem (e.g., magnetic or electromagnetic).
As discussed above, the electric vehicle charging system 114 may be placed on the underside of the electric vehicle 112 for transmitting and receiving power from a base wireless charging system 102a. For example, an electric vehicle induction coil 116 may be integrated into the vehicles underbody preferably near a center position providing maximum safety distance in regards to EM exposure and permitting forward and reverse parking of the electric vehicle.
During a charging cycle of an electric vehicle, a Base Charging Unit (BCU) of the wireless power transfer system may go through various states of operation. The wireless power transfer system may be referred to as a “charging system.” The BCU may include the base wireless charging system 102a and/or 102b of
With reference to
Furthermore, the disclosed embodiments are applicable to parking lots having one or more parking spaces or parking areas, wherein at least one parking space within a parking lot may comprise a base wireless charging system 102a. Guidance systems (such as the guidance systems 362 and 364, described above with respect to
The transmitter 803 can be configured to transmit BCU identification to a vehicle 808 (e.g., received by a receiver 812 of the vehicle 808) that is in a range of reception when the vehicle 808 is in a location compatible with charging the vehicle 808 using the BCU corresponding to the transmitter 803. For example, the transmitters 803a-c can each transmit a signal (e.g., a beacon signal) comprising the BCU identification and configured to be received by the receiver 812 of the vehicle 808. In some aspects, the transmitters 803a-c may be configured such that the charging station identifier transmitted by a first transmitter 803a can only be received by a vehicle 808 that is positioned substantially within a parking space in which the transmitter 803a is positioned. For example, a vehicle 808 that is positioned substantially within a parking space in which charging station 801a is positioned may only be able to receive the charging station identifier from transmitter 803a but may not be able to receive the charging station identifiers for charging stations 801b and 801c. In a non-limiting example, the strength of the transmitted signal from the transmitter 803a may be at a level sufficient for successful transmission of the charging station identifier to a vehicle 808 located in a single parking space. Various communication formats (e.g., RFID, Bluetooth LE, a short range proximity detection technology) are compatible with use for the transmitters 803a-c and receiver 812 in accordance with certain embodiments described herein. This communication channel between the BCUs 804a-c and the vehicle 808 can be considered to be a type of proximity detector. In certain embodiments in which the BCU 804 also receives information directly from the vehicle 808, appropriate transceivers can be used in place of the transmitters 803 and the receiver 812.
The charging stations 801a-c may communicate with a communication hub, e.g., a base common communication (BCC) system 815 configured to communicate with each of the base charging stations 801a-c and configured to communicate with one or more parking and charging backend servers 814 via a network 816. The network 816 may be any type of communication network such as, for example, the Internet, a wide area network (WAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), etc. Various communication formats (e.g., HomePlug, Ethernet, RS-485, CAN) are compatible for communication between the BCC system 815 and the BCUs 804a-c in accordance with certain embodiments described herein. The communication hub can be either separate from the plurality of charging stations 801a-c or can be part of the plurality of charging stations 801a-c.
The BCC 815 can comprise a receiver 817 configured to communicate with a transmitter 819 of the vehicle 808, as described more fully below. Various communication formats (e.g., DSRC, Bluetooth LE, WiFi) are compatible for communication between the BCC system 815 and the vehicle 808 (via the receiver 817 and the transmitter 819) in accordance with certain embodiments described herein. In certain embodiments in which the BCC 815 also transmits information to the vehicle 808, an appropriate transceiver can be used in place of the receiver 817 and an appropriate transceiver can be used in place of the transmitter 819.
In some embodiments, each charging station 801a-c can correspond to the base wireless charging system 302, discussed above with respect to
In some embodiments, the plurality of parking spaces 806a-c are each marked with a space indicator, such as a letter or a number. For example, a sign of a charging station may be provided on the parking space so as to allow a driver to identify the corresponding charging station 801. As shown in
The electric vehicle 808 may include a Vehicle Controller Unit (VCU) 810, a receiver 812, and a transmitter 819. In an embodiment, the electric vehicle 808 can be the vehicle 112 (
The electric vehicle communication system 374 may be used to communicate with one or more of a plurality of base charging communication systems 372 located within each of the charging stations 801a-c in the parking and charging system 800. As discussed above, with respect to
In certain embodiments, the BCC 815 can also transmit information (e.g., by transmitting at least one third signal) to the vehicle 808 via the first communication link (e.g., in configurations in which transceivers are used in place of transmitter 819 and receiver 817). Information transmitted by the BCC 815 to the vehicle 808 can include but are not limited to, the number of BCUs 804 which are available for charging the vehicle 808, the identities of the BCUs 804 which are available for charging the vehicle 808, a schedule of costs for charging, a charging menu of options available for charging the vehicle 808 using the available BCUs 804, and other information that may be helpful in assigning, scheduling, or reserving one of the BCUs 804 for charging of the vehicle 808. For example, prior to the electric vehicle 808 entering the parking and charging system 800, the BCC 815 can inform the vehicle 808 that BCUs 804b, 804c are available (with the parking space for BCU 804a being occupied by another vehicle 808b). Upon the assignment, schedule, or reservation being made to charge the vehicle 808, the BCC 815 can transmit information to the vehicle 808 via the first communication link regarding the identity of the one or more BCUs 804 available to charge the vehicle 808 (e.g., the identity of the one BCU 804 assigned, scheduled, or reserved for charging the vehicle 808).
The BCC 815 can also communicate with the various BCUs 804 (e.g., via a wired connection, denoted by diamonds labeled “2” in
In certain embodiments, the BCC 815 can keep track of which BCUs 804 are currently unavailable for charging an incoming vehicle 808. For example, the BCC 815 can keep track of which BCUs 804 are being used to charge another vehicle (e.g., BCU 804a being used to charge vehicle 808b in
When the electric vehicle 808 enters the parking and charging system 800 with the plurality of available charging stations 801a-c, a driver of the vehicle 808 is able to identify one or more of the charging stations 801 (e.g., the charging station 801 comprising the BCU 804 scheduled to charge the vehicle 808). In one embodiment, the driver of a vehicle 808 may visually identify the parking spaces 806 using, for example, the space indicators as described above. Thus, a driver of the vehicle 808 may navigate within the parking facility to find the available (e.g., assigned, scheduled, or reserved) charging station 801 for providing energy to charge the electric vehicle 808. When the vehicle 808 approaches the parking space 806, or once the vehicle 808 is parked in the parking space 806, the charging station 801 may attempt to pair with the vehicle 808 which is now within communication range.
The transmitter 803 of the charging station 801 can be configured to transmit at least one second signal (e.g., a beacon signal) via a second communication link (e.g., while the vehicle 808 is a second distance from the at least one charging station 801, with the second distance less than the first distance). The at least one second signal can comprise an identification of the BCU 804, and the receiver 812 of the electric vehicle 808 can be configured to receive the at least one second signal. Each base charging communication system 372 can act as a base station to which the electric vehicle communication system 374 can connect. Each BCU 804 can have a globally or locally unique identifier (e.g., “BCU1”), which the base communication system 372 can broadcast. For example, in an embodiment using the DSRC standard, the base charging communication system 372 can broadcast a WBSS ID of “BCU1.” The transmitter 803 of the charging station 801 can be configured to indicate the ID of the BCU 804, and/or the broadcast identifier (e.g., “BCU1”). Accordingly, when the electric vehicle 808 enters a parking space such as the parking space 806a, the receiver 812 on the vehicle 808 can receive the identifier of the BCU 804.
Because the receiver 812 on the electric vehicle 808 can have a shorter communication range than the electric vehicle communication system 374 (e.g., the first communication link has a longer range than does the second communication link), the receiver 812 may only be capable of receiving the at least one second signal while in the parking space 806a. The VCU 810 can obtain the identifier of the BCU 804a from the receiver 812, and can cause the electric vehicle communication system 374 to connect to the appropriate base charging communication system 372. In certain embodiments, the charging station 801 can start a sense current at the base pad 802 to be used to help align the electric vehicle 808 with the base pad 802 when the electric vehicle 808 receives the identification of the charging station 801 and connects via the base charging communication system 372.
If the driver has positioned the vehicle 808 in proximity to a different BCU 804 than one previously assigned, scheduled, or reserved for charging the vehicle 808, the BCC 815 can reassign, reschedule, or re-reserve the BCU 804 in proximity to the vehicle 808 to charge the vehicle 808. If the driver has positioned the vehicle 808 between two adjacent BCUs 804, the BCC 815 can make an appropriate assignment of one of the two BCUs 804 to charge the vehicle 808 (e.g., the BCU 804 closest to the vehicle 808), even if this assignment comprises de-assigning the previously-scheduled BCU 804 in favor of the different BCU 804.
Once a communication link is established between the electric vehicle 808 and the charging station 801 corresponding to appropriate parking space 806, the communication link can be used for one or more of: electric vehicle guidance, electric vehicle alignment, charging control, status communication, authorization, identification, payment management, etc.
The receiver 812 of the vehicle 808 can continually, periodically, or intermittently scan for a BCU identification throughout the alignment process and/or the charging process. If a new BCU identification is detected (e.g., due to the vehicle 808 moving closer to another available BCU), then the vehicle 808 determines if the vehicle 808 is already associated with another BCU. If not, then the vehicle 808 sends the BCU identification to the BCC 815, which then allocates the detected BCU 804 to the charging of the vehicle 808, and enters the “start alignment” state. The allocation of the BCU 804 to the charging of the vehicle 808 can be performed by the vehicle 808, by the BCC 815, or by both. If the vehicle 808 is already associated with another BCU, then the vehicle 808 determines if the BCU is in an alignment mode, and if so the alignment mode is stopped. If the vehicle 808 detects multiple BCUs, then the vehicle 808 can determine the more optimal BCU to use (e.g., closest BCU) for charging, for example, based on the received signal strength indication (RSSI) and/or the time-of-flight and BCU readings. The determination of the more optimal BCU to use for charging can be performed by the vehicle 808, by the BCC 815, or by both. The vehicle 808 can then disconnect from the less optimal BCU and can send the identification of the more optimal BCU to the BCC for allocation to the charging process. After allocating a BCU to the charging process, an alignment process is begun.
Once user action or vehicle action to start charging is received, the vehicle 808 is in a “prepare to charge” state (see, e.g.,
In the “charging” state (see, e.g.,
Once in proximity to the BCU 804, the vehicle 808 can detect the signal from the transmitter 803 of the charging pad and can send the charging pad identifier to the BCC 815, which then can reserve the detected BCU for the vehicle identification of the vehicle 808. After initiating and completing an alignment process to align the VCU 810 of the vehicle 808 with the charging pad of the BCU 804, the BCU 804 can send the charger characteristics to the vehicle 808, and the charging process can proceed. Once charging is completed and the vehicle 808 is disconnected from the BCU 804 and the BCC 815, the BCC can remove the existing reservation and mark the BCU 815 as being available again. If during the process flow of
In certain embodiments, the BCU can also detect the vehicle identification and can measure the RSSI and/or the time-of-flight (e.g., round-trip delay) of signals between the BCU 804 and the vehicle 808 to determine which BCU 804 is closest to the vehicle 808, which can be deemed to be the best BCU 804 for charging the vehicle 808. The determination of the best BCU to use for charging can be performed by the vehicle 808, by the BCC 815, or by both. In a similar manner to the transmission by the BCU of its identification to the vehicle 808, the vehicle 808 of certain embodiments can transmit its identification to the BCU. For example, the vehicle 808 can use an algorithm with rolling vehicle identification to deal with privacy issues. In certain embodiments, the electric vehicle 808 is configured to turn on and off the transmitter 819 (e.g., automatically or by the driver) to avoid transmitting the at least one first signal during times at which such transmission is not needed or is not desired (e.g., to protect privacy).
In a BCU-vehicle pairing state, the BCC 815 can reserve the BCU (e.g., BCU3) for charging the vehicle 808 having the vehicle identification that was received in the connect state, and the BCC 815 can send a corresponding signal to the BCU (e.g., BCU3) which pairs the vehicle identification with the BCU. In an alignment state, the vehicle 808 can send a signal to the BCC 815, which sends a signal to the BCU 804, starting the alignment process, and the BCU 804 can respond by transmitting an alignment current through its charging pad. Once alignment has been completed, the vehicle 808 can send a signal to the BCC 815, which sends a signal to the BCU 804, stopping the alignment process. In a charging state, the vehicle 808 can send a signal to the BCC 815, which sends a signal to the BCU 804, starting the charging process, and the BCU 804 can respond by transmitting a charging current through its charging pad. Once charging has been completed, the vehicle can send a signal to the BCC 815, which sends a signal to the BCU 804, stopping the charging process. In a disconnect state, the vehicle 808 disconnects from the BCC 815, and the BCC 815 notes that the BCU 804 is again available for charging an incoming vehicle.
In accordance with certain embodiments above, the exchanges of information may use two different channels for communications related to different purposes. Certain aspects of embodiments below are directed to different types of communication that may happen over different channels in accordance the embodiments described above. While the embodiments below may be described relative to the electric vehicle wireless charging system 114 and base wireless charging system 102a of
The electric vehicle infrastructure communication interface may include two different channels (e.g., a first communication link and a second communication link), that are configured to effectively manage the charging process. In certain embodiments, a method is provided for communicating with a wireless electric vehicle charging system including a charging station configured to charge an electric vehicle. The method includes establishing a first communications link between the electric vehicle and a communications controller of the charging system. The method includes exchanging, via the first communications link, one or more service messages with the communications controller of the charging system, the service messages indicative of at least one of one or more capabilities of the electric vehicle or charging system, authorization, or authentication for wirelessly receiving power from the charging station. The method further includes sending via the first communications link, in response to exchanging the one or more service messages, a guidance request message indicative of a request for guiding the electric vehicle to the charging station. The method further includes receiving one or more guidance beacons from the charging station for performing at least one of a guidance operation or an alignment operation with the charging station, the guidance beacon forming at least in part a second communication channel. The method further includes extracting an identifier of the charging station from the guidance beacon. The method further includes sending a message to the communications controller indicative of alignment between the electric vehicle and the charging station, the message further comprising the identifier of the charging station and an identifier of the electric vehicle. The method further includes sending a charging request message to the communications controller in response to sending the message indicative of alignment via the first communications channel. Examples of guidance beacons compatible with certain embodiments described herein include, but are not limited to, magnetic guidance beacons and electromagnetic guidance beacons.
In certain embodiments, the method further includes establishing the second communications link with the charging station, with the second communication link configured to communicate data via modulation of the wireless power field used for transferring power to the electric vehicle. The second communication link can be configured to communicate data via one of load modulation or angle modulation of the wireless power field used for transferring power to the electric vehicle. In certain embodiments, the second communication link is configured to communicate data relating to at least one of power control between the electric vehicle and the charging system, safety signaling, an identifier of the charging station, guidance information, or alignment information via one of load modulation or angle modulation. The second communication link can be configured to communicate via modulation at or substantially at a frequency of the wireless power field. The second communication link can be configured to broadcast a device identifier (ID) of the charging station via modulation of the wireless power field used for transferring power.
In certain embodiments, an apparatus is provided for wirelessly receiving power at an electric vehicle from a charging station. The apparatus includes a wireless power receive circuit including a power transfer component configured to wirelessly receive power from the charging station at a level sufficient to charge a battery of an electric vehicle. The apparatus further includes a communications controller operably connected with the wireless power receive circuit. The communications controller is configured to establish a first communications link with a base communications controller of a charging system configured to control the charging station. The communication is further configured to exchange, via the first communications link, one or more service messages with the base communications controller of the charging system, the service messages indicative of at least one of one or more capabilities of the electric vehicle or charging system, authentication, or authorization for wirelessly receiving power from the charging station. The communication is further configured to send via the first communications link, in response to exchanging the one or more service messages, a guidance request message indicative of a request for guiding the electric vehicle to the charging station. The wireless power receive circuit is configured to receive one or more guidance beacons from the charging station for performing at least one of a guidance operation or an alignment operation with the charging station, the guidance beacon forming at least in part a second communication channel. The wireless power receive circuit is configured to further extract an identifier of the charging station from the guidance beacon. The communication is further configured to send a message to the base communications controller indicative of alignment between the electric vehicle and the charging station, the message further comprising the identifier of the charging station and an identifier of the electric vehicle. The communication is further configured to send a charging request message to the base communications controller in response to sending the message indicative of alignment via the first communications channel. Examples of guidance beacons compatible with certain embodiments described herein include, but are not limited to, magnetic guidance beacons and electromagnetic guidance beacons.
In certain embodiments, an apparatus is provided for communicating with a wireless electric vehicle charging system including a charging station configured to charge an electric vehicle. The apparatus includes means for establishing a first communications link between the electric vehicle and a communications controller of the charging system. The apparatus further includes means for exchanging, via the first communications link, one or more service messages with the communications controller of the charging system, the service messages indicative of one or more capabilities of the electric vehicle or charging system, authorization, or authentication for wirelessly receiving power from the charging station. The apparatus further includes means for sending via the first communications link, in response to exchanging the one or more service messages, a guidance request message indicative of a request for guiding the electric vehicle to the charging station. The apparatus further includes means for receiving one or more guidance beacons from the charging station for performing at least one of a guidance operation or an alignment operation with the charging station, the guidance beacon forming at least in part a second communication channel. The apparatus further includes means for extracting an identifier of the charging station from the guidance beacon. The apparatus further includes means for sending a message to the communications controller indicative of alignment between the electric vehicle and the charging station, the message further comprising the identifier of the charging station and an identifier of the electric vehicle. The apparatus further includes means for sending a charging request message to the communications controller in response to sending the message indicative of alignment via the first communications channel. Examples of guidance beacons compatible with certain embodiments described herein include, but are not limited to, magnetic guidance beacons and electromagnetic guidance beacons.
In certain embodiments, a method is provided for communicating with a wireless electric vehicle charging system including a charging station configured to charge an electric vehicle. The method includes establishing a first communications link between the electric vehicle and a communications controller of the charging system. The method further includes exchanging, via the first communications link, one or more service messages with the communications controller of the electric vehicle, the service messages indicative of at least one of one or more capabilities of the electric vehicle or charging system, authentication, or authorization for wirelessly receiving power from the charging station. The method further includes receiving via the first communications link, in response to exchanging the one or more service messages, a guidance request message indicative of a request for guiding the electric vehicle to the charging station. The method further includes sending a message to the charging station to transmit one or more guidance beacons from the charging station for performing at least one of a guidance operation or an alignment operation with the electric vehicle. The method further includes receiving a message from the communications controller of the electric vehicle indicative of alignment between the electric vehicle and the charging station, the message further comprising the identifier of the charging station and an identifier of the electric vehicle. The method further includes receiving a charging request message from the communications controller of the electric vehicle in response to receiving the message indicative of alignment via the first communications channel. The method further includes sending a message to the charging station to initiate power transfer. In certain embodiments, the method further includes establishing a second communications link with the electric vehicle, with the second communication link configured to communicate data via modulation of the wireless power field used for transferring power to the electric vehicle. Examples of guidance beacons compatible with certain embodiments described herein include, but are not limited to, magnetic guidance beacons and electromagnetic guidance beacons.
The first communication link may be “out-of-band” channel based on, for example, IEEE 802.11 or the like. The second communication link may be a channel that uses magnetic in-band communication (e.g., in-band command and control communication for electric vehicle charging). The in-band channel may reuse existing power charging features and components, for example by modulating the power carrier field from the base wireless charging system 102a (e.g., primary) and by modulating the load at the electric vehicle wireless charging system 114 (e.g., secondary). Modulating the power carrier (e.g., modulating the wireless field used for power transfer) at the base wireless charging system 102a may include a variety of types of modulation techniques such as, for example amplitude modulation and angle modulation. Angle modulation may include any type of phase modulation, frequency modulation and the like. Furthermore, modulation may include modulation of the magnetic vector angle at the base wireless charging system 102a to accomplish communication. In some aspects, such modulation may not add any extra hardware cost since existing components of the base wireless charging system are used for accomplishing the in-band signalling.
The second channel using magnetic in-band communication may be used for localized safety and power control signalling. Use of the second in-band channel may provide protection against signal interference, jamming, or providing reduced opportunity for hacking. Other communication may take place via the first out-of-band channel.
The base wireless charging system 102a and the electric vehicle wireless charging system 114 can both implement a wireless channel for communication. Each system may have a corresponding communication controller.
In an embodiment, the second in-band channel may be used to ensure that the electric vehicle wireless charging system 114 remains in alignment and that safety is not compromised (due to dedicated safety/power control channel). In addition, the second in-band channel, modulated at or near the carrier frequency or power transfer, may broadcast the device identifier (ID) of the base wireless charging system 102a. Such broadcasting of the ID allows for the electric vehicle to communicate with wireless charging system 114 to determine the ID of the base wireless charging system 102a while aligning, similar to as described above. At the end of alignment, the electric vehicle wireless charging system 114 may send an “alignment completed” message via the first out-of band channel to a base wireless charging system communications controller, the message including the ID of the vehicle and the ID of the base wireless charging system 102a. For example, a communications controller may coordinate communication for several base charging stations, as described above with reference to
In certain embodiments, the second in-band-channel may also communicate power level requests from the electric vehicle wireless charging system 114, e.g., by modulating the load. The response from the base wireless charging system 102a can be communicated back in-band by changing the power level and also via in-band communication.
In an embodiment, when a command has not been sent for a predetermined period of time, e.g., via the second in-band communication channel, between the electric vehicle wireless charging system 114 and the base wireless charging system, the electric vehicle wireless charging system 114 sends a “heartbeat” message to the base wireless charging system 102a. If no response is returned, the electric vehicle wireless charging system 114 starts emergency shutdown procedures. If no message has been received from the electric vehicle wireless charging system 114 within a predetermined period of time, then the base wireless charging system 102a starts emergency shutdown procedures.
In an embodiment, if a live object is detected by the electric vehicle wireless charging system 114, a power pause command is sent.
In an embodiment, the first out-of-band communication channel (e.g., via IEEE 802.11 or the like) may be used for other features such as for high-level commands. Such features may include, for example, optional value-added services, charging and metering. The first out-of-band channel may also be used for guidance information, pairing, starting power transfer, and resuming power transfer. Various power control messages generally sent via the second in-band channel may also be sent via the first out-of-band communication channel.
Furthermore, when a command has not been sent between the communication controllers of the electric vehicle wireless charging system 114 and the base wireless charging system 102a for a predetermined amount of time, the base wireless charging system can terminate power transfer. A command to terminate power transfer may be sent via the second in-band channel, but may also be sent via the first out-of-band channel. If billing parameters and requirements are part of the charging, then the appropriate commands may be sent via the first out-of-band communication channel.
Prior to having pairing and power transfer take place, communication over the first out-of-band channel can be established between the electric vehicle wireless charging system communication controller and the base wireless charging system communications controller. In an embodiment, once alignment and pairing are complete, and power transfer has started, then safety and power control messages are exchanged via the second in-band channel.
As described above, in an aspect, communication via the second in-band channel from the electric vehicle wireless charging system to the base wireless charging system may be accomplished by modulation of the field, such as varying the load of the electric vehicle wireless charging system 114.
As further described above, communication over the second in-band channel from the base wireless charging system 102a and the electric vehicle wireless charging system 114 may be accomplished by modulation of the carrier of the power supplied to the vehicle (e.g. angle modulation of the carrier of the power supplied to the vehicle).
In an embodiment, in order for the second magnetic in-band communication channel to be formed/used, initial communication takes place over the first out-of-band channel. The following exemplary sequence of information exchanges may be used in accordance with an embodiment, although any combination or orders of the exchanges described below are contemplated to be in accordance with the principles described herein. First, there may be an association between the communication controller associated with the base wireless charging system and the electric vehicle wireless charging system via the first out-of-band channel. Further exchanges of service discovery and service details may take place via the first channel. Service discovery may include the exchange of hardware capabilities via the first channel. In addition, optionally other exchanges related to service and payment selection, payment details, and contract authentication can take place via the first channel.
If the hardware or billing method is not compatible, then the sequence can terminate. The base wireless charging system 102a may determine the hardware compatibility, and the electric vehicle wireless charging system may determine the billing compatibility.
After the initial association and other sequences, the communication controller for the electric vehicle wireless charging system can send a guidance request to the communications controller for the base wireless charging system via the first channel. The base wireless charging system then may activate the guidance beacons of the charging system. The electric vehicle 112 can then move to the parking spot where guidance and alignment may take place.
During guidance and alignment, the electric vehicle wireless charging system 114 can detect guidance beacon(s) and may read an ID for the base wireless charging system 102a transmitted in the guidance beacon, and can (optionally) provide guidance to the driver. The ID via the guidance beacon may be considered via the second in-band channel in some aspects.
As the electric vehicle moves into parking spot, the electric vehicle wireless charging system 114 can switch from guidance to alignment. The electric vehicle wireless charging system 114 can continue to detect the magnetic beacon, and can provide alignment information to the driver. The electric vehicle wireless charging system may again read the ID of the base wireless charging system 102a from the guidance beacon.
Once, the electric vehicle 112 comes to a stop, the electric vehicle wireless charging system 114 and the base wireless charging system may confirm alignment via the magnetic beacon.
In an embodiment, the communication controller for the electric vehicle wireless charging system 114 sends an message indicating that alignment has completed via the first out-of-band channel and may include the ID of the electric vehicle wireless charging system 114 and the ID of the base wireless charging system. Such communication may be used when a communication controller for the base wireless charging system 102s is connected and manages communications for several base wireless charging systems 102a, 102b, and the communication controller for the base wireless charging system 102a may need to know which specific base wireless charging system 102a the electric vehicle 112 is positioned to initiate wireless power transfer (e.g., which specific base wireless charging system 102a the electric vehicle 112 is parked over), as described above with reference to
During a pairing process, the electric vehicle wireless charging system 114 can retrieve the ID of the base wireless charging system 102a, for example encoded in a magnetic beacon, and can then send a message indicating alignment is completed to the communication controller of the base wireless charging system. As described, the message can include the ID of the base wireless charging system 102a and the ID of the electric vehicle wireless charging system 114. If the communication controller for the base wireless charging system 102a does not have a base wireless charging system with that ID, then the communication controller of the base wireless charging system can reject the message indicating alignment is completed, implying that the electric vehicle wireless charging system is in communication with the wrong communication controller for the base wireless charging system.
If the communication controller for the base wireless charging system accepts the message indicating that alignment is complete, then power transfer can be initiated.
After establishing the first out-of-band communication channel (e.g., after communicating the message that indicates alignment is complete), if the optional billing features are implemented, the communication controllers for the electric vehicle wireless charging system 114 and the base wireless charging system 102a can exchange messages for billing/metering purposes via the first out-of-band communication channel.
In an embodiment, to initiate power transfer, the electric vehicle wireless charging system 114 sends a charging initiation message via the first out-of-band channel to the communication controller for the base wireless charging system 102a. The communication controller for the base wireless charging system 102a sends confirmation if the equipment is functioning properly, otherwise the communication controller for the base wireless charging system 102a sends a rejection to the communication controller for the electric vehicle wireless charging system 114 and terminates the power transfer. Once power has started to transfer, then the second in-band channel is activated for exchanging further power control, messages, etc.
In accordance with the communication exchanges described above,
In an embodiment, examples of requests sent by the electric vehicle wireless charging system 114 to the base wireless charging system 102a via the first out-of-band channel include but are not limited to:
In an embodiment, examples of requests sent by the electric vehicle wireless charging system 114 to the base wireless charging system 102a via the second in-band channel include but are not limited to:
The base wireless charging system may send acknowledgment messages back or may not send acknowledgment message via the second in-band channel. In an embodiment, all other commands and responses are sent via the first out-of-band channel.
In an embodiment, the electric vehicle wireless charging system 114 may terminate power transfer either via the first out-of-band channel or the second in-band channel.
Since the baud rate of the second magnetic in-band communication may be lower (e.g., as compared to the first channel) in certain embodiments, small binary commands and responses can be used.
In some embodiments, the first out-of-band channel may also be used in-lieu of the second in-band channel as a backup to second in-band communication.
In one aspect, a potential order of messages may substantially include: service discovery, service details, service and payment selection, payment details, contract authentication, charge parameter discover, power delivery, metering status, metering receipt, and terminate charging. It should be appreciated that this is one possible order and any other order of the above or exclusion of certain messages are contemplated according to the embodiments described herein.
In an operational block 910 of the method 900, at least one first signal is transmitted to the charging system 800 via a first communication link (e.g., while the electric vehicle is a first distance from at least one charging station of a plurality of charging stations). The at least one first signal is indicative of a vehicle identifier of the electric vehicle 808. In an operational block 920 of the method 900, at least one second signal is received from the at least one charging station of the plurality of charging stations via a second communication link (e.g., while the electric vehicle is a second distance from the at least one charging station, with the second distance less than the first distance). The at least one second signal is indicative of a charging station identifier of the at least one charging station.
In an operational block 1010 of the method 1000, at least one first signal from the electric vehicle 808 is received via a first communication link (e.g., while the electric vehicle is a first distance from at least one charging station of a plurality of charging stations). The at least one first signal is indicative of a vehicle identifier of the electric vehicle 808. In an operational block 1020 of the method 1000, at least one second signal is transmitted to the electric vehicle via a second communication link (e.g., while the electric vehicle is a second distance from the at least one charging station, with the second distance less than the first distance). The at least one second signal is indicative of an identifier of at least one charging station of a charging station 800.
The apparatus 1100 comprises means 1110 for transmitting at least one first signal to the charging system via a first communication link (e.g., while the electric vehicle is a first distance from at least one charging station of a plurality of charging stations), with the at least one first signal indicative of a vehicle identifier of the electric vehicle. In certain embodiments, the means 1110 for transmitting can be implemented by the transmitter 819 (
The apparatus 1200 includes means 1210 for receiving at least one first signal from the electric vehicle via a first communication link (e.g., while the electric vehicle is a first distance from at least one charging station of a plurality of charging stations), with the at least one first signal indicative of a vehicle identifier of the electric vehicle. In certain embodiments, the means 1210 for receiving can be implemented by the receiver 817 (
The various operations of methods described above may be performed by any suitable means capable of performing the operations, such as various hardware and/or software component(s), circuits, and/or module(s). Generally, any operations illustrated in the Figures may be performed by corresponding functional means capable of performing the operations.
Information and signals may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.
The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. The described functionality may be implemented in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the embodiments of the invention.
The various illustrative blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.
The steps of a method or algorithm and functions described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium. A software module may reside in Random Access Memory (RAM), flash memory, Read Only Memory (ROM), Electrically Programmable ROM (EPROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM), registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. A storage medium is coupled to the processor such that the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integral to the processor. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and blu ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer readable media. The processor and the storage medium may reside in an ASIC. The ASIC may reside in a user terminal. In the alternative, the processor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components in a user terminal.
For purposes of summarizing the disclosure, certain aspects, advantages and novel features of the inventions have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.
Various modifications of the above described embodiments will be readily apparent, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.
This application is a continuation from U.S. Pat. Appl. No. 15/243,683, filed on Aug. 22, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,925,886, and incorporated in its entirety by reference herein, which is a continuation from U.S. Pat. Appl. No. 14/194,364, filed on Feb. 28, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,446,674, and incorporated in its entirety by reference herein, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Appl. No. 61/846,192, filed Jul. 15, 2013, and incorporated in its entirety by reference herein and U.S. Provisional Appl. No. 61/904,259 filed Nov. 14, 2013, and incorporated in its entirety by reference herein.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
8344686 | Gaul et al. | Jan 2013 | B2 |
9446674 | Halker et al. | Sep 2016 | B2 |
9853488 | Fincham | Dec 2017 | B2 |
9925886 | Halker et al. | Mar 2018 | B2 |
20110032110 | Taguchi | Feb 2011 | A1 |
20110175569 | Austin | Jul 2011 | A1 |
20110181244 | Badger | Jul 2011 | A1 |
20120091956 | Hooker | Apr 2012 | A1 |
20120130891 | Bogaard et al. | May 2012 | A1 |
20120206098 | Kim | Aug 2012 | A1 |
20120233077 | Tate, Jr. et al. | Sep 2012 | A1 |
20130038272 | Sagata | Feb 2013 | A1 |
20130110296 | Khoo et al. | May 2013 | A1 |
20130132270 | Cheung et al. | May 2013 | A1 |
20130193918 | Sarkar et al. | Aug 2013 | A1 |
20130342310 | Park et al. | Dec 2013 | A1 |
20140009112 | Fontana | Jan 2014 | A1 |
20140028254 | Shane et al. | Jan 2014 | A1 |
20140103871 | Maikawa et al. | Apr 2014 | A1 |
20150015193 | Oman et al. | Jan 2015 | A1 |
Number | Date | Country |
---|---|---|
102648110 | Aug 2012 | CN |
2420401 | Feb 2012 | EP |
2500888 | Sep 2012 | EP |
2557652 | Feb 2013 | EP |
H10232999 | Sep 1998 | JP |
2011223657 | Nov 2011 | JP |
2012093938 | May 2012 | JP |
2012196106 | Oct 2012 | JP |
2012208685 | Oct 2012 | JP |
201316798 | Apr 2013 | TW |
WO-2010119508 | Oct 2010 | WO |
WO-2012165243 | Dec 2012 | WO |
WO-2013019989 | Feb 2013 | WO |
WO-2013023164 | Feb 2013 | WO |
Entry |
---|
International Search Report and Written Opinion—PCT/US2014/045684—ISA/EPO—dated Mar. 3, 2015. |
Taiwan Search Report—TW103124159—TIPO—dated Jan. 25, 2017. |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
20180272885 A1 | Sep 2018 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
61846192 | Jul 2013 | US | |
61904259 | Nov 2013 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
Parent | 15243683 | Aug 2016 | US |
Child | 15934781 | US | |
Parent | 14194364 | Feb 2014 | US |
Child | 15243683 | US |