Multiple EVSE installation with power sharing system for EVSE pairs sharing a circuit breaker
AssigneeControl Module, Inc.
InventorsJames S. Bianco, John Fahy
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A multiple EVSE installation employs a power sharing system for EVSE pairs which share a common circuit breaker. When only one EVSE is connected to an electric vehicle for charging, the connected EVSE is allowed to charge at full capacity. When a second EV connects to the second EVSE of the pair, while the first EVSE is charging, a controller senses the latter event and issues commands to both EVSE units to limit their current so that the rated circuit breaker capacity is not exceeded. The controller continuously monitors the charging of each of the EVSE units and sends commands to adjust the supply of current to each EVSE accordingly.
Claims20
A method for sharing power between a first EVSE and a second EVSE sharing a common power line having a pre-established current rating and a reduced current capacity comprising:
- connecting a first EVSE to an EV to begin a charge;
- charging said first EV at a charge limited by the current capacity while the second EVSE is not connected to an EV;
- connecting said second EVSE to an EV to begin a charge;
- transmitting a command to the first EVSE and the second EVSE to limit the charge of each to no more than one-half the current capacity;
- if either the first EVSE or the second EVSE stops charging, transmitting a restore command to charge the first EVSE or the second EVSE that does not stop charging at a charge limited by the current capacity;
- at a pre-established time after charging the second EVSE, evaluating the charge current of the first EVSE and the second EVSE;
- if the charging current of the first EVSE or the second EVSE is below one-half the current capacity, transmitting a reduce command to one of the first EVSE or the second EVSE and an increase command to the other of the first EVSE or the second EVSE, respectively, to reduce and increase the charge to the one and the other EVSE, respectively.
An EVSE installation connected to a power line having a pre-established current rating and a reduced current capacity comprising:
- a first EVSE having a first current control and connectable for power communication with said power line;
- a second EVSE having a second current control and connectable for power communication with said power line;
- an installation controller which issues command signals to said first and said second current controls;
- a first sensor for sensing the power drawn by said first EVSE and communicating with said installation controller;
- and
- a second sensor sensing the power drawn by said second EVSE and communication with said installation controller;
- wherein said installation controller transmits a command to the first EVSE and a command to the second EVSE to limit the charge of each to no more than one-half the current capacity when said first EVSE and said second EVSE are connected for charging;
- said installation controller issuing a restore command to the first EVSE to charge at one EVSE at a charge limited by the current capacity while the other EVSE is not connected to an EV or has stopped charging;
- and
- said installation controller, at a pre-established time after charging a second EVSE evaluating the charge current sent by said first sensor and said second sensor so that if the charging current of one of the first EVSE or the second EVSE is below one-half the current capacity, said installation controller transmits a reduce command to the EVSE and an increase command to the other of the EVSE to charge each EVSE at a reduced current charge and an increased current charge, respectively.
An EVSE installation connected to a power line having a pre-established current rating and a reduced current capacity comprising:
- a first EVSE having a first current control and connectable for power communication with said power line;
- a second EVSE having a second current control and connectable for power communication with said power line;
- an installation controller which issues command signals to said first and said second current controls;
- a first sensor for sensing the power drawn by said first EVSE and communicating with said installation controller;
- and
- a second sensor sensing the power drawn by said second EVSE and communication with said installation controller;
- wherein said installation controller transmits a command to the first EVSE and a command to the second EVSE to limit the charge of each to a sum of no more than the current capacity when said first EVSE and said second EVSE are connected for charging;
- said installation controller issuing a restore command to the first EVSE to charge at one EVSE at a charge limited by the current capacity while the other EVSE is not connected to an EV or has stopped charging;
- and
- said installation controller, at a pre-established time after charging a second EVSE evaluating the charge current sent by said first sensor and said second sensor so that if the charging current of one of the first EVSE or the second EVSE is below a pre-established current capacity, said installation controller transmits a reduce command to the EVSE and an increase command to the other of the EVSE to charge each EVSE at a reduced current charge and an increased current charge, respectively.
The EVSE installation of 17 wherein said first sensor and said second sensor each comprise a measuring circuit at said first and said second EVSE, respectively.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.