German Automakers Propsing Integrated Global Standard for a Modular Connector System for EV Charging
16 September 2010
Automakers Audi, BMW, Daimler, Porsche and Volkswagen are proposing the standardization and global acceptance of a modular connector system for electric vehicle charging. The partners had earlier presented their early concept of a harmonization pathway for EV chargers at the California Air Resource Board ZEV Technology Symposium last year. (Earlier post.)
A globally integrated standard is to ensure that customers always have direct and easy access to the energy grid, independent of vehicle brand and supplier of electric energy. Presently, there are two primary AC charger standards emerging: IEC 62196-2 Type 1 (the Japanese/SAE J1772 proposal) and the IEC 62196-2 Type 2 proposal (Europe).
The company development directors have conceptualized a modular connector system made from two parts: The core of the connector system has been submitted for standardization under the designation IEC 62196-2 Type 2 for single- up to three-phase charging with alternating current (AC). An extension for direct current (DC) is currently being developed. All other OEMs are invited to participate in this development and establish a global standard.
The design makes the charging connector suitable for charging with single- and three-phase alternating current. Additionally, with the extension component of the connector system, charging with direct current is to be realized by 2013. The OEMs aim for a short-term availability of vehicles and infrastructure for fast charging. Thus high DC current capacity and respectively very short charging times can be realized.
The vehicle connector system was developed by reputable plug connector producers in close collaboration with the industry, and will be employed on both the vehicle-side and the charging infrastructure. By means of its modular concept it not only fulfills all current requirements in terms of performance, security, as well as comfort, but is also well equipped for the future, according to the companies.
The modular connector system consisting of core and extension is applicable to all standard charging scenarios. The performance spectrum of the basic configuration ranges from single-phase charging at a regular domestic socket outlet to three-phase charging at private and public vehicle charging stations, which are currently being rolled-out. The extension can be used for charging at direct current charging stations, similar to already existing Japanese systems. Thus, the system is prepared for all future direct current charging categories up to fast charging and provides the opportunity for communication over CAN or PLC.
The safety of the system is guaranteed even in case of dirt and adverse weather conditions. A mechanical locking mechanism effectively prevents unintentional interruption of the charging process.
Charging at DC charging stations is a challenge for all national and international suppliers of electric energy and committees to also make a sustainable step towards a customer-oriented offering in this context, the companies said. With DC charging the technical complexity within the car and the charging time can be reduced to an optimum level.
The German OEMs are jointly working on the next steps of standardization and are actively looking for a dialog with other OEMs, utility providers and network operators. With the standardization of the communication between vehicle and charging station in ISO/IEC 15118, innovative solutions for protection, increased comfort and billing of the charging process are to complement already realized constructive safety measures.
The hundreds of millions, (100 000 000) variable input voltage switching power supplies used for computers and other standard consumer electronics devices is a clear indication of the fact that lightweight, high-power similar devices can be built into electric or hybrid automobiles at very low costs. AC Propulsion has developed such a system that uses its motor windings and electronics for the dual purpose of operation and charging.
It is amusing to see the false concerns about electrical safety when the operation of automobiles is statisticaly one of the most unsafe activities of the human race. There is no reason to have a safer connector than that now used as a standard in most nations. Ground fault sensors, used in all highly idustrialized countries are more than adequate as are the simple grounding grounding connectors already in use in many places.
Rapid charging of automobiles is an enemy to the grid and is a very expensive type of load penalized by all power supliers to buildings and industry.
The X car winner that used a supercharged single piston engine of about 40 kW. This shows that fast chargers and big expensive lithium batteries are not needed for plug in hybrids, but as AC Propusion demonstrated also over ten years ago, a small engine generator will run an electric car at motorway speeds anywhere. ..HG..
Posted by: Henry Gibson | 20 September 2010 at 12:46 PM