Switch Box Control Software for Power Redistribution for Induction Charging Stations

Switch Box Control Software for OBC Power Redistribution Between Plug-In and Induction EV Charging on CAN Bus

Project in Nutshell: Promwad developed switch box control software that redistributes power between an EV on-board charger (OBC) and an induction charging station for a European wireless-charging developer, routing power on a CAN command only after checking for interference like parallel charging or ground faults. It handles CAN messaging, relay switching, status reporting, and sleep mode, with drivers for relay-state detection and ADC-based PP signal monitoring, for wireless charging that reaches up to 96% efficiency.

Client

A European developer of wireless charging solutions for electric vehicles.

Challenge

To develop switch box control software for on-board chargers (OBC).

Solution

Our engineers are working on switch box software that redistributes electricity when charging electric vehicles. The need for this solution arose as induction charging stations for electric vehicles entered the mass market for end-users.

The switch box will work as follows:

The driver makes the connection between the car and the contactless charger.
The vehicle system recognises whether charging is to be done via a standard plug or induction connector.
Electricity runs through the switchbox, and depending on the command it receives from the station, the system redirects it to the standard plug or the induction connector.

At the beginning of the process, there must be no interference: parallel charging via a standard connector, ground contamination or module failure. If there is no interference, the induction charger transmits a signal on the CAN bus to switch charging to it.

Most of the control box functionality has now been implemented:

processing of CAN messages;
sending a status message;
switching of power and alarm relays;
sleep mode activation and exit.

We have also developed drivers for the inductive charging station:

switching detector driver for relay status signals;
PP signal monitoring driver (measuring signals with analogue-to-digital converter).

Business Value

As a result, the client will receive switch box control software for power redistribution, which can be integrated with inductive charging for electric vehicles.

Induction charging stations have many advantages for end users: they are more convenient and safer and have high energy efficiency (up to 96%). These fast and wireless EV charging stations can be deployed at traffic lights and public transport stops.

End-user convenience and the transition to electric cars will stimulate the induction charging market and demand for appropriate solutions and technologies.

More of What We Do for EV Charging:

Wireless charging solutions: an engineering profile on the implementation of inductive charging projects for our clients.

Implementation of the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) for charging stations, ensuring their seamless communication with various Charging Station Management Systems (CSMS).

Converting diesel and petrol trucks to electric motors, transforming existing vehicles into zero-emission alternatives, that contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable urban environment.