Plug-in electric vehicle supply equipment having a process and device for circuit testing

摘要

A system for connecting an electric vehicle to a high voltage power source is disclosed. The system including an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) having an electrical plug compatible with a high voltage power outlet, the plug connected to a power cord. The power cord is connected to a housing containing a number of electrical components configured to control the power flow to an electric vehicle to recharge the vehicle's batteries. The power cord extends from the housing and is connected to a standard electric vehicle connector compatible with battery electric vehicles (BEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV). The EVSE further includes safety measures, such as a relay that controls the flow of power to the vehicle connector, a ground fault interrupter, and a circuit tester to protect users from high voltage electric shocks.

主权项

1. An apparatus for connecting an electric vehicle to an electrical socket, comprising:
a socket connector configured to couple with the electrical socket; a power conduit connected to the socket connector and configured to convey a voltage from the electrical socket; a power control device connected to the power conduit and configured to control a delivery of power through the power conduit, wherein the power control device includes an electrical relay that bridges portions of the power conduit; a vehicle connector connected to the power conduit and configured to connect to the electric vehicle; a sensor configured to sense voltage, current, or configuration of the power control device, wherein sensing further includes counting a sinusoidal voltage to determine if the electrical relay is opened or closed; and a processor configured to test at least the power control device and determine functioning status of the power control device based on an output of the sensor, wherein the processor is configured to test the operation of the electrical relay by actuating the electrical relay multiple times.