Automotive
is short. Within the next two to five years, technology in the EV infrastructure market will likely become fully mature. As a technology provider in the value chain, Advantech focuses on supplying key hardware components such as industrial computers in various form factors, as well as flash memory, I/O, HMI, switches, routers and connectivity modules. The company also offers software/firmware support that enables remote device management, diagnosis, updates and other over the air (OTA) features. Both EV charger manufacturers and EV charging station operators can take advantage.
Charger manufacturers and station operators Ultra-fast, DC split-type EV chargers up to 400 kW are already available, providing 32 km range on a one-minute charge. It is therefore possible to charge an EV from 20 per cent to 80 per cent in 18 minutes, a fi gure that will further improve in the future. The latest EV chargers offer more stable and faster charging in large part thanks to the improved effi ciency of power modules.
To function effectively, the charging system framework uses a cloud computing platform that oversees a cloud management system, local management systems, charging app, gateways and Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP). All the local management systems can run on Advantech IPCs (industrial PCs), where interface functions include on-site charger monitor, billing management, charger power dispatching, charging receipt printing and statistical charging report generation. There is also a need to integrate several other systems, such as those for parking, energy and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR). With so much integration required, a clear necessity exists to work with a proven and reputable technology partner.
Scalable and futureproof EV charging
To develop a scalable solution for comprehensive EV charging requires remote management capability, which initially involves connecting to a control and management system. This activity may include the power meter, site management control room (including OCPP over Ethernet or RS-485/Modbus) and probably local energy management systems.
A scalable solution will also require an HMI, billing and payment system, recognition and surveillance camera, and advertising content system. Finally, it will need power
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monitoring capability. Based on charging type (AC or DC fast charging), the solution can use the embedded power line communication protocol or connect the controller area network (CAN) bus to the vehicles directly. Advantech offers a full electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) portfolio with different level computing performance, even where AI provides an enhanced user experience and automatic services. In order to save costs and reduce system dimensions, in many EVSE solutions it is preferable to integrate on-board CAN/CAN- FD, more UART/Modbus, multi-LAN with optional PoE power supply module, and multiple 4k displays.
Manageability is available via Advantech’s iManager board intelligence, as well as edge BMC out-of-band independent control for time monitoring and recovery capabilities. Complementary board support software is also on offer, while Advantech additionally provides a software design-in service to enhance system security, as well as WISE DeviceOn for remote management.
EV charger: one-stop shop Any optimal solution for EV chargers must offer a compact board with full coverage of industrial buses, while providing a rugged design suitable for outdoor operation. Furthermore, hardware and firmware-based security should extend to the cloud. Advantech provides a wide range of embedded boards, from the ARM RSB to the x86 MIO series. Also available are industrial HMI displays (IDK/IDS series) and signage (DSD, CRV series). For networking and gateways, the company offers EKI series unmanned switches and ICR series wireless routers, as well as isolators, repeaters, and hubs from the ADAM and ULI series.
Battery energy storage system (BESS)
Energy storage cabinets are all about smart energy conservation and management. The ability to calculate power consumption and remotely monitor and analyze battery usage is paramount. BESS systems also require compatibility with industrial communications protocols and visualization management. From a product perspective, effective control of BESS is possible using a rugged, fanless Advantech EI-52 high-performance edge intelligence system with 11th generation Intel core, scalable VPU for AI, and EdgeX software. In addition, Advantech provides the EIS-D210 palm-size entry gateway, as well as protocol gateways and remote terminal units.
Home EV chargers
The main concern for domestic EV chargers is achieving a balance of performance and power consumption, as well as cost. Here, Advantech single-board computer (SBC) solutions offer advantages for all these criteria.
Offering low power, low latency and a rugged design, Advantech SBCs, such as the RSB-3720 and RSB-3430 Pico-ITX, also provide application oriented I/O expansion, reliable board support package, management software, disaster recovery support for high stability and OTA updates.
Industrial display
When it comes to the display for public service EV chargers, we know there are many outdoor challenges. Astute product selection is
critical to ensure reliability. The main display must offer excellent visibility,
typically through a high brightness solution (1200nits rather than the 300nits standard). There is also a need for an optical bonding solution that removes the air gap to reduce sunlight reflection from 13.5 per cent to 0.2 per cent. Physical durability is another prerequisite, making an IP67-rated front frame essential, a bezel-less design to avoid rainwater accumulation and wide operating temperature capability. Advantech industrial display solutions deliver an operating life of 50,000 hours in 24/7 operation.
EV charging ecosystem In the wider EV charging ecosystem, numerous stakeholders manage hundreds of thousands of IoT devices across many different locations. The ecosystem is highly distributed and connected, which introduces the threat of cyberattacks.
In response, Advantech offers an IoT security stack with fi ve tiers of protection covering: fi rmware and confi gurations; operation system; deployment; device; and network. In addition, the company provides a list of cloud API/SDKs that boost ROI and reduce time-to-market. Together, these
APIs increase the effi ciency, resilience, and responsiveness of EV charging equipment. Additionally, Advantech offers many more design-in and aftersales services globally. The company co-creates with partners, helping to build up the EV charging ecosystem through regional and national offi ces.
Time to act
EV chargers are currently in a phase of rapid growth, which will likely remain the case through to 2026. EV charger manufacturers and charging station operators are therefore fast approaching the last chance to optimise their solutions.
Advantech is ready to serve the EV charging infrastructure market through embedded hardware and software solutions, along with manufacturing and support capabilities. The company also has established R&D and ‘in-services’ that reduce time to market and total cost of ownership for customers. The time to act is now.
www.advantech.com Components in Electronics February 2024 15
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