PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-12090882-B2
Application Number: US-202217688262-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Modular charging systems for vehicles

Abstract:
Systems and methods for modular charging of vehicles are described. For example, a method may include connecting a vehicle to a charger using a charging plug interface that includes a first pair of conductors connected to alternating current terminals of an on-board alternating current-to-direct current converter of the vehicle and a second pair of conductors connected to terminals of a battery of the vehicle; and charging the battery of the vehicle via direct current flowing through the second pair of conductors concurrent with charging of the battery via alternating current flowing through the first pair of conductors to power the on-board alternating current to direct current converter.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A system comprising:
 a first alternating current to direct current converter; 
 a charging plug interface including a first pair of conductors connected to alternating current input terminals of the first alternating current to direct current converter and a second pair of conductors connected to direct current terminals of the first alternating current to direct current converter; 
 one or more additional alternating current to direct current converters connected in parallel with the first alternating current to direct current converter; and 
 a processing apparatus configured to:
 receive one or more control signals while a vehicle is connected to the charging plug interface; and 
 responsive to the one or more control signals, select one or more alternating current to direct current converters from among the first alternating current to direct current converter and the one or more additional alternating current to direct current converters, wherein the selected one or more alternating current to direct current converters are activated to charge a battery of the vehicle via direct current flowing through the second pair of conductors. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The system of  claim 1 , comprising:
 a charger battery; and 
 a direct current to direct current converter coupling the charger battery to the second pair of conductors, wherein the processing apparatus is configured to: 
 responsive to the one or more control signals, charge the battery of the vehicle from the charger battery via direct current flowing from the direct current to direct current converter through the second pair of conductors. 
 
     
     
       3. The system of  claim 2 , wherein the charger battery is configured to be charged from an alternating current power grid using a time-of-use management protocol or a demand response protocol. 
     
     
       4. The system of  claim 2 , comprising:
 a solar cell, wherein the charger battery is configured to be charged from the solar cell. 
 
     
     
       5. The system of  claim 4 , wherein the solar cell is coupled to the first alternating current to direct current converter via an alternating current bus. 
     
     
       6. The system of  claim 4 , wherein the solar cell is coupled to the first alternating current to direct current converter via a direct current bus. 
     
     
       7. The system of  claim 1 , comprising:
 a solar cell; and 
 a direct current to direct current converter coupling the solar cell to the second pair of conductors, wherein the processing apparatus is configured to: 
 responsive to the one or more control signals, charge the battery of the vehicle from the solar cell via direct current flowing from the direct current to direct current converter through the second pair of conductors. 
 
     
     
       8. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first alternating current to direct current converter is bidirectional and the processing apparatus is configured to:
 receive a command; and 
 responsive to the command, draw power from the battery of the vehicle via the second pair of conductors and first alternating current to direct current converter. 
 
     
     
       9. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the processing apparatus is configured to:
 present a user interface; 
 receive one or more charge parameters via the user interface; and 
 adjust current flow on the second pair of conductors during charging based on the one or more charge parameters. 
 
     
     
       10. The system of  claim 1 , comprising:
 a transceiver connected to one or more conductors of the charging plug interface, wherein the processing apparatus is configured to receive the one or more control signals using the transceiver. 
 
     
     
       11. A method comprising:
 connecting a vehicle to a charger using a charging plug interface that includes a first pair of conductors connected to alternating current terminals of an on-board alternating current-to- direct current converter of the vehicle and a second pair of conductors connected to terminals of a battery of the vehicle; and 
 selecting one or more alternating current to direct current converters from among multiple alternating current to direct current converters of the charger, wherein the selected one or more alternating current to direct current converters are activated to charge the battery of the vehicle via direct current flowing through the second pair of conductors. 
 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 11 , wherein charging of the battery via the second pair of conductors is performed using a current control mode. 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 11 , wherein charging of the battery via the first pair of conductors is performed using a voltage control mode and charging of the battery via the second pair of conductors is performed using a current control mode. 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 11 , wherein charging of the battery via the first pair of conductors is performed using a current control mode and charging of the battery via the second pair of conductors is performed using a voltage control mode. 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 11 , comprising:
 charging the battery of the vehicle from a charger battery via direct current flowing from a direct current to direct current converter through the second pair of conductors. 
 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 15 , comprising:
 charging the charger battery from a solar cell. 
 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 11 , comprising:
 charging the battery of the vehicle from a solar cell via direct current flowing from a direct current to direct current converter through the second pair of conductors. 
 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 11 , comprising:
 drawing power from the battery of the vehicle via the second pair of conductors and a bidirectional alternating current to direct current converter of the charger. 
 
     
     
       19. A vehicle comprising:
 a battery configured to deliver power to one or more motors to move the vehicle; 
 an on-board alternating current to direct current converter with direct current terminals connected to terminals of the battery; 
 a charging plug interface including a first pair of conductors connected to alternating current terminals of the on-board alternating current to direct current converter and a second pair of conductors connected to terminals of the battery; and 
 a processing apparatus configured to:
 transmit one or more control signals to invoke charging of the battery via direct current flowing through the second pair of conductors from one or more alternating current to direct current converters selected from among multiple alternating current to direct current converters of a charger connected to the vehicle via the charging plug interface. 
 
 
     
     
       20. The vehicle of  claim 19 , wherein charging of the battery via the second pair of conductors is performed using a current control mode.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/916,990, filed on Jun. 30, 2020. The content of the foregoing application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to modular charging systems for vehicles. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Electric vehicles (e.g., electric cars) are charged from prevalent legacy alternating current power outlets of the existing infrastructure. An on-board charger (OBC) is included in the vehicle to enable convenient charging of its battery. By having the OBC on the car, the charging infrastructure can be less expensive (e.g., not every charger needs power conversion electronics, and some may pass AC power directly from a power grid to the car). The power level that can be achieved using an on-board charger is practically limited by size and weight considerations for equipment installed in the vehicle, which causes long charge times. Fast DC charging is available at specialized charging stations available only at select locations. 
     SUMMARY 
     Disclosed herein are implementations of modular charging systems for vehicles. 
     In a first aspect, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in systems that include a first alternating current to direct current converter; a charging plug interface including a first pair of conductors connected to alternating current input terminals of the first alternating current to direct current converter and a second pair of conductors connected to direct current terminals of the first alternating current to direct current converter; and a processing apparatus configured to: receive one or more control signals while a vehicle is connected to the charging plug interface; and, responsive to the one or more control signals, charge a battery of the vehicle via direct current flowing through the second pair of conductors concurrent with charging of the battery via alternating current flowing through the first pair of conductors to power an on-board alternating current to direct current converter of the vehicle. 
     In a second aspect, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods that include connecting a vehicle to a charger using a charging plug interface that includes a first pair of conductors connected to alternating current terminals of an on-board alternating current-to-direct current converter of the vehicle and a second pair of conductors connected to terminals of a battery of the vehicle; and charging the battery of the vehicle via direct current flowing through the second pair of conductors concurrent with charging of the battery via alternating current flowing through the first pair of conductors to power the on-board alternating current to direct current converter. 
     In a third aspect, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in vehicles that include a battery configured to deliver power to one or more motors to move the vehicle; an on-board alternating current to direct current converter with direct current terminals connected to terminals of the battery; a charging plug interface including a first pair of conductors connected to alternating current terminals of the on-board alternating current to direct current converter and a second pair of conductors connected to terminals of the battery; and a processing apparatus configured to transmit one or more control signals to invoke charging of the battery via direct current flowing through the second pair of conductors concurrent with charging of the battery via alternating current flowing through the first pair of conductors to power the on-board alternating current to direct current converter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Described herein are systems and methods for modular charging of vehicles. Some implementations may be used to provide a premium home charging experience for an electric vehicle. Charge times may be reduced by implementing concurrent use of an on-board alternating current to direct current converter and an alternating current to direct current converter of an external charger, which may be installed in the home. In some implementations, a high-capacity battery in the external charger is used to enable even faster charging of the vehicle where the external battery has been previously charged using efficient means. For example, the external charger battery may be charged using a solar cell, or from the power grid using demand sensitive or time-of-use management protocols. 
       One of the issues with charging an electric vehicle is all of the different types of charging (e.g., alternating current and direct current power sources), locations (home, work, destination, or road trip stop), and power levels (e.g., 1.2 kW, 7 kW, 10 kW, 20 kW, 150 kW, or 350 kW). An on-board charger (OBC) (e.g., a 7 kW charger or a 20 kW charger) is installed in the vehicle and allows a user to plug in to standard infrastructure, and if that is enough for the user&#39;s needs at home, allows for a relatively inexpensive installation in at the home to accommodate. Users who want more power, and faster charging times, at home (e.g., 10-20 kW), and who have a power infrastructure including an alternating current circuit breaker panel that supports it, can also install an off-board charger at the home (e.g., mounted on a wall) which is configured to convert additional power (e.g., an additional 13 kW) for charging a battery of the vehicle. The off-board charger can allow the vehicle battery to be charged concurrently with both alternating current and direct current. For example, the off-board charger may be connected to one or more wall outlets that provide alternating current power (e.g., 240 Volts AC at 60 Hz). For example, a charging plug interface (e.g., including a cord) of the off-board charger may route alternating current to the on-board charger of the vehicle (e.g., providing 7 kW of charging power), while at the same time utilizing the output of the off-board charger&#39;s alternating current to direct current converter to provide power (e.g., an additional 13 kW) to the vehicle as direct current though the charging plug interface. Such a setup may provide the benefit of utilizing the OBC (e.g., a 7 kW charger) that a vehicle operator has already purchased, and reducing the size and cost of the external charger used to achieve a given charging rate. For example, one of the chargers (e.g., the off-board charger) may operate in current control mode and one of the chargers (e.g., the on-board charger) may operate in voltage control mode, which may allow the chargers to share their output current into the battery of the vehicle. In some implementations, a charging communications system of the vehicle controls both the alternating current based on-board charger and the direct current output of the off-board charger. 
       An on-board should be limited to conserve space and weight in the vehicle. The off-board charger supports a charging mode for the vehicle that allows it to concurrently utilize direct current and alternating current through a charging plug interface to charge its battery. Control signaling between the vehicle and the off-board charger (e.g., through conductors of the charging plug interface or via wireless communications) may be used to allow the off-board charger to indicate it&#39;s available charging capabilities to the vehicle and to allow the vehicle to select what charging mode(s) will be applied to charge the vehicle battery. For example, J1772 protocol negotiation between the charger and a battery management system of the vehicle may be utilized. This technique may be used to determine what devices are connected and then what charging mode should be used. 
       In some implementations, a solar cell in a home installation is used to provide power to charge the vehicle battery. For example, the solar cell may provide power to the vehicle battery via a direct current to direct current converter that outputs through the charging plug interface. For example, the solar cell may be used to charge an external battery connected to the off-board charger, and the external battery can later be used to quickly charge the vehicle battery via direct current through the charging plug interface. For example, adding a bidirectional direct current to direct current converter in the implementation may support very fast home charging (e.g., 25-100+ kW) from the external battery (e.g., a home energy storage) to the vehicle. Making the direct current to direct current converter bidirectional may allow the vehicle and the home energy storage to be used in tandem in the event of a power outage. Transfer of energy from a home energy storage to a vehicle may allow flexible charging times and/or fast charging at home. Transfer of energy from a vehicle to a home energy storage may provide increased capacity of the energy buffer for blackouts and time-of-use optimization. 
       Where a solar system already has a direct current to direct current converter coupled to the photovoltaic installation, as well as a direct current to alternating current converter (e.g., an inverter), one or more of these converters or sub-stages of converters may be re-used for: fast charge from the external battery (e.g., turn off solar while fast charging the vehicle for 20-30 minutes); and vehicle to home storage transfer to utilize the converter at night when the solar system is not producing energy. 
       Some implementations of the systems and methods describe herein may provide advantages, such as, providing higher power charging (e.g., 7+13=20 kW) for faster charge times and providing a single connector for both alternating current and direct current charging. 
       The disclosure is best understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is emphasized that, according to common practice, the various features of the drawings are not to-scale. On the contrary, the dimensions of the various features are arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. 
         FIG.  1    is a block diagram of an example of a system for modular charging of a vehicle battery. 
         FIG.  2 A  is a block diagram of an example of a system including charger with a charging plug interface for connecting to a vehicle and charging a vehicle battery. 
         FIG.  2 B  is a block diagram of an example of a system including a solar cell and a charger with a charging plug interface for connecting to a vehicle and charging a vehicle battery. 
         FIG.  2 C  is a block diagram of an example of a system including a solar cell connected via an alternating current bus to a charger with a charging plug interface for connecting to a vehicle and charging a vehicle battery. 
         FIG.  3    is a block diagram of an example of a system including a vehicle with a charging plug interface configured to facilitate charging of a vehicle battery. 
         FIG.  4    is a flow chart of an example of a process for charging a vehicle battery using an external charger. 
         FIG.  5    is a flow chart of an example of a process for charging a vehicle battery using a variety of power sources coordinated by an external charger. 
         FIG.  6    is a flow chart of an example of a process for powering an external system from a vehicle battery via an external charger. 
         FIG.  7    is a flow chart of an example of a process for providing a user interface to enable user control of a charging process for a vehicle battery. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Described herein are systems and methods that may be used for modular charging of vehicle batteries. 
     While the disclosure has been described in connection with certain embodiments, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures. 
       FIG.  1    is a block diagram of an example of a system  100  for modular charging of a vehicle battery. The system  100  includes a vehicle  110  connected to a charger  120  via mated charging plug interfaces  130 . The charger  120  is connected to an alternating current circuit breaker panel  140  that connects to a power grid. The vehicle  110  includes battery  112 , an on-board alternating current to direct current converter  114 , and a processing apparatus  116 . The charger  120  is external to the vehicle  110  and thus does not add weight and take up space in the vehicle  110  when the vehicle is disconnected from the charger  120  and moving. The charger  120  includes an alternating current to direct current converter  122  and a processing apparatus  126  that is configured to control the alternating current to direct current converter  122  and communicate with the processing apparatus  116  of the vehicle  110 . For example, the system  100  may be used to implement the process  400  of  FIG.  4   , the process  500  of  FIG.  5   , the process  600  of  FIG.  6   , and/or the process  700  of  FIG.  7   . 
     The system  100  includes a vehicle  110 . For example, the vehicle  110  may be an electric automobile, a truck, a boat, or an aircraft. The vehicle  110  includes a battery  112 , which may be used to power one or more motors of the vehicle  110 . For example, the battery  112  may be a lithium-ion battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, or a lead-acid battery. The vehicle  110  includes an on-board alternating current to direct current converter  114 , which may be used to charge the battery  112 . The on-board alternating current to direct current converter  114  may have direct current terminals connected to terminals of the battery  112 . The on-board alternating current to direct current converter  114  may be part of a versatile on-board charger that draws low power levels (e.g., 7 kW or 10 kW) from commonly available alternating current power outlets. For example, the on-board alternating current to direct current converter  114  may be configured to convert single phase (e.g., at 50 Hz or 60 Hz) alternating current at 120 Volts or 240 Volts to direct current for charging the battery  112 . For example, the vehicle  110  may be the vehicle  310  of  FIG.  3   . 
     The vehicle  110  also includes a processing apparatus  116  that controls the components of the vehicle  110  associated with the battery  112 , including the on-board alternating current to direct current converter  114 . For example, the processing apparatus  116  may implement a battery management system for the vehicle  110 . The processing apparatus  116  is operable to execute instructions that have been stored in a data storage device. In some implementations, the processing apparatus  116  is a processor with random access memory for temporarily storing instructions read from a data storage device while the instructions are being executed. The processing apparatus  116  may include single or multiple processors each having single or multiple processing cores. For example, the processing apparatus  116  may include a microprocessor or a microcontroller. Alternatively, the processing apparatus  116  may include another type of device, or multiple devices, capable of manipulating or processing data. For example, the data storage device may be a non-volatile information storage device such as a hard drive, a solid-state drive, a read-only memory device (ROM), or any other suitable type of storage device such as a non-transitory computer readable memory. The data storage device may include another type of device, or multiple devices, capable of storing data for retrieval or processing by the processing apparatus  116 . For example, a data storage device of the processing apparatus  116  may store instructions executable by the processing apparatus  116  that upon execution by the processing apparatus  116  cause the processing apparatus  116  to perform operations to implement one or more processes described herein. The processing apparatus  116  may include one or more input/output interfaces (e.g., serial ports) for controlling other components of the vehicle  110 , including the on-board alternating current to direct current converter  114 , and/or external devices. For example, the processing apparatus  116  may be configured to select modulation waveforms for gate terminals of switches of a rectifier of the on-board alternating current to direct current converter  114  to enable and control the flow of electric power through the on-board alternating current to direct current converter  114 . 
     The system  100  includes an alternating current circuit breaker panel  140  that connects to a power grid. For example, the alternating current circuit breaker panel  140  may be located in a home or other residential structure. 
     The system  100  includes a charger  120  that can be, and in  FIG.  1    is, connected to the vehicle  110 . The charger  120  is configured to transfer power between a power grid, via the alternating current circuit breaker panel  140 , and the battery  112  of the vehicle  110 . For example, the charger  120  may be an electric vehicle service equipment (EVSE). For example, the charger  120  may be the charger  210  of  FIG.  2 A  or the charger  252  of  FIG.  2 B . 
     The system  100  includes a first alternating current to direct current converter  122 . The first alternating current to direct current converter  122  may be integrated in the charger  120  and configured to convert alternating current from the power grid to direct current that may be used to charge the battery  112  of the vehicle  110 . For example, the first alternating current to direct current converter  122  may be larger than the on-board alternating current to direct current converter  114 , since it will not add weight to the vehicle  110 . For example, the first alternating current to direct current converter  122  may be used to supply additional power (e.g., 20 kW to 50 kW of additional power) in parallel with power delivered via the on-board alternating current to direct current converter  114  to charge the battery  112  of the vehicle  110 . For example, the first alternating current to direct current converter  122  may include a transformer and a rectifier (e.g., a full-wave rectifier). For example, the first alternating current to direct current converter  122  may include a switched-mode power supply. 
     The charger  120  is connected to the vehicle  110  via mated charging plug interfaces  130  of the charger  120  (e.g., the charging plug interface  220  of  FIGS.  2 A-C ) and the vehicle  110  (e.g., the charging plug interface  330  of  FIG.  3   ). The charging plug interfaces  130  include a first pair of conductors  132  connected to alternating current input terminals of the first alternating current to direct current converter  122  and a second pair of conductors  134  connected to direct current terminals of the first alternating current to direct current converter  122 . In the vehicle  110 , the first pair of conductors  132  may be connected to alternating current terminals of the on-board alternating current to direct current converter  114  and the second pair of conductors  134  may be connected to terminals of the battery  112 . For example, the charging plug interfaces  130  may conform to a standard, such as the J1772 standard for electric vehicle connectors. 
     The system  100  includes a processing apparatus  126 , which may be integrated in the charger  120 . The processing apparatus  126  is operable to execute instructions that have been stored in a data storage device. In some implementations, the processing apparatus  126  is a processor with random access memory for temporarily storing instructions read from a data storage device while the instructions are being executed. The processing apparatus  126  may include single or multiple processors each having single or multiple processing cores. For example, the processing apparatus  126  may include a microprocessor or a microcontroller. Alternatively, the processing apparatus  126  may include another type of device, or multiple devices, capable of manipulating or processing data. For example, the data storage device may be a non-volatile information storage device such as a hard drive, a solid-state drive, a read-only memory device (ROM), or any other suitable type of storage device such as a non-transitory computer readable memory. The data storage device may include another type of device, or multiple devices, capable of storing data for retrieval or processing by the processing apparatus  126 . For example, a data storage device of the processing apparatus  126  may store instructions executable by the processing apparatus  126  that upon execution by the processing apparatus  126  cause the processing apparatus  126  to perform operations to implement one or more processes described herein. The processing apparatus  126  may include one or more input/output interfaces (e.g., serial ports) for controlling other components of the charger  120 , including the first alternating current to direct current converter  122 , and/or external devices. For example, the processing apparatus  126  may be configured to select modulation waveforms for gate terminals of switches of a rectifier of the first alternating current to direct current converter  122  to enable and control the flow of electric power through the first alternating current to direct current converter  122 . 
     The processing apparatus  126  may be configured to communicate with the processing apparatus  116  of the vehicle  110  when the vehicle  110  is connected to the charger  120  and facilitate charging of the battery  112 . For example, the processing apparatus  126  may communicate with the processing apparatus  116  via wired communications over conductors of the mated charging plug interfaces  130  or via wireless communications (e.g., using a WiFi network or a Bluetooth link). The processing apparatus  126  may be configured to receive one or more control signals while the vehicle  110  is connected via a charging plug interface of the charger  120 ; and, responsive to the one or more control signals, charge the battery  112  of the vehicle  110  via direct current flowing through the second pair of conductors  134  concurrent with charging of the battery  112  via alternating current flowing through the first pair of conductors  132  to power the on-board alternating current to direct current converter  114  of the vehicle  110 . In some implementations, charging of the battery  112  via the first pair of conductors  132  is performed using a current control mode and charging of the battery  112  via the second pair of conductors  134  is performed using a current control mode. In some implementations, charging of the battery  112  via the first pair of conductors  132  is performed using a voltage control mode and charging of the battery  112  via the second pair of conductors  134  is performed using a current control mode. In some implementations, charging of the battery  112  via the first pair of conductors  132  is performed using a current control mode and charging of the battery  112  via the second pair of conductors  134  is performed using a voltage control mode. 
     In some implementations, the first alternating current to direct current converter  122  is bidirectional and the processing apparatus  126  is configured to enable the draw of power from the battery  112  of the vehicle  110  to power an external system (e.g., to power a home during a power outage). For example, the processing apparatus  126  may be configured to receive a command (e.g., a special command to invoke use of the battery  112  of the vehicle  110  as a back-up power source); and, responsive to the command, draw power from the battery  112  of the vehicle  110  via the second pair of conductors  134  and the first alternating current to direct current converter  122 . 
     For example, the processing apparatus  126  may be configured to provide a user interface of the charger  120  that enables user control or configuration of a charging process for the battery  112  of the vehicle  110 . In some implementations, the processing apparatus  126  is configured to present a user interface (e.g., by transmitting a webpage viewable with user device such as smartphone or tablet); receive one or more charge parameters (e.g., a time-till departure or other time limits for a charging process) via the user interface; and adjust current flow on the second pair of conductors  134  during charging based on the one or more charge parameters. 
       FIG.  2 A  is a block diagram of an example of a system  200  including charger  210  with a charging plug interface  220  for connecting to a vehicle and charging a vehicle battery. The system  200  includes a charger  210  that can be connected to a vehicle (e.g., the vehicle  310 ) to charge a battery of the vehicle. The charger  210  includes a first alternating current to direct current converter  212 , a processing apparatus  216 , and a charging plug interface  220  configured to connect to a mated charging plug interface (e.g., the charging plug interface  330  of  FIG.  3   ) of a compatible vehicle. The charging plug interface  220  includes a first pair of conductors  222  (e.g., AC conductors) connected to alternating current input terminals of the first alternating current to direct current converter  212  and a second pair of conductors  224  (e.g., DC conductors) connected to direct current terminals of the first alternating current to direct current converter  212 . The charger  210  includes a transceiver  214  connected to one or more conductors  226  (e.g., communications conductors) of the charging plug interface  220 . The charger  210  includes a charger battery  230  and a direct current to direct current converter  232  coupling the charger battery  230  to the second pair of conductors  224 . The charger  210  is connected to an alternating current circuit breaker panel  240  that connects to a power grid. The charger battery  230  may be configured to store energy drawn from the power grid or elsewhere over a relatively long period of time (e.g., approximately 24 hours) and rapidly transfer this stored energy to a battery of a vehicle via the direct current to direct current converter  232  and the second pair of conductors  224 , which may enable significantly faster charge times. For example, the system  200  may be used to implement the process  400  of  FIG.  4   , the process  500  of  FIG.  5   , the process  600  of  FIG.  6   , and/or the process  700  of  FIG.  7   . 
     The system  200  includes an alternating current circuit breaker panel  240  that connects to a power grid. For example, the alternating current circuit breaker panel  240  may be located in a home or other residential structure. 
     The system  200  includes a charger  210  that can be connected to a vehicle (e.g., the vehicle  310 ). The charger  210  is configured to transfer power between a power grid, via the alternating current circuit breaker panel  240 , and a battery of the vehicle. For example, the charger  210  may be an electric vehicle service equipment (EVSE). 
     The system  200  includes a first alternating current to direct current converter  212 . The first alternating current to direct current converter  212  may be integrated in the charger  210  and configured to convert alternating current from the power grid to direct current that may be used to charge a battery of the vehicle (e.g., the battery  312 ). For example, the first alternating current to direct current converter  212  may be larger than an on-board alternating current to direct current converter of the vehicle, since it will not add weight to the vehicle. For example, the first alternating current to direct current converter  212  may be used to supply additional power (e.g., 20 kW to 50 kW of additional power) in parallel with power delivered via the on-board alternating current to direct current converter to charge the battery of the vehicle. For example, the first alternating current to direct current converter  212  may include a transformer and a rectifier (e.g., a full-wave rectifier). For example, the first alternating current to direct current converter  212  may include a switched-mode power supply. 
     The charger  210  includes a charging plug interface  220  that may be used to connect to a vehicle at a corresponding charging plug interface of the vehicle (e.g., the charging plug interface  330  of  FIG.  3   ). The charging plug interface  220  includes a first pair of conductors  222  connected to alternating current input terminals of the first alternating current to direct current converter  212  and a second pair of conductors  224  connected to direct current terminals of the first alternating current to direct current converter  212 . For example, the charging plug interface  220  may conform to a standard, such as the J1772 standard for electric vehicle connectors. 
     The system  200  includes a charger battery  230 . For example, the charger battery  230  may have a capacity of 10 kWh, 30 kWh, 60 kWh, or 100 kWh. In some implementations, the charger battery  230  may have a capacity comparable to a capacity of a vehicle battery to be charged. The charger battery  230  may use a variety of chemistries. For example, the charger battery  230  may be a lithium-ion battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, or a lead-acid battery. The charger battery  230  may be configured to be charged efficiently over an extended period of time (e.g., 5 to 20 hours) from a power grid or other electrical power source. For example, the charger battery  230  may be configured to be charged from an alternating current power grid using a time-of-use management protocol or a demand response protocol. 
     The system  200  includes a direct current to direct current converter  232  coupling the charger battery  230  to the second pair of conductors  224 . For example, the direct current to direct current converter  232  may be a switched-mode power supply. The direct current to direct current converter  232  and the charger battery  230  may support high discharge rates for rapid transfer of energy from the charger battery  230  to a battery of a vehicle (e.g., the battery  312 ). For example, the direct current to direct current converter  232  and the charger battery  230  may transfer energy to the battery of a vehicle at 20 kW, 50 kW, 100 kW, or 150 kW. For example, the direct current to direct current converter  232  may be configured to charge the battery of a vehicle using a current control mode. Charging of the battery of a vehicle from the charger battery  230  may proceed concurrently with charging using the first alternating current to direct current converter  212  and/or using an on-board alternating current to direct current converter of the vehicle. In some implementations, the direct current to direct current converter  232  is bidirectional and may be used in controlled in coordination with the first alternating current to direct current converter  212  to charge the charger battery  230  from the grid while the no vehicle is connected to the charging plug interface  220 . In some implementations, the system  200  includes a separate alternating current to direct current converter (not shown in  FIG.  2 A ) coupling the charger battery  230  to the circuit breaker panel  240  connected to the power grid for charging the charger battery  230 . 
     The system  200  includes a transceiver  214  connected to one or more conductors  226  of the charging plug interface  220 . For example, the transceiver  214  may enable communications over the one or more conductors  226  using a standard compliant signaling protocol (e.g., a vehicle to grid protocol, such as ISO/IEC 15118-series). In some implementations, the one or more conductors  226  are separate conductors, distinct from the first pair of conductors  222  and the second pair of conductors  224 . In some implementations, the transceiver  214  implements a broadband over power line communication protocol (e.g., compliant with the IEEE 1901 standard) and the one or more conductors  226  are one or more of the second pair of conductors  224 , i.e., conductors are reused for both power transfer and communications between the charger  210  and a vehicle. 
     The system  200  includes a processing apparatus  216 , which may be integrated in the charger  210 . In some implementations, the processing apparatus  216  is located partially or entirely outside of the charger  210  and be in communication with the charger  210 . The processing apparatus  216  is operable to execute instructions that have been stored in a data storage device. In some implementations, the processing apparatus  216  is a processor with random access memory for temporarily storing instructions read from a data storage device while the instructions are being executed. The processing apparatus  216  may include single or multiple processors each having single or multiple processing cores. For example, the processing apparatus  216  may include a microprocessor or a microcontroller. Alternatively, the processing apparatus  216  may include another type of device, or multiple devices, capable of manipulating or processing data. For example, the data storage device may be a non-volatile information storage device such as a hard drive, a solid-state drive, a read-only memory device (ROM), or any other suitable type of storage device such as a non-transitory computer readable memory. The data storage device may include another type of device, or multiple devices, capable of storing data for retrieval or processing by the processing apparatus  216 . For example, a data storage device of the processing apparatus  216  may store instructions executable by the processing apparatus  216  that upon execution by the processing apparatus  216  cause the processing apparatus  216  to perform operations to implement one or more processes described herein. The processing apparatus  216  may include one or more input/output interfaces (e.g., serial ports) for controlling other components of the charger  210 , including the first alternating current to direct current converter  212 , the transceiver  214 , the direct current to direct current converter  232 , and/or external devices. For example, the processing apparatus  216  may be configured to select modulation waveforms for gate terminals of switches of a rectifier of the first alternating current to direct current converter  212  to enable and control the flow of electric power through the first alternating current to direct current converter  212 . For example, the processing apparatus  216  may be configured to control the transceiver  214  to send/receive data to/from a processing apparatus (e.g., a battery management system) of a vehicle connected to charging plug interface  220 . For example, the processing apparatus  216  may be configured to select modulation waveforms for gate terminals of switches of the direct current to direct current converter  232  to enable and control the flow of electric power through the direct current to direct current converter  232 . 
     The processing apparatus  216  may be configured to communicate with a processing apparatus (e.g., the processing apparatus  316 ) of a vehicle when the vehicle is connected to the charger  210  and facilitate charging of a battery (e.g., the battery  312 ) of the vehicle. In this example, the processing apparatus  216  communicates with the processing apparatus of a vehicle via wired communications over the one or more conductors  226  of the charging plug interface  220 . The processing apparatus  216  may be configured to receive one or more control signals while the vehicle is connected via the charging plug interface  220 ; and, responsive to the one or more control signals, charge the battery of the vehicle via direct current flowing through the second pair of conductors  224  concurrent with charging of the battery via alternating current flowing through the first pair of conductors  222  to power an on-board alternating current to direct current converter of the vehicle. In some implementations, charging of the battery via the first pair of conductors  222  is performed using a current control mode and charging of the battery via the second pair of conductors  224  is performed using a current control mode. In some implementations, charging of the battery via the first pair of conductors  222  is performed using a voltage control mode and charging of the battery via the second pair of conductors  224  is performed using a current control mode. In some implementations, charging of the battery via the first pair of conductors  222  is performed using a current control mode and charging of the battery via the second pair of conductors  224  is performed using a voltage control mode. For example, the processing apparatus  216  may be configured to receive the one or more control signals using the transceiver  214 . The processing apparatus  216  may be configured to, responsive to the one or more control signals, charge the battery of the vehicle from the charger battery  230  via direct current flowing from the direct current to direct current converter  232  through the second pair of conductors  224 . In some implementations, the rate at which energy is transferred from the charger battery  230  to the battery of the vehicle may be dynamically adjusted based on charging parameters (e.g. a time limit) received through a user interface, as described in relation to the process  700  of  FIG.  7   . The charger battery  230  may be used to achieve significantly faster charging times that can be achieved with the on-board alternating current to direct current converter and the first on-board alternating current to direct current converter  212 , which may have its power limited by the circuit breaker panel  240 . 
       FIG.  2 B  is a block diagram of an example of a system  250  including a solar cell  260  and a charger  252  with a charging plug interface  220  for connecting to a vehicle and charging a vehicle battery. The system  250  is similar to the system  200  of  FIG.  2 A  with a few differences. First, in the system  250 , the charger battery  230  and the direct current to direct current converter  232  are located outside the charger  252 . For example, the charger battery  230  and the direct current to direct current converter  232  may be in a separate battery module that is connected to the charger  252  and configured to be controlled by the processing apparatus  216 . Second, the system  250  includes a solar cell  260 ; and a direct current to direct current converter  262  coupling the solar cell  260  to the second pair of conductors  224 . Third, the system  250  includes one or more additional alternating current to direct current converters  270  connected in parallel with first alternating current to direct current converter  212 , which may be selectively activated to adapt the charging of a vehicle battery to different charging scenarios. For example, the system  250  may be used to implement the process  400  of  FIG.  4   , the process  500  of  FIG.  5   , the process  600  of  FIG.  6   , and/or the process  700  of  FIG.  7   . 
     The system  250  includes a solar cell  260 . The solar cell  260  is configured to convert light to electricity by the photovoltaic effect. The solar cell  260  may be coupled to the first alternating current to direct current converter via a direct current bus. The system  250  includes a direct current to direct current converter  262  coupling the solar cell  260  to the second pair of conductors  224 , which may enable the transfer of electrical energy generated by the solar cell  260  to a battery of a vehicle via the second pair of conductors  224 . The processing apparatus  216  of the charger  252  may be configured to control the direct current to direct current converter  262 . The processing apparatus  216  may be configured to, responsive to the one or more control signals, charge the battery of the vehicle from the solar cell  260  via direct current flowing from the direct current to direct current converter  262  through the second pair of conductors  224 . For example, charging directly from the solar panel may be unavailable at night and under certain weather conditions, in which case the direct current to direct current converter  262  may be disabled by the processing apparatus  216  and the charging capabilities advertised by the processing apparatus in communications with a vehicle may be updated accordingly. The charger battery  230  may be configured to be charged from the solar cell  260 . In some implementations, the direct current to direct current converter  232  may be bidirectional and may be controlled along with the direct current to direct current converter  262  to charge the charger battery  230  with energy from the solar cell  260  while no vehicle is connected to the charging plug interface  220 . 
     The system  250  includes one or more additional alternating current to direct current converters  270  connected in parallel with first alternating current to direct current converter  212 . The processing apparatus  216  may be configured to, responsive to the one or more control signals from a vehicle, select one or more alternating current to direct current converters from among the first alternating current to direct current converter  212  and the one or more additional alternating current to direct current converters  270 . The selected one or more alternating current to direct current converters may be activated to charge a battery (e.g., the battery  312 ) of the vehicle via direct current flowing through the second pair of conductors  224 . By selectively activating alternating current to direct current converters, the processing apparatus  216  may adapt the power level output by the charger  252  to charge the battery of the vehicle to suit different charging scenarios. 
       FIG.  2 C  is a block diagram of an example of a system  280  including a solar cell  260  connected via an alternating current bus to a charger  252  with a charging plug interface  220  for connecting to a vehicle and charging a vehicle battery. The system  250  is similar to the system  250  of  FIG.  2 B  with a one main difference. The solar cell  260  is coupled to the first alternating current to direct current converter  212  via an alternating current bus. The system  280  includes a direct current to alternating current converter  290 , instead of the direct current to direct current converter  262 . For example, the direct current to alternating current converter  290  may include a switching inverter. Energy from the solar cell  260  may flow through the direct current to alternating current converter  290 , through the alternating current bus, and through the first pair of conductors  222  to an on-board alternating current to direct current converter (e.g., the on-board alternating current to direct current converter  314 ) of a vehicle connected to the charging plug interface  220 . Energy from the solar cell  260  may also flow through the direct current to alternating current converter  290 , through the alternating current bus, through the first alternating current to direct current converter  212 , and through the second pair of conductors  224  to charge a battery (e.g., the battery  312 ) of a vehicle connected to the charging plug interface  220 . In some implementations, when no vehicle is connected to the charging plug interface  220 , energy from the solar cell  260  may flow through the direct current to alternating current converter  290 , through the alternating current bus, through the first alternating current to direct current converter  212 , and through the direct current to direct current converter  232  to charge the charger battery  230 . In some implementations, when no vehicle is connected to the charging plug interface  220 , energy from the solar cell  260  may flow through the direct current to alternating current converter  290 , through the alternating current bus, and through a separate alternating current to direct current converter (not shown in  FIG.  2 C ) coupling the charger battery  230  to the circuit breaker panel  240  connected to the power grid for charging the charger battery  230 . For example, the system  280  may be used to implement the process  400  of  FIG.  4   , the process  500  of  FIG.  5   , the process  600  of  FIG.  6   , and/or the process  700  of  FIG.  7   . 
       FIG.  3    is a block diagram of an example of a system  300  including a vehicle  310  with a charging plug interface  330  configured to facilitate charging of a vehicle battery  312 . The vehicle  310  includes a battery  312 , an on-board alternating current to direct current converter  314 , a processing apparatus  316 , a transceiver  318 , one or more motors  320 , and a charging plug interface  330 . The charging plug interface  330  includes a first pair of conductors  332  (e.g., AC conductors) connected to alternating current terminals of the on-board alternating current to direct current converter  314  and a second pair of conductors  334  (e.g., DC conductors) connected to terminals of the battery  312 . The transceiver  318  is connected to one or more conductors  336  (e.g., communications conductors) of the charging plug interface  330 . The processing apparatus  316  is configured to transmit one or more control signals to invoke charging of the battery  312  via direct current flowing through the second pair of conductors  334  concurrent with charging of the battery  312  via alternating current flowing through the first pair of conductors  332  to power the on-board alternating current to direct current converter  314 . For example, the system  300  may be used to implement the process  400  of  FIG.  4   , the process  500  of  FIG.  5   , the process  600  of  FIG.  6   , and/or the process  700  of  FIG.  7   . 
     The system  300  includes a vehicle  310 . For example, the vehicle  310  may be an electric automobile, a truck, a boat, or an aircraft. The vehicle includes one or more motors  320 . For example, the one or more motors  320  may be used move the vehicle  310  by turning wheels or propellers. For example, the one or more motors  320  may include a direct current brushless motor. 
     The vehicle  310  includes a battery  312  configured to deliver power to the one or more motors  320  to move the vehicle. For example, the battery  312  may be a lithium-ion battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, or a lead-acid battery. 
     The vehicle  310  includes an on-board alternating current to direct current converter  314  with direct current terminals connected to terminals of the battery  312 . The on-board alternating current to direct current converter  314  may be used to charge the battery  312 . The on-board alternating current to direct current converter  314  may be part of a versatile on-board charger that draws low power levels (e.g., 7 kW or 10 kW) from commonly available alternating current power outlets. For example, the on-board alternating current to direct current converter  314  may be configured to convert single phase (e.g., at 50 Hz or 60 Hz) alternating current at 120 Volts or 240 Volts to direct current for charging the battery  312 . 
     The vehicle  310  includes a processing apparatus  316  that controls the components of the vehicle  310  associated with the battery  312 , including the on-board alternating current to direct current converter  314 . For example, the processing apparatus  316  may implement a battery management system for the vehicle  310 . The processing apparatus  316  is operable to execute instructions that have been stored in a data storage device. In some implementations, the processing apparatus  316  is a processor with random access memory for temporarily storing instructions read from a data storage device while the instructions are being executed. The processing apparatus  316  may include single or multiple processors each having single or multiple processing cores. For example, the processing apparatus  316  may include a microprocessor or a microcontroller. Alternatively, the processing apparatus  316  may include another type of device, or multiple devices, capable of manipulating or processing data. For example, the data storage device may be a non-volatile information storage device such as a hard drive, a solid-state drive, a read-only memory device (ROM), or any other suitable type of storage device such as a non-transitory computer readable memory. The data storage device may include another type of device, or multiple devices, capable of storing data for retrieval or processing by the processing apparatus  316 . For example, a data storage device of the processing apparatus  316  may store instructions executable by the processing apparatus  316  that upon execution by the processing apparatus  316  cause the processing apparatus  316  to perform operations to implement one or more processes described herein. The processing apparatus  316  may include one or more input/output interfaces (e.g., serial ports) for controlling other components of the vehicle  310 , including the on-board alternating current to direct current converter  314  and the transceiver  318 . For example, the processing apparatus  316  may be configured to select modulation waveforms for gate terminals of switches of a rectifier of the on-board alternating current to direct current converter  314  to enable and control the flow of electric power through the on-board alternating current to direct current converter  314 . For example, the processing apparatus  316  may be configured to control the transceiver  318  to send/receive data to/from a processing apparatus (e.g., an electrical vehicle service equipment (EVSE)) of a charger (e.g., the charger  210  or the charger  252 ) connected to the charging plug interface  330 . 
     The vehicle  310  includes a transceiver  318  connected to one or more conductors  336  of the charging plug interface  330 . For example, the transceiver  318  may enable communications over the one or more conductors  336  using a standard compliant signaling protocol (e.g., a vehicle to grid protocol, such as ISO/IEC 15118-series). In some implementations, the one or more conductors  336  are separate conductors, distinct from the first pair of conductors  332  and the second pair of conductors  334 . In some implementations, the transceiver  318  implements a broadband over power line communication protocol (e.g., compliant with the IEEE 1901 standard) and the one or more conductors  336  are one or more of the second pair of conductors  334 , i.e., conductors are reused for both power transfer and communications between a charger and the vehicle  310 . 
     The vehicle  310  includes a charging plug interface  330  including a first pair of conductors  332  connected to alternating current terminals of the on-board alternating current to direct current converter  314  and a second pair of conductors  334  connected to terminals of the battery  312 . The charging plug interface  330  may be used to connect to a charger at a corresponding charging plug interface of the charger (e.g., the charging plug interface  220  of  FIGS.  2 A-C ). For example, the charging plug interface  330  may conform to a standard, such as the J1772 standard for electric vehicle connectors. 
     The processing apparatus  316  may be configured to communicate with a processing apparatus (e.g., the processing apparatus  216 ) of an external/off-board charger (e.g., the charger  210 ) when the vehicle  310  is connected to the charger and facilitate charging of the battery  312 . In this example, the processing apparatus  316  communicates with the processing apparatus of a charger via wired communications over the one or more conductors  336  of the charging plug interface  330 . The processing apparatus  316  may be configured to transmit one or more control signals to invoke charging of the battery  312  via direct current flowing through the second pair of conductors  334  concurrent with charging of the battery  312  via alternating current flowing through the first pair of conductors  332  to power the on-board alternating current to direct current converter  314 . In some implementations, charging of the battery  312  via the first pair of conductors  332  is performed using a current control mode and charging of the battery  312  via the second pair of conductors  334  is performed using a current control mode. In some implementations, charging of the battery  312  via the first pair of conductors  332  is performed using a voltage control mode and charging of the battery  312  via the second pair of conductors  334  is performed using a current control mode. In some implementations, charging of the battery  312  via the first pair of conductors  332  is performed using a current control mode and charging of the battery  312  via the second pair of conductors  334  is performed using a voltage control mode. For example, the processing apparatus  316  may be configured to transmit the one or more control signals using the transceiver  318 . In some implementations, the rate at which energy is transferred from a charger the vehicle  310  may be dynamically adjusted based on charging parameters (e.g. a time limit) received through a user interface, as described in relation to the process  700  of  FIG.  7   . 
       FIG.  4    is a flow chart of an example of a process  400  for charging a vehicle battery using an external charger. The process  400  includes connecting  410  a vehicle to a charger using a charging plug interface that includes a first pair of conductors connected to alternating current terminals of an on-board alternating current-to-direct current converter of the vehicle and a second pair of conductors connected to terminals of a battery of the vehicle; and charging  420  the battery of the vehicle via direct current flowing through the second pair of conductors concurrent with charging of the battery via alternating current flowing through the first pair of conductors to power the on-board alternating current to direct current converter. For example, the process  400  may be implemented using the system  100  of  FIG.  1   . For example, the process  400  may be implemented using the system  200  of  FIG.  2 A  with the vehicle  310  of  FIG.  3   . For example, the process  400  may be implemented using the system  250  of  FIG.  2 B  with the vehicle  310  of  FIG.  3   . For example, the process  400  may be implemented using the system  280  of  FIG.  2 C  with the vehicle  310  of  FIG.  3   . 
     The process  400  includes connecting  410  a vehicle (e.g., the vehicle  110  or the vehicle  310 ) to a charger (e.g., the charger  120 , the charger  210 , or the charger  252 ) using a charging plug interface (e.g., the charging plug interface  220 ) that includes a first pair of conductors connected to alternating current terminals of an on-board alternating current-to-direct current converter (e.g., the on-board alternating current-to-direct current converter  314 ) of the vehicle and a second pair of conductors connected to terminals of a battery (e.g., the battery  312 ) of the vehicle. For example, the vehicle may be positioned (e.g., parked) near the charger, and then a charging plug interface of the charger may be connected  410  to a charging plug interface of the vehicle. A mechanical connection between the two charging plug interfaces may form electrical connections between corresponding conductors of the two charging plug interfaces, including the first pair of conductors and the second pair of conductors. Connecting  410  the vehicle to the charger may cause communications between processing apparatus of the vehicle (e.g., a battery management system) and a processing apparatus of the charger (e.g., an EVSE) to be initiated. 
     The process  400  includes charging  420  the battery of the vehicle via direct current flowing through the second pair of conductors concurrent with charging  420  of the battery via alternating current flowing through the first pair of conductors to power the on-board alternating current to direct current converter. In some implementations, charging  420  of the battery via the first pair of conductors is performed using a current control mode and charging  420  of the battery via the second pair of conductors is performed using a current control mode. In some implementations, charging  420  of the battery via the first pair of conductors is performed using a voltage control mode and charging  420  of the battery via the second pair of conductors is performed using a current control mode. In some implementations, charging  420  of the battery via the first pair of conductors is performed using a current control mode and charging  420  of the battery via the second pair of conductors is performed using a voltage control mode. The charger may provide power from a variety of sources through the conductors of the charging plug interfaces to charge the battery of the vehicle. For example, the process  500  of  FIG.  5    may be implemented to charge  420  the battery. 
     In some circumstances, such as a power outage, it may be desirable to reverse the flow of power through the charger to draw power from the battery of the vehicle for other uses (e.g., to power appliances in a home). For this purpose, the charger may include one or more power converters that are bidirectional. For example, the process  600  of  FIG.  6    may be implemented to reverse the flow of power through the charger and draw power from the battery of the vehicle. 
       FIG.  5    is a flow chart of an example of a process  500  for charging a vehicle battery using a variety of power sources coordinated by an external charger. Various sources of electrical power may be converted to direct current and supplied to the vehicle via a pair of conductors of a charging plug interface that are used carry direct current (e.g., the second pair of conductors  224  and the second pair of conductors  334 ). The process  500  includes selecting  510  one or more alternating current to direct current converters from among multiple alternating current to direct current converters of the charger; charging  520  the battery of the vehicle using the selected one or more alternating current to direct current converters; charging  530  the battery of the vehicle from a charger battery; and charging  540  the battery of the vehicle from a solar cell. The charging steps ( 520 ,  530 , and  540 ) of the process  500  may be performed concurrently or in a variety of serialized orders. For example, the vehicle battery may be charged ( 530 ,  540 ) from the charger battery and the solar cell concurrently to start, and, after the charging battery becomes depleted, the vehicle battery may be charged ( 520 ,  540 ) using the selected one or more alternating current to direct current converters battery and the solar cell concurrently. In some implementations, steps of the process  500  may be omitted where corresponding components of the charger are not available. For example, the process  400  may be implemented using the system  200  of  FIG.  2 A  with the vehicle  310  of  FIG.  3   . For example, the process  400  may be implemented using the system  250  of  FIG.  2 B  with the vehicle  310  of  FIG.  3   . For example, the process  400  may be implemented using the system  280  of  FIG.  2 C  with the vehicle  310  of  FIG.  3   . 
     The process  500  includes selecting  510  one or more alternating current to direct current converters from among multiple alternating current to direct current converters of the charger (e.g., the first alternating current to direct current converter  212  and the additional alternating current to direct current converters  270 ). For example, the alternating current to direct current converters may be selected  510  based on one or more control signals received from a vehicle, which may specify current level for charging or other charging parameters. In some implementations, charging parameters may be entered through a user interface of the charger or the vehicle, and the one or more alternating current to direct current converters may be selected  510  based on the charging parameters (e.g., a time limit for charging or a maximum current level). For example, the process  700  of  FIG.  7    may be implemented to determine the charging parameters. 
     The selected  510  one or more alternating current to direct current converters are activated to charge  520  the battery of the vehicle via direct current flowing through the second pair of conductors. By selectively activating alternating current to direct current converters, the power level output by the charger may be adapted to charge the battery of the vehicle in modes suited to different charging scenarios. 
     The process  500  includes charging  530  the battery (e.g., the battery  312 ) of the vehicle from a charger battery (e.g., the charger battery  230 ) via direct current flowing from a direct current to direct current converter (e.g., the direct current to direct current converter  232 ) through the second pair of conductors (e.g., DC conductors). High power levels may be drawn from the charger battery to charge the battery of the vehicle significantly faster than it could be charged using power drawn from a power grid through a circuit breaker panel (e.g., the circuit breaker panel  240 ), which may limit current draw from the power grid. In some cases, the charger battery can be charged efficiently at opportune times between chargings of the battery of the vehicle to improve the energy efficiency of the overall system. 
     The process  500  includes charging  540  the battery of the vehicle from a solar cell via direct current flowing from a direct current to direct current converter through the second pair of conductors. The solar cell can provide another source of clean and economic energy for charging the vehicle battery. In some implementations, the solar cell can also be used to charge the charger battery from the solar cell. 
       FIG.  6    is a flow chart of an example of a process  600  for powering an external system from a vehicle battery via an external charger. The process  600  includes receiving  610  a command; and, responsive to the command, drawing  620  power from a battery (e.g., the battery  312 ) of a vehicle via the second pair of conductors and a bidirectional alternating current to direct current converter of the charger. For example, the command may be received  610  via a user interface of the vehicle or the external charger. The command may indicate that power should be drawn from the vehicle battery. For example, power may be drawn from the battery of the vehicle to power appliances of a home attached to the external charger during a power outage of a power grid. For example, power may be drawn from the battery of the vehicle to supply power to a power grid at opportune times when it is need elsewhere. For example, the process  600  may be implemented using the system  100  of  FIG.  1   . For example, the process  600  may be implemented using the system  200  of  FIG.  2 A  with the vehicle  310  of  FIG.  3   . For example, the process  600  may be implemented using the system  250  of  FIG.  2 B  with the vehicle  310  of  FIG.  3   . For example, the process  600  may be implemented using the system  280  of  FIG.  2 C  with the vehicle  310  of  FIG.  3   . 
       FIG.  7    is a flow chart of an example of a process  700  for providing a user interface to enable user control of a charging process for a vehicle battery. The process  700  includes presenting  710  a user interface; receiving  720  one or more charge parameters via the user interface; and adjusting  730  current flow on conductors of a charging plug interface during charging based on the one or more charge parameters. For example, the process  700  may be implemented using the system  100  of  FIG.  1   . For example, the process  700  may be implemented using the system  200  of  FIG.  2 A  with the vehicle  310  of  FIG.  3   . For example, the process  700  may be implemented using the system  250  of  FIG.  2 B  with the vehicle  310  of  FIG.  3   . For example, the process  700  may be implemented using the system  280  of  FIG.  2 C  with the vehicle  310  of  FIG.  3   . 
     The process  700  includes presenting  710  a user interface. For example, the user interface may be a graphical user interface that has fields or icons for entering or selecting charge parameters, such as a time limit for a charge operation, a charging mode, a current limit, and/or a power source type (e.g., grid and/or solar cell). For example, the user interface may be presented  710  by transmitting data encoding the user interface to user computing device (e.g., a smartphone or a tablet) that a user can use to view and interact with the user interface. For example, the user interface may be presented  710  by displaying the user interface in a display of the charger or a display of the vehicle. 
     The process  700  includes receiving  720  one or more charge parameters via the user interface. For example, a user may input the one or more charging parameters by interacting with (e.g., selecting icons or entering text) the user interface. For example, the one or more charge parameters may be received  720  by receiving data encoding the one or more charge parameters from a user computing device (e.g., a smartphone or a tablet) that a user used to view and interact with the user interface. For example, the one or more charge parameters may be received  720  by receiving data from an input device (e.g., a touchscreen) of the charger or an input device of the vehicle. 
     The process  700  includes adjusting  730  current flow on the second pair of conductors (e.g., the second pair of conductors  224 ) during charging based on the one or more charge parameters. For example, adjusting  730  the current flow may include selecting among multiple alternating current to direct current converters. For example, adjusting  730  the current flow may include selecting or modifying modulation waveforms for gate terminal of switches of an alternating current to direct current converter (e.g., the first alternating current to direct current converter  212 ). For example, adjusting  730  the current flow may include selecting or modifying modulation waveforms for gate terminal of switches of a direct current to direct current converter coupling a charger battery (e.g., the charger battery  230 ) to the second pair of conductors. For example, adjusting  730  the current flow may include selecting or modifying modulation waveforms for gate terminal of switches of a direct current to direct current converter (e.g., the a direct current to direct current converter  232 ) coupling a solar cell (e.g., the solar cell  260 ) to the second pair of conductors. 
     As described above, one aspect of the present technology is the gathering and use of data available from various sources to improve a user experience and provide convenience. The present disclosure contemplates that in some instances, this gathered data may include personal information data that uniquely identifies or can be used to contact or locate a specific person. Such personal information data can include demographic data, location-based data, telephone numbers, email addresses, twitter ID&#39;s, home addresses, data or records relating to a user&#39;s health or level of fitness (e.g., vital signs measurements, medication information, exercise information), date of birth, or any other identifying or personal information. 
     The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information data, in the present technology, can be used to the benefit of users. For example, the personal information data can be used to better time the charging of a charger battery to be ready for the return of a vehicle for charging or automatically select charging parameters based on usage patterns. Thus, the use of some limited personal information may enhance a user experience. Further, other uses for personal information data that benefit the user are also contemplated by the present disclosure. 
     The present disclosure contemplates that the entities responsible for the collection, analysis, disclosure, transfer, storage, or other use of such personal information data will comply with well-established privacy policies and/or privacy practices. In particular, such entities should implement and consistently use privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining personal information data private and secure. Such policies should be easily accessible by users, and should be updated as the collection and/or use of data changes. Personal information from users should be collected for legitimate and reasonable uses of the entity and not shared or sold outside of those legitimate uses. Further, such collection/sharing should occur after receiving the informed consent of the users. Additionally, such entities should consider taking any needed steps for safeguarding and securing access to such personal information data and ensuring that others with access to the personal information data adhere to their privacy policies and procedures. Further, such entities can subject themselves to evaluation by third parties to certify their adherence to widely accepted privacy policies and practices. In addition, policies and practices should be adapted for the particular types of personal information data being collected and/or accessed and adapted to applicable laws and standards, including jurisdiction-specific considerations. For instance, in the US, collection of or access to certain health data may be governed by federal and/or state laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); whereas health data in other countries may be subject to other regulations and policies and should be handled accordingly. Hence different privacy practices should be maintained for different personal data types in each country. 
     Despite the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which users selectively block the use of, or access to, personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates that hardware and/or software elements can be provided to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, in the case of vehicle charging services, the present technology can be configured to allow users to select to “opt in” or “opt out” of participation in the collection of personal information data during registration for services or anytime thereafter. In another example, users can select not to provide power usage data. In addition to providing “opt in” and “opt out” options, the present disclosure contemplates providing notifications relating to the access or use of personal information. For instance, a user may be notified upon downloading an app that their personal information data will be accessed and then reminded again just before personal information data is accessed by the app. 
     Moreover, it is the intent of the present disclosure that personal information data should be managed and handled in a way to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Risk can be minimized by limiting the collection of data and deleting data once it is no longer needed. In addition, and when applicable, including in certain health related applications, data de-identification can be used to protect a user&#39;s privacy. De-identification may be facilitated, when appropriate, by removing specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of data stored (e.g., collecting location data a city level rather than at an address level), controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data across users), and/or other methods. 
     Therefore, although the present disclosure broadly covers use of personal information data to implement one or more various disclosed embodiments, the present disclosure also contemplates that the various embodiments can also be implemented without the need for accessing such personal information data. That is, the various embodiments of the present technology are not rendered inoperable due to the lack of all or a portion of such personal information data. For example, vehicle charging parameters can be determined by inferring preferences based on non-personal information data or a bare minimum amount of personal information, such as averages of past usage data, other non-personal information available to the vehicle charging service, or publicly available information.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20220307
Publication Date: 20240917
Grant Date: 20240917
Priority Date: 20200630
Inventors: ALVES, Jeffrey M.
AUGENBERGS, PETERIS K.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "Y02T10/70", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y02T10/7072", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60L53/16", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J2207/20", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60L53/305", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60L53/51", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60L50/64", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60L2210/30", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60L53/22", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0045", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/35", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y02T90/16", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y02T10/72", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60L2210/40", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60L53/53", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60L53/51", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60L2210/30", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60L53/67", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60L53/14", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60L53/11", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/342", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J2310/48", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J2207/40", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J2207/20", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60L53/62", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/35", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J2207/20", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60L2210/30", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/35", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0045", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60L53/51", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60L53/305", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60L53/22", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60L53/16", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60L50/64", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60L53/62", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 79032342