Integrated Dual Charge Module (IDCM)

DESCRIPTION 

Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC

The Integrated Dual Charge Module (IDCM) is a 7.2 kW power inverter comprised of two modules, the On Board Charging Module (OCBM) which receives power from the Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) or charging station and converts the High Voltage AC to a usable DC voltage. Another module that is incorporated into the IDCM is an Accessory Power Module (APM), it is used to charge the vehicles accessory battery, provide power to vehicle accessories. The component is made of aluminum and is fully insulated. Coolant is circulated through it as one of the components on the Power Electronics Cooling loop to remove the heat that it generates.

OPERATION 

When the EVSE is connected to the vehicle, the IDCM converts the incoming AC voltage to suitable DC battery voltage, then steps up the voltage level for proper charging. The IDCM regulates voltage and current flow to maintain proper State Of Charge (SOC) and State Of Health (SOH) of the HV and LV battery system.

The IDCM is a stand alone module that does not contain any serviceable parts inside but does have full diagnostic and programming capabilities through the vehicle Controller Area Network (CAN) bus network.

Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC

The vehicle is equipped with a Battery Charge Indicator (BCI) that illuminates when the EVSE is connected to the vehicle and provides a highly visible indication of the vehicle's battery charge level and charge progression. The BCI is divided into five segments, each segment represents a 20% portion of the SOC. Each segment will flash as the vehicle is charging in that specific segment, until all the lamps are illuminated and 100% charge is reached. All five segments will turn OFF 15 minutes after full charge has been achieved.

The BCI also provides diagnostic fault detection, this is done by flashing the center lamp at a specified rate. When a fault is present, the center lamp will flash until:

• The vehicle is unplugged
• The fault has been corrected or a duration of 24 hours has passed

The BCI also indicates managed or delayed charging status. Starting with the segment on the right side of the vehicle, each segment will flash sequentially in turn until all five segments have flashed. This sequence will repeat until:

• Charging enabled
• A fault is detected
• The vehicle is unplugged

Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC

LOCKING CHARGE PORT COUPLING 

Locking of the EVSE charge port coupling before energy transfer can take place is a regulatory requirement. When the EVSE charge port coupling is locked, the release button cannot be depressed.

The HV charging management system is responsible for commanding locking and unlocking of the charge port coupler. The lock request is initiated by the Hybrid Control Processor (HCP) located in the Power Inverter Module (PIM). HV battery charging will not take place until the HCP receives confirmation that the charge coupler is LOCKED.

When the HV charging management system determines that the following conditions are met, the HCP requests the Body Control Module (BCM) to lock the charge coupling:

• EVSE is plugged-in
• Hood is not ajar

Upon receiving the request from HCP to lock the charge coupling, the BCM will:

• Actuate the charge coupling lock actuator
• Report the status of the charge coupler as LOCKED

The Charge Port Indicator Module (CPIM), located at the charge inlet, provides a charging system indication to the customer by displaying one of three Light Emitting Diode (LED) colors (RED or GREEN or BLUE). Based on the charging status when the EVSE is plugged into the vehicle, the HV charging management system will command the appropriate LED:

• Red, Green and Blue - Initial vehicle plug in
• Green flashing - Active charging
• Blue flashing - Scheduled charge mode
• Green continuous - Charge complete
• Red continuous - Charging system fault

If all other conditions to enable charging are met, the HV charging management system will display charging indication on the BCI

A passenger door unlock request, initiated by the customer, will unlock the charge port coupling.