The new RADAR presence detection sensor (60GHz) for monitoring and verifying the occupancy status of charging bays: IDR-2050
The technological solution against the improper occupation of bays in front of charging stations: anonymous monitoring, privacy compliance, energy savings, in any weather condition!
Nowadays, one of the factors – often underestimated – that hinders the use of public electric charging stations is the improper occupation of charging bays – as clearly confirmed by the Smart Mobility Report 2022 by the Politecnico di Milano [1]. Especially in a scenario such as the Italian one, marked by “prolonged” parking times, the certainty of finding a free bay becomes a fundamental condition for the spread and use of public charging points.
The legislative debate is ongoing, but concrete and easily implementable solutions are urgently needed.
To meet this need, CONSYSTEM presents an absolute novelty for the world of e-mobility: the 60GHz IDR-2050 RADAR sensor.
The IDR-2050 is a high-performance short-range RADAR presence detection sensor developed for monitoring and verifying the occupancy status of charging bays.
It is the latest product released by InnoSent, a German company that is a leader in the RADAR sector with more than twenty years of experience in the field.
[1] 59% of respondents in the “Smart Mobility Report 2022” survey cited, among the factors discouraging the use of public charging, the frequency with which they come across a bay already occupied by another vehicle (source: E-ricarica – March 2023).
Technical features of the RADAR sensor
This is an FMCW sensor (Frequency-Modulated Continuous Wave Radar) capable of detecting presence, distance, speed and direction of stationary or “slow-moving” targets (up to 50km/h), within a range of 0-10m and with a distance measurement accuracy of ± 5mm. In addition, the device is also able to provide a signal estimate of the detected targets in order to classify the target itself (vehicle, person, other).
The IDR-2050 is characterized by a narrow 6°x6° angle, which results in focused monitoring free from any interference.
Another feature of the IDR-2050 is its compact size (43.5×43.5×27.3mm) which, combined with the sensor’s flat and optimized design, makes it easier to integrate into charging station systems/housings (including existing ones).
The device offers various filter and configuration options for individual adjustments (for example, the operating range). Once set, these filters make it possible to ignore “non-significant” detections and thus refine the information transmitted.
The integrated UART interface allows the RADAR to transmit a list of output targets. Using an evaluation kit, the sensor can be connected directly to a PC via an FTDI cable for initial configuration, enabling quick setup. The sensor’s output can be configured by the user, for example by limiting the range or filtering results based on signal strength. The graphical interface provided by InnoSenT, together with integrated signal processing, simplifies product commissioning and minimizes the development work required to integrate the sensor.
As a further feature, underlining the German company’s commitment to the environment, the IDR-2050 has an energy-saving function, making it a genuine “green” solution.
The device is approved for use in Europe and the United States in compliance with ETSI and FCC requirements.
Advantages and benefits of the IDR-2050
- The RADAR can be easily integrated into public charging stations thanks to its size and UART interface.
- It ensures accurate and reliable monitoring (interference-free) even in adverse weather conditions (rain, fog, etc.).
- It can identify both the approach of vehicles and their presence in the area of interest, flagging the improper occupation of bays.
- It allows power-up or standby signals to be sent to the charging station, enabling energy savings (e.g. display).
In practical terms, the RADAR sensor can:
- Detect an approaching vehicle and provide an activation/power-up signal to the charging station (e.g. display lighting), enabling energy savings;
- Allow verification of improper bay occupation;
- Once charging is complete, if the vehicle is still occupying the bay, signal the anomaly status;
- When the vehicle leaves the charging area, provide a standby signal.
Where to find the RADAR for monitoring charging bays
InnoSenT’s IDR-2050 is distributed in Italy by CONSYSTEM, which, thanks to its twenty-year partnership with the German manufacturer and the technical expertise of its specialists dedicated to the RADAR world, supports customers from design-in through to after-sales assistance.