Electric Vehicle Chargers (EVCs) infrastructure
The increasing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) has led to a surge in the installation of Electric Vehicle Chargers (EVCs) in various locations. However, connecting EVCs to an existing electrical infrastructure can be challenging due to the need for electrical switchgear modifications, load studies, voltage level, protection settings and cable calculations. In this blog, we will discuss the challenges and solutions that Apara Solutions may face when connecting EVCs to an old electrical infrastructure.
Electrical Switchgear Modifications
Switchgear plays a critical role in the safe and reliable operation of an electrical distribution system. When connecting EVCs to an existing electrical infrastructure, it is crucial to modify the switchgear to accommodate the new system. The switchgear must be able to handle the increased power demand and be able to switch between the grid and the EVCs seamlessly.
One of the biggest challenges is the age of the existing switchgear. Old switchgear may not have the “capacity” to handle the new power demands and may require modifications, extensions or replacement. Apara Solutions should conduct a thorough assessment of the existing switchgear and make necessary modifications or replacements to ensure a safe and reliable connection.
The Challenge of High Load
EVCs consume a significant amount of electrical power, and the charging process can result in a high load on the electrical system. Therefore, it is crucial to dimension the feeders appropriately to ensure that the power requirements of the EVCs can be met. Inadequate feeder dimensioning can result in the EVCs being connected to long and not charging.
Load studies are critical to understanding the electrical demand on the system. It is important to assess the load capacity of the existing electrical infrastructure and ensure that it can handle the additional load from the EVCs. Apara Solutions should conduct a load study to determine the peak load and the overall electrical demand on the system.
Voltage Level
The voltage level of the electrical system is another important factor to consider. The voltage level of the EVCs must match the voltage level of the existing electrical infrastructure. If the voltage levels are not matched, it can cause damage to the equipment and pose a safety risk.
Voltage Drop
Another critical factor to consider when dimensioning the feeder is voltage drop. Voltage drop occurs when the electrical resistance of the feeder results in a reduction in voltage. This can cause the charging power to be reduced, resulting in longer charging times and reduced efficiency.
Protection Settings
Protection settings play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and reliability of the electrical system. When connecting EVCs to an existing electrical infrastructure, it is important to ensure that the protection settings are correctly configured to prevent any damage to the equipment. Apara Solutions should review the existing protection settings and make necessary modifications to ensure that the system is safe and reliable.
Cable Calculations
Cable calculations are important to ensure that the cable size is adequate to handle the load demands of the system. Apara Solutions should conduct cable calculations to determine the correct cable size required to connect the EVCs to the existing electrical infrastructure.
Conclusion
Connecting EVCs to an old electrical infrastructure can be challenging, but with proper planning and assessment, it is possible to overcome these challenges. Electrical switchgear modifications, load studies, voltage level, protection settings and cable calculations are critical factors that must be considered to ensure a safe and reliable connection. Apara Solutions with their experienced electrical engineering team would assess the existing infrastructure and make necessary modifications to accommodate the new EVC system. By doing so, they can ensure a successful and sustainable EVC charging system that meets the growing demand for electric transportation.
Electrical Switchgear Modifications
Switchgear plays a critical role in the safe and reliable operation of an electrical distribution system. When connecting EVCs to an existing electrical infrastructure, it is crucial to modify the switchgear to accommodate the new system. The switchgear must be able to handle the increased power demand and be able to switch between the grid and the EVCs seamlessly.
One of the biggest challenges is the age of the existing switchgear. Old switchgear may not have the “capacity” to handle the new power demands and may require modifications, extensions or replacement. Apara Solutions should conduct a thorough assessment of the existing switchgear and make necessary modifications or replacements to ensure a safe and reliable connection.
The Challenge of High Load
EVCs consume a significant amount of electrical power, and the charging process can result in a high load on the electrical system. Therefore, it is crucial to dimension the feeders appropriately to ensure that the power requirements of the EVCs can be met. Inadequate feeder dimensioning can result in the EVCs being connected to long and not charging.
Load studies are critical to understanding the electrical demand on the system. It is important to assess the load capacity of the existing electrical infrastructure and ensure that it can handle the additional load from the EVCs. Apara Solutions should conduct a load study to determine the peak load and the overall electrical demand on the system.
Voltage Level
The voltage level of the electrical system is another important factor to consider. The voltage level of the EVCs must match the voltage level of the existing electrical infrastructure. If the voltage levels are not matched, it can cause damage to the equipment and pose a safety risk.
Voltage Drop
Another critical factor to consider when dimensioning the feeder is voltage drop. Voltage drop occurs when the electrical resistance of the feeder results in a reduction in voltage. This can cause the charging power to be reduced, resulting in longer charging times and reduced efficiency.
Protection Settings
Protection settings play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and reliability of the electrical system. When connecting EVCs to an existing electrical infrastructure, it is important to ensure that the protection settings are correctly configured to prevent any damage to the equipment. Apara Solutions should review the existing protection settings and make necessary modifications to ensure that the system is safe and reliable.
Cable Calculations
Cable calculations are important to ensure that the cable size is adequate to handle the load demands of the system. Apara Solutions should conduct cable calculations to determine the correct cable size required to connect the EVCs to the existing electrical infrastructure.
Conclusion
Connecting EVCs to an old electrical infrastructure can be challenging, but with proper planning and assessment, it is possible to overcome these challenges. Electrical switchgear modifications, load studies, voltage level, protection settings and cable calculations are critical factors that must be considered to ensure a safe and reliable connection. Apara Solutions with their experienced electrical engineering team would assess the existing infrastructure and make necessary modifications to accommodate the new EVC system. By doing so, they can ensure a successful and sustainable EVC charging system that meets the growing demand for electric transportation.
Author
Adrian is experienced and self-motivated professional bringing forth over 25 years of experience, serving as an effective Researcher, Lead Engineer, Construction Supervisor, Project manager
Leave a comment