A major player in the EVSE market has kindly consented to provide some technical training for the electrical installation tutors at a training centre where I often tutor part-time. I imagine it is not entirely motivated by altruistic considerations but at least it gives an opportunity for the tutors and myself to get some kind of grasp on the various products on offer and where this particular manufacturer sees the direction of travel for EVSE. I am already aware that the company is moving away from products that rely on the installation of earth electrodes in PME situations and are placing considerable focus on load management. Is there any particular question that you would ask them given the opportunity?
Load management? Why, that is the question. Are they expecting EV charging to be restricted? Why should the consumer pay for this?
I could hazard a few guesses...
Initially load management would be very useful where you want to offer more charge points than your supply could support without diversity and drivers aren't in a particular hurry - workplace car parks for instance. Without some controls there would be a major demand when everyone arrives (around 0900 say) and tail off as cars become fully charged - so by mid afternoon the demand would have dropped to almost nil. Load management would allow the demand to be spread more evenly over the day - saving on distribution infrastructure and making better use of generation capacity.
Longer term I foresee charge points interfacing with smart meters - to pick the cheapest time (& rate) to charge while being careful not to overload the overall supply.
Load management? Why, that is the question. Are they expecting EV charging to be restricted? Why should the consumer pay for this?
I could hazard a few guesses...
Initially load management would be very useful where you want to offer more charge points than your supply could support without diversity and drivers aren't in a particular hurry - workplace car parks for instance. Without some controls there would be a major demand when everyone arrives (around 0900 say) and tail off as cars become fully charged - so by mid afternoon the demand would have dropped to almost nil. Load management would allow the demand to be spread more evenly over the day - saving on distribution infrastructure and making better use of generation capacity.
Longer term I foresee charge points interfacing with smart meters - to pick the cheapest time (& rate) to charge while being careful not to overload the overall supply.
