When setting up a charging schedule for a site with multiple chargers, several important factors must be considered to ensure a stable and efficient charging experience. Here is an overview of the key considerations:
Limited Access to Charging Schedules
Only site owners can create and run charging schedules. This typically means that only one person has this access, even for large sites. A large site is defined as an Easee Charge site with more than three chargers.
Key Factors to Consider
- Number of Chargers on a Circuit and Circuit Breaker Size
- Circuit Load: The more chargers connected to a single circuit, the greater the load on that circuit.
- Circuit Breaker Capacity: The circuit breaker determines the maximum current that can be delivered. For example, if you have a 32A circuit breaker and four chargers on the same circuit, the total current must be distributed among the chargers. This means each charger will receive less current, potentially extending the charging time for each vehicle.
- Number of Vehicles Charging Simultaneously
- Current Distribution: When multiple vehicles charge simultaneously, the available current must be distributed among the vehicles. For instance, with a 32A circuit breaker and four chargers, if all four vehicles are charging at the same time, each vehicle will receive a quarter of the total current, i.e., 8A each. This can lead to longer charging times.
- Efficiency: In some cases, this may also result in some vehicles charging with only one phase instead of three, further affecting charging time and efficiency.
Optimization Tips
To ensure an optimal charging experience, consider the following measures:
- Plan Charging Times: Try to schedule charging times so that not all vehicles are charging simultaneously. This can be achieved by setting up a charging schedule that distributes charging over time.
- Upgrade the Electrical System: If possible, consider upgrading the electrical system to handle larger loads. This may involve installing more powerful circuit breakers or additional circuits.