Multi-residential and commercial EV charging solutions

Uptake of electric vehicles (EVs) is likely to increase in the future. For most people charging at home or at work is the most convenient way to recharge their vehicles. This poses a challenge to existing infrastructure is left unmanaged. Even with very few EV’s in a building, the impact on electrical infrastructure and utility costs can be quite substantial.

The peak power period coincides with people getting home after work. Without consideration for this, the peak demand will increase tremendously with unmanaged EV charging. Even only a handful of cars can overload the circuit and cause unwanted tripping. This coupled with the energy costs which will be covered by the Owners Corporation, mean that action needs to be taken to ensure reliable and fair use of power is available for all.

Key Considerations for a Building

Local Building Infrastructure

  • Energy used by electric vehicles is paid for by the Owners Corporation if left unmanaged
  • Limited capacity in existing switchboards restricts how many chargers can be installed
  • Overall site electricity maximum demand is limited and exceeding it will incur additional utility costs
  • No standard to roll out chargers across a site, making each charger installation a complex process.

Electricity Grid

  • Lack of optimal scheduling and controlled charging and management strategies.
  • Impact of uncoordinated and uncontrolled charging on power system security and stability.
  • Power quality, under-utilisation of grid capacity at non-peak times, increase in network power losses and operating costs.
  • Convenience of EV charging as well as installation/connection costs, and regulatory hurdles for both electrical connection and planning approvals for installation of grid-interactive public infrastructure and additional generation capacity.

The Chargebay solution offers:

System Feasibility and Design

We can provide a comprehensive site audit and propose the optimal solution for rolling out EV charging moving forward.

By designing a suitable foundation for the building, we can ensure capital costs are kept to a minimum and provide flexibility for residents to pay for chargers to be installed as needed. The critical shared assets will allow for future growth, and Chargebay will prepare the standards for which any future chargers will follow.

Key elements are:

  • Common look and feel of all chargers
  • Minimal shared costs
  • EV users pay their fair share

Dynamic Load Management

Dynamic Load Management managed the amount of power used for charging EVs based on spare energy capacity. This can be integrated with building loads and even rooftop solar systems.

Every property, requires a stable electrical power supply. Nobody wants a sudden blackout due to an overload of the power system.

Therefore, Load Management can be considered as a means of protection for the electrical system of the building with the EV charging system.

The benefits of Load Management in a Commercial property can be listed as:

  • Protecting the property’s electrical Infrastructure.
  • Eliminating the risk of overloading.
  • Ensuring efficient operation for all EV chargers within limited power sources.
  • Saving cost for upgrading electrical infrastructure.
  • Saving electricity bill.