Smart charging stations energy metering and security

Expert insights

Mariusz Staniak is a technical and commercial specialist at Dacpol.

The shifting trends in the automotive industry are driving the need for an expanded charging infrastructure for electric vehicles (EVs). With a growing number of drivers opting for electric cars, the demand for charging points is increasing as well. While home charging through photovoltaic installations is economically attractive, the success of EV electrification also hinges on the development of public charging networks. High-power DC chargers are being installed in places like parking lots, hotels, and malls, as they offer faster charging times compared to home chargers, allowing for a full battery charge in under an hour.

Building and maintaining charging infrastructure is a costly endeavor, leading to the necessity of charging fees for EV owners. Ensuring precise measurement of DC electricity consumption is crucial to ensure fairness. This entails factoring in various considerations, such as losses incurred during electricity transmission and processing, which should not be included in the customer’s bill.

To address this challenge, DC meters utilizing the Hall effect for measurement have been introduced. These meters offer accurate and lossless measurement of voltage and current, enabling reliable assessment of the electricity consumed during the charging process. One such example is the LEM DCBM series, which not only measures and records real-time data but also facilitates immediate data transfer via Ethernet. By allowing rate input per kWh, these meters enable real-time fee calculations for station users.

It’s important to note that EV chargers operate with high DC voltages, which can pose risks to safety. To ensure the safety of users, a range of standards has been established to regulate matters related to electric shock safety, and all products in the market must adhere to these standards.

Charging stations for electric vehicles incorporate robust safety systems, ranging from meticulous design and proper insulation to continuous monitoring of station insulation and analysis of circuit insulation within connected vehicles.

A prime example of an advanced safety monitoring system is the TRAFOX insulation monitoring relays. These devices provide ongoing monitoring of circuit capacitance and insulation resistance. The precision and sensitivity of their measurements are so high that they can detect even gradual decreases in resistance, triggering an alert signal. Furthermore, if the insulation value surpasses the safe limit, the insulation monitoring relay signals a complete disconnection of the station from the power source. This monitoring extends to the connected vehicle as well. Should any insulation issues arise, TRAFOX prevents the charging process from commencing, thereby safeguarding both the user and the vehicle.

In essence, electric vehicle chargers adhere to stringent standards regarding precise electricity measurement and user/equipment safety. By integrating cutting-edge measuring tools like LEM (DCBM) meters or TRAFOX insulation monitoring relays, these requirements are met, ensuring an efficient, secure, and swift charging experience.

DACPOL

For over three decades, DACPOL has been specializing in providing comprehensive solutions for subassemblies and devices across three core sectors: POWER ELECTRONICS, POWER INDUSTRY, and AUTOMATION. As representatives of over 300 leading manufacturers, we excel not only in technical and commercial activities but also in consulting, servicing, and production.

Through active involvement in the energy sector’s transformation, we’ve expanded our offerings to include a range of components for constructing energy storage facilities and charging stations. This encompasses DC electricity meters, DC contactors, DC fuses, battery cells, photovoltaic panels, and various other essentials.

Our unwavering commitment to growth is bolstered by expanded warehouse space and streamlined logistics processes. In our pursuit of customer satisfaction, we implemented a Quality Management System in 2007, which adheres to the PN-EN ISO 9001:2015-10 standard. Over the years, we’ve continuously refined and improved this system to meet and exceed evolving quality expectations.

Mariusz Staniak

Technical and commercial specialist at Dacpol.