Without effective demand management strategies, a rapid influx of new electric vehicles could threaten the stability of Australia’s electricity grid.
As the energy sector powers towards a renewable future, consumers are eager to play their part in the transition, and the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is accelerating at an incredible pace.
To facilitate this rapid uptake in EVs the National Construction Code (NCC) 2022 requires a dedicated electric vehicle distribution board (EV DB) to be incorporated into new buildings, and a certain percentage of parking spaces in new developments and in significant renovations must be equipped with EV charging points.
A dedicated EV distribution board is designed to handle the unique electrical demands of multiple EV chargers simultaneously. It ensures a seamless charging experience for EV users while preventing overloads and electrical hazards.
Stress-free charging
Strategic control of electricity demand to prevent grid overloads and supply issues is paramount. Load management ensures that EVs can be charged efficiently without putting undue stress on the grid. New buildings and renovations should employ these strategies such as smart charging and demand response technologies to stagger the charging times of multiple EVs. Doing so avoids demand spikes, maximises the utilisation of renewable energy and minimises the cost of charging.
NHP has developed EnergySync, a cutting-edge load management system that can be easily fitted to an EV DB. There are three modes of EV charging:
The EV is directly connected to a standard household socket. This is the simplest charging method, often referred to as ‘trickle charging’. It has a maximum current of 10–16A and voltage up to 240V and provides about 8km of range per hour of charging.
This method addresses safety concerns related to using standard household sockets. It uses a dedicated charging unit, typically installed at home or in public locations, with a maximum current of 32A and voltage up to 240V (single-phase) or 415V (three-phase). These chargers can provide 19 to 129km of range per hour of charging.
DC Fast Charging, employs several control and protection functions for public safety. It delivers DC current directly to the EV battery, bypassing the on-board charger. These chargers can provide a rapid charge, typically reaching up to 80 per cent in just 20–30 minutes, with power levels ranging from 25kW to 350kW.
The best choice of charger depends on factors like convenience, safety and speed, so understanding these modes helps optimise the EV charging experience.
As the demand for EV infrastructure soars in Australia, the utility sector is in a pivotal position to drive change. To help utilities take advantage of this opportunity, NHP has partnered with Delta – one of the world’s largest EV charger manufacturers – to bring a range of high-quality products to the local market that are suitable for most applications in most industries.
NHP offers a range of Delta EV chargers from the basic 7kW AC to the 350kW ultra-fast charging option. The company’s team of dedicated engineers have also developed in-house solutions to meet local changing EV infrastructure needs, including EV readiness site assessment services and NCC compliant EV DBs, which can incorporate NHP’s new cutting-edge load management system, EnergySync.
For more information, visit nhp.com.au/EV
