Pod Point Twin Charger

Dual Type 2-socketed twin charger.

Users begin charging by plugging in and using the Pod Point App to authenticate the charge. For safety, power is only supplied to compatible connectors.

Features and benefits:

• Each charging socket is protected by a hinged flap.
• The charge point has a number of parametric values for power output and number of phases.
• Anti-graffiti paint finish.
• GPRS communications ready. Designed to communicate with Pod Point network (Data contract for in-built SIM card required).
• Pay-as-you-go compatible.
• Compatible with the Mode 3 charging standard.
• Type A/ B RCD protection to be fitted at source.
• CE marked

The charging stations operate automatically and independently with a dedicated protective device mounted in the control and data panel.

They measure and record the following:

• Energy provided.
• Time of connection (plug in), start of energy flow, end of energy flow and disconnection (un-plugging).

The charging stations individually adjust their behaviour according to commands received from and via the control and data cabinet, for example:

• Functions to limit access to those authorized.
• Functions to limit current in times of high local, regional or national demand.
• A function to prevent charging for safety reasons.
• A function to report on, investigate and rectify faults.

They revert to a basic mode to protect the local supply in the event of a failure within the control and data cabinet.

The charging station activates automatically on the insertion of an EV charging cable and will then pause after 15 minutes if no user payment has been authorised. Authorization is via the Pod Point smartphone app or via the Pod Point web service. The smart phone app and web service will also provide detailed charging information to the end user.

The control and data cabinets are supplied via an appropriate LV switchboard near to the location of the recharging system. The supply shall be via XLPE/SWA/LSF armoured cabling sized by the installer to be adequate for the current and any future planned charging points. Each cabinet shall administer 36 charging points and can connect to other cabinets to allow larger installations to be installed, particularly in the event of future increases in the size of the system required.

The cabinets are factory tested and CE marked. The charging point is supplied through a dedicated RCBO. Each charging point will be provided with a communication termination in the cabinet to allow commands to be issued to the charging points.

The cabinet also has provision for the installation of a private WI-FI system to be used as a second method of communication between the control cabinet and the charging points.

In large developments the prospect of providing a sufficient electrical supply for unrestricted EV charging is untenable, especially when coupled with likely site peak demand. As a result the car charging points and control system shall be able to control load within defined limits. The system shall fail passively to a low risk state in the event that the energy management system becomes inoperative.

The system will allow three energy management methods to be configured:

• A hard limit.
• A time of day/ day of week profile.
• A floating profile based on other loads.

The energy management system will provide permission to individual chargers to provide accelerated charging depending on the overall status of a combination of:

• The EV charging currently underway.
• The available capacity.
• Time of day tariffs for energy.
• Service delivery requirements.

On installation and commissioning a number of hardwired settings are configured and including links to all the relevant external data sources (such as incoming supply clamps, etc). The settings can be adjusted via the Pod Point Management Information System (MIS). Additionally the MIS allows for the management of payment tariffs.