DS-OCT24-PG27+28_Layout 1 14/10/2024 11:41 Page 1
ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS
FEATURE
ELECTRICAL SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS FOR E-MOBILITY
Considering key aspects
at the design stage will lead to the development of safe and efficient, reliable and user-friendly, DC charging stations, as Ian Holland,
managing director at DOLD Industries, explains
becomes increasingly critical. However, designing DC charging stations for e-mobility vehicles requires more than just fast and efficient energy transfer – it demands a comprehensive approach to electrical safety to protect both equipment and users. By focusing on essential safety considerations – such as reliable insulation monitoring, fuse management and safe system shutdown procedures – designers can create charging stations that are not only efficient but also secure and dependable. This approach
A
s the demand for electric vehicles (EVs) continues to surge, the need for a robust and reliable charging infrastructure
contributes to a safer, more resilient, EV charging network capable of meeting the challenges of a rapidly evolving transportation landscape.
1. INSULATION MONITORING IN DC CHARGING STATIONS Insulation monitoring is a critical safety feature in DC charging stations. It is essential for preventing electrical faults like short circuits or ground faults that could lead to hazardous situations. Given the high voltages involved in DC charging, reliable insulation monitoring ensures that any decline in insulation integrity is quickly detected and addressed, preventing equipment failure and reducing safety risks.
Incorporating insulation monitoring devices (IMDs), such as Dold’s Varimeter range, is essential for ensuring high safety standards. These devices are highly sensitive and capable of detecting even minimal drops in insulation resistance, continuously assessing the condition of the insulation to identify potential issues early. The system should be designed to trigger alarms and initiate safety protocols, such as shutting down the charging process if insulation resistance falls below a safe threshold. It is also vital to integrate insulation
monitoring into the overall safety system, extending from the charging station to the vehicle. This system should work seamlessly with other protective measures, such as overcurrent protection and grounding, to create a comprehensive safety framework. Additionally, IMDs must comply with relevant standards, such as IEC/EN 61557-8 and IEC/EN 61851-23 to ensure their effectiveness and reliability under real-world conditions.
Insulation monitoring devices in an EV charger
2. INSULATION MONITORING FOR DC CHARGING STATIONS WITH EXTENDED TEMPERATURE RANGE DC charging stations are often installed in extreme environments, ranging from scorching deserts (+70˚C) to freezing tundras (-40˚C), which poses challenges for IMDs. These devices must remain reliable across a wide temperature range, as temperature extremes can compromise insulation materials. Therefore, it is crucial to select insulation materials and monitoring systems that are designed specifically for extended temperature ranges. Components must withstand both high and low
OCTOBER 2024 DESIGN SOLUTIONS 27
> 28
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60
