Voltec EVSE load shedding information

[J in MN]

I am desperately looking for information on the load shedding (off-peak control) features and control inputs (labelled with a square and a circle) of the Voltec 240 V EVSE. So far my calls to SPX customer service has resulted in nothing from the people who answer the phone and a transfer to a poor guy who supports SPX diagnostic tools and knew nothing about the EVSE. My e-mail has also gone unanswered.

Is there anybody that knows anything about this? Britta? SPX Support?

Thanks.

[PatsVolt]

The SPX EVSE is a simple device in that it has no external remote control capability. I just installed one here at my house. This device is for the protection of the charging system and user. It's internal smarts are limited to GFCI and over/under voltage sensing and controls power to the power connector to protect the user.

P

[?'smyvolt]

I am desperately looking for information on the load shedding (off-peak control) features and control inputs (labelled with a square and a circle) of the Voltec 240 V EVSE. So far my calls to SPX customer service has resulted in nothing from the people who answer the phone and a transfer to a poor guy who supports SPX diagnostic tools and knew nothing about the EVSE. My e-mail has also gone unanswered.

Is there anybody that knows anything about this? Britta? SPX Support?

Thanks.

Are you asking how to configure for recharging at off-peak hours?

#565

[J in MN]

Are you asking how to configure for recharging at off-peak hours?

#565

Yes. And whether the two control inputs behave similarly to the Clipper Creek models, i.e. one control input completely cuts off power during peak times, while the other one only reduces the maximum allowed current.

[scottf200]

Yes. And whether the two control inputs behave similarly to the Clipper Creek models, i.e. one control input completely cuts off power during peak times, while the other one only reduces the maximum allowed current.

I'm confused why you don't use what is in the Volt already. It seems pretty well thought out.

GM How To video"

http://link.brightcove.com/services/...d=699681055001

via:

http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread....8252#post48252

[WopOnTour]

Yes. And whether the two control inputs behave similarly to the Clipper Creek models, i.e. one control input completely cuts off power during peak times, while the other one only reduces the maximum allowed current.

What exact Clipper Creek models are you specifically comparing?
Clipper Creek markets both stand-alone "charging stations" as well as EVSEs (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment). You don't require a charging station for the Volt, intead you need an EVSE.EVSE's like those used by the Volt (and Leaf) are not really charging stations at all, merely a safe method to reliably connect 120 and 240VAC mains to the car. This is because the car's themselves are equipped with the charger hardware that is managed and controlled by on-board vehicle software. So you see on the Volt charging schedules (for maximizing off-peak avings) are controlled through various methods includin in-car control screens (see Scott's post above) , by using a smart phone app, or via internet using myvolt.com. Charging voltages and current follow a precise schedule that GM has designed to be most beneficial to extending battery life and charge the Volt at an average of 1.3 and 3.4kW (120V and 240V repectively).
Essentially it is voltage regulated initially, then become current regulating during the brunt of the charge cycle, tapering off to a precise cell voltage control at the end of of charging.

So there's really nothing that really needs to be controlled once you set your schedule.The only exception being if using the portable 120V charge cord on a houshold circuit that is already carrying other loads (such as a beer fridge in your garage for instance). In that event should the normal maximum setting (1.3kw) result in a 15A breaker releasing, you can reduce the current manually using switches directly on the 120V EVSE control panel in order to permit the Volt to charge. This will of course result in a longer charge times.

Hope this clear up the confusion.
WopOnTour

[J in MN]

I'm confused why you don't use what is in the Volt already. It seems pretty well thought out.

Because my utility has no guarantee that I will only charge during off-peak times, so I will have to pay the regular electricity rate.

In order to qualify for an off-peak rate, the load must be controlled by the utility. This is done with a load control receiver like this
http://www.cooperpowereas.com/Produc...nse/DR_LCR.cfm
It contains three relays, one 30 A 240 V relay that is already used for the water heater, and two 5 A 30 V relays that can be used for low voltage control such as A/C etc.

As I mentioned, the Clipper Creek CS model of EVSE's have two control inputs. You ground one of them through an external relay and it will shut off the contactor in the EVSE. You ground the other one, and it will change the control pilot signal to allow the car to draw only 1.4 kW.

Since the Voltec EVSE has two inputs that are labelled as "load shedding control connections" in the rather sparse documentation that is available, I am hoping that it works in the same way, but I need some confirmation / documentation.

The only other alternative is to install another contactor between the circuit breaker and the EVSE, but this duplicates functionality that already appears to be in the EVSE, cost more money, and takes up more space in the LCR and CT box. If the EVSE has the capability of low voltage control, I want to use it.

[J in MN]

What exact Clipper Creek models are you specifically comparing?

The Clipper Creek CS series.
See page 16 of
http://www.clippercreek.com/document...ser_Manual.pdf

Hope this clear up the confusion.

Thanks, but I am well beyond this level of understanding.

[WopOnTour]

Thanks, but I am well beyond this level of understanding.

That may be but sometimes it's difficult to extrapolate what people are actually asking. No need to get snitty.
I understand now what you are specifically referring to and YES, the Voltec has BOTH the desired load-shed lugs you desire for your installation. They are well documented (see page 10) in the 240V Voltec EVSE installation instructions that are posted in the FAQs or a direct link link here: http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread....6153#post46153
HTH
WopOnTour

[J in MN]

They are well documented (see page 10)

I have to disagree with your definition of "well documented". The only relevant sentence in that document is:

3. If required, make two load-shed connections to load shed lugs.

It doesn't say anything about how to connect them. Do you short the square and circle together to shed the load? Do you short the square to ground to shed the load? Or short the circle to ground? Or do you tie the square to line? Or feed in 12 VDC? Or 24 VAC? These are all common control techniques. Perhaps I just have to experiment.

No need to get snitty.

Sorry that you read snittyness into my response. None intended. Just a short way to communicate what I know. I am usually a man of few words.