With the growing demand for electric vehicles on the roads around the world, the need for more and better EV charging stations is increasing. Car manufacturers are pumping more money, time and resources into electric vehicles than ever before, so EV charging station manufacturers must do the same. It’s not just as simple as putting together a stand, a port and some electricity, though. There are key things involved in the EV charging station design. Continue reading below to learn more about EV charger design.
What components make up an EV charger design?
We’re sure you can imagine that EV charging station design uses up a lot of components. EV charging stations are not simply a one-size-fits-all approach either. Around the UK there are more than 40,000 charging stations situated across the country, and the demand for home charging stations is only growing too.
A charging station you’d typically see at a petrol station, for example, is different from one you’ll have installed at home, but the components will still likely be very similar. Here’s a list of components used during EV charger design:
- Dual colour beacons
- Cable entry systems
- Heaters and fans
- Terminal rails
- EMC cable glands
- Enclosures
Dual colour beacons
Dual colour beacons are used as a visual indication of the EV charging station’s status. For example, a green light and a red light can be used to show the level of battery charge, while the colours could also indicate whether the EV charger is free to use or not.
Cable entry systems
Cable entry systems are a solution where pre-assembled cables and conduits are used in charging stations and power distribution panels, and where space may be restricted.
Most cable entry systems consist of just three parts, and the feed-through openings can be adapted to specific EV charging station requirements.
Heaters and fans
Depending on various factors, including the size, location and type of EV charging station required, there are a wide range of heating and cooling components to be used. They’re used to optimise the temperature within the system to prevent low temperatures and condensation from causing damage to electrical components.
EV charging station design also warrants an even distribution of warm air. This may require a compact or flat convection heater or, for larger enclosures, there are higher powered fan heaters which can also be used for cooling the heater.
Terminal rails
Terminal rails are an essential component for electrical control systems. In an EV charging station they’ll secure two or more wires together and are enclosed in safe insulated housing. Terminal rails increase safety and protect other components in the EV charging station, which is another reason for their essential inclusion within the system.
EMC cable glands
EMC cable glands are typically found inside the EV charging station for supply and ancillary signalling cables. They play a key role in the EV charger design as they prevent any external interference from entering the station and disrupting any of the electronics and communication.
Cable glands compensate for tolerances in shielding thicknesses and ensure a secure and reliable connection to the cable screen.
Enclosures
Enclosures are used to protect valuable electrical components within the EV charging station from the outside elements, as well as protecting users.
Choosing a high-quality, robust enclosure can improve the aesthetics of an EV charging station. They can be made specifically in order to fit with the particular brand.
Depending on the type of EV charging station design, whether it is a home or public station, it will require a specific type of enclosure.
EV charger components at Hitaltech
At Hitaltech, we pride ourselves in our ability to manufacture high-quality connecting technologies and enclosures suitable for electronic and electrical applications, such as EV charging station components.
We are a multinational company with expert knowledge and experience of connecting technologies. Using this experience and knowledge, our talented team has developed a range of superior products, which are manufactured to the highest standards.
If you’d like to discover more about the EV charger components we make – and more – don’t hesitate to contact us today on +44 (0)1253 899910.
