7/28/2023 0 Comments Commands hive drawitSettings are saved to EEPROM and date-time is kept up-to-date via a RTC battery backup. The menu system is impressively responsive considering it’s running from an ATmega328! The basic settings include max charge rate (set to match wiring), charging service level and date-time. On first powerup some basic settings are set via the LCD menu using a combination of short/long presses of the front button. The max charge current of the unit should be set to match the supply circuit wiring. The unit should be wired in using suitably rated cable ideally with a dedicated RCD circuit breaker. Installation should be undertaken by a qualified electrician. The finished build: WiFi ESP8266 module is visible on the top left. Rear PCB showing ATmega328p on the OpenEVSE Plus V4 controller:īuild progress: charge controller, ground busbar, relay, LCD and mode button fixed into enclosure My unit contained an OpenEVSE Plus V4 control unit see Datasheet: The hardware inside the unit is split into two main components which are physically separated: a high voltage and high current relay and a low voltage control electronics which is the microcontroller (ATmega328p) ‘brains’ of the unit. The hardware components are all top quality, I was impressed by the attention to detail such as rubber seals around the LCD to waterproof the unit. I took my time to do a high-quality job of assembling, this is particularly important given the high currents involved. Assembly probably took me a couple of hours. No soldering was required, only basic tools e.g. If you do not have the experience and knowledge required to safely work with AC voltages please consult with an experienced electrician for assistance and inspection of your work.Īssembly of the unit was straight forward following the openEVSE build guide. Warning: Assembly of an EVSE requires wiring Alternating Current (AC) components that will be exposed to voltages from 100 to 250v. However, you can dial back the current by setting the ‘max charge current’ to match your supply.įull disclosure: Chris Howell from OpenEVSE made the unit available free of charge for me to evaluate and improve the Emoncms / OpenEnergyMonitor integration. The OpenEVSE 50A L2 unit will charge any J1772 compliant car at up to 40A continous from a single phase 208-240V AC supply. I went for a P50D Level 2 Deluxe OpenEVSE kit with the WiFi connection kit and J1772 Cable. OpenEVSE units can be purchased (kit or fully assembled) from the OpenEVSE online store, the units are shipped from California USA. Update: we are in communication with OpenEVSE to put together a UK/Europe specific OpeneEVSE package to resell via the OpenEnergyMonitor Online Shop. Before supplying power to the car (and continuously while charging) the EVSE unit conducts a number of checks, no power is supplied until all the checks have passed. OpenEVSE units have been designed to exceed the safety requirements for EV Charging Stations from SAE J1772, NEC and UL. Drawing a significant current (approx 10/12A) for an extended period (up to 10hrs for a 24KWh Nissan LEAF and 30hrs for a 90KWh Tesla Model S!) puts stress on the domestic wiring resulting in heating of the wire or worse if the wiring is in a poor state.Ĭharging via a properly installed EVSE is the fastest and safest way to charge an EV at home.Charging is very slow since the current is limited by the electrical outlet.Nissan LEAF charging from solar PV on a frosty morning:Įven though it is possible to charge an EV via a standard electrical outlet, it is not recommended for a number of reasons: I recently swapped my ageing diesel car for an all-electric Nissan LEAF (it’s fantastic), so it felt like the perfect time to build and test an OpenEVSE charge controller unit! Integrated energy monitoring via custom hosted Emoncms.charge current can be varied to match available power
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