At eGauge Systems, we’re passionate about driving innovation and sustainable energy. That’s why we’re thrilled to be a part of a groundbreaking project at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). As of July 2023, NREL has installed 128 Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across its campuses, with plans to expand further. What makes this project even more remarkable is that all these EV charging stations are submetered using eGauge Systems technology.
The Role of eGauge Submeters in NREL’s EV Infrastructure
NREL utilizes eGauge Systems submeters to measure each individual circuit, tracking the electricity usage at each electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) port. This data is critical for NREL’s Energy Management Information System (EMIS), enabling precise, utility-grade insights into energy consumption. By submetering the EV charging stations, NREL can separate the electricity use of the stations from the building’s overall energy consumption, ensuring accurate building intensity calculations.
Enhancing EV Charging Efficiency Across NREL Campuses
NREL’s commitment to sustainable transportation is evident in the extensive deployment of EV charging stations across its campuses:
- South Table Mountain Campus Parking Garage: 108 Level 2 networked EV charging stations, available for both fleet and privately owned vehicles (POVs).
- South Table Mountain Campus Research Support Facility: Four Level 2 non-networked EV charging stations, designated for fleet vehicles only.
- Flatirons Campus: 16 Level 2 networked EV charging stations, open to both fleet and POVs.
Only four of the 128 EV charging stations at NREL are not networked. The networked stations boast built-in data management and metering capabilities, which allow for real-time tracking of electricity usage. Users can initiate and pay for charging sessions through a convenient phone app managed by the EV charging station provider.
Accurate Tracking for Fleet and POV Charging
To ensure precise reporting of electricity usage, NREL employs two methods:
- User Notation: At networked stations, users specify whether they are charging a fleet or non-fleet vehicle when initiating a session via the phone app.
- Telematic Device Tracking: Fleet vehicle charging sessions are tracked using data from telematic devices installed on the vehicles.
Key Takeaways for Federal Sites
NREL’s experience with this project offers valuable lessons for other federal sites considering similar implementations:
- Incorporate Metering in Initial Designs: Integrate metering from the start in new construction projects to reduce costs and avoid the complexities of retrofitting.
- Commission Metering: Ensure metering systems are commissioned to verify correct installation and prevent potential wiring issues.
- Tailor Metering to Specific Needs: Choose metering solutions that match your data requirements to avoid unnecessary expenses.
- Check Network Compatibility: When purchasing networked EV charging stations, ensure they can communicate with your EMIS, and be cautious of proprietary cloud service data plans that may complicate data integration.
Conclusion
We at eGauge Systems are proud to be an integral part of this visionary project at NREL. Our submetering technology is helping to create a more sustainable future by optimizing the use of energy in EV charging infrastructure. As the demand for electric vehicles continues to rise, projects like this are paving the way for a cleaner, greener tomorrow.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to support the evolution of sustainable energy solutions.
