Higher Education Institution Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Upgrade
THE INSTALLATION OF EV CHARGING STATIONS SUPPORTS A UNIVERSITY’S CARBON NEUTRALITY INITIATIVE
Many factors are fueling the rise in electric vehicles (EV) in California, including:
- The state’s mandate to end the sale of gas-powered cars in California by 2035.
- Incentive and tax credit programs.
- Lower prices for electricity than gas.
Providing reliable and convenient EV charging infrastructure is critical to supporting this increase in EV popularity.
When a California higher education institution wanted to move a step closer to achieving its carbon neutrality initiative and building electrification process by increasing its EV charging spaces, Gannett Fleming led the infrastructure design for 19 EV charging stations in our client’s parking structure.
The improvement included installing 17 Level 1 chargers and two Level 2 chargers to accommodate charging for 32 EVs. Two dedicated EV electrical panels, a step-down transformer, and conduit/cable infrastructure support the new chargers.
What We Did
Gannett Fleming conducted a site visit to verify existing conditions. A 30-day continuous meter reading in compliance with California Electrical Code 2019 confirmed that the switchboard could support the additional power required for the upgrades. After completing the load calculations, we concluded that a spare circuit breaker could support two new electrical panels to power the EV chargers.
Based on our client’s requirements, we recommended a Galaxy overhead-mounted EV charger with an automatic cable management system. The charger provides 208V to 240V AC electricity and up to 30A to comply with UL Listed, Americans with Disabilities Act, and National Electrical Code requirements. The charger is equipped with ground fault protection for user safety.
The charging capabilities for the type of chargers installed include:
- Level 1: Delivers two to five miles of range per hour of charging through a 120 V AC plug.
- Level 2: Delivers 10 to 20 miles of range per hour of charging through a 240 V AC plug.
The weather-proof unit was installed on the ceiling, safely keeping the EV battery charger cable and connector away from water, salt, and automobiles. The retractable cable reduces tripping hazards and safeguards the unit against vandals. Smart lock weather-proof outlets support EV Level 1 charging.
Watch the webcast Building Sustainable Infrastructure for more ideas on tackling our communities’ most pressing sustainable infrastructure challenges.
Key Features
- Nineteen charging stations support up to 32 electric vehicles at a time.
- A 30-day continuous meter reading established electricity demand within the garage and informed the infrastructure design.
- Ground fault protection in the EV chargers increases user safety.
Outcomes
- Upgrading charging station infrastructure promotes electric vehicle usage on the university campus.
- The charging stations are outfitted with EVSmartPlugs™ that monitor EV charging and provide data to the institution’s energy research team.
- The battery charger unit was installed on the ceiling to protect against the elements and reduce tripping hazards.
CLIENT
Confidential Client
LOCATION
California
ROLE
Design
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