Mobile charging for Australia

[sdick3]

Tried but doesn't work

Actually, the Tesla is happy to see the same phase on all three pins - this is how the blue 32A adapter on the european Tesla UMC manages to do 32A single phase charging on single-charger cars (though as you say, this isn't how 3-phase is normally supposed to work!).

However, the suggested hydra cable has huge safety and logistical problems so is probably still not a good idea even though it would theoretically work under favorable circumstances.

I tried this. Looked like it was working fine. Tell the EVSE that it can draw 20 amps so it does 10 on each (of two feeds). But we current tested it and the Tesla was drawing all from the single phase.

This is a 2015 Model S. So the car detected that it was not 3 phase (because the lines were all in sync) and just sucked power from one phase. I tried with all three connected as well.

Earlier in this post there was talk of the cars changing to connect the single phase to all three of the charge units (in a single charger). So that you did not need dual chargers to get 22kw. Maybe this change forced the effect.

It is disappointing because 2 x 10 or even better 3 x 16 (from a caravan park) would have been very useful.

 

[WillH]

Hi everyone. I'm new to the forum and was hoping to find a way to extract more capability from the UMC.
I purchased a 100K ohm potentiometer and configured a little test rig to see what the UMC would tell the Model S about the dongle limits.

Here are the resistor values for the Australian UMC:

98KΩ = 10A
90KΩ = 13A
80KΩ = 16A (this could possibly range to 51KΩ like the European model)
30KΩ = 24A
20KΩ = 32A
10KΩ = 40A

Of course there is an acceptable range of values for all amperage settings, it's not just one value. I did find that an error (red flashing light on the UMC) was generated by a value around 40KΩ and also at 0Ω.
If you're prepared to cut open the dongle (pig tail) and change the resistor to one between 51 - 80KΩ, then replace the plug with a 15A plug, you could have a 15A UMC compatible dongle, or just change the resistor and remember to limit amperage to suit your charging point. It appears that the cable size in the existing 10A dongle should be able to handle 15A as it's almost the same size as the lead to the Mennekes plug, that apparently handles up to 40A. It certainly begs the question why a 15A dongle isn't already available.
Being appropriately conservative and using the 80% of capacity rule, you could use a 90K resistor and draw 13A (86% of 15A), or just remember to set the charge rate from the car. So the bottom line is, a simple resistor change could provide around 16 - 20Km/hr of charging.

 

[ColinA]

So the bottom line is, a simple resistor change could provide around 16 - 20Km/hr of charging.

Very interesting! You obviously know a lot more about this stuff than I do, but my concern with this would be potentially blowing fuses at points we used this at, given it is likely to be more out of the way places, friends homes, motels or the like. Perhaps that is why they have limited it to 10A?

 

[raynewman]

Hi everyone. I'm new to the forum and was hoping to find a way to extract more capability from the UMC.
I purchased a 100K ohm potentiometer and configured a little test rig to see what the UMC would tell the Model S about the dongle limits.

Here are the resistor values for the Australian UMC:

98KΩ = 10A
90KΩ = 13A
80KΩ = 16A (this could possibly range to 51KΩ like the European model)
30KΩ = 24A
20KΩ = 32A
10KΩ = 40A

Of course there is an acceptable range of values for all amperage settings, it's not just one value. I did find that an error (red flashing light on the UMC) was generated by a value around 40KΩ and also at 0Ω.
If you're prepared to cut open the dongle (pig tail) and change the resistor to one between 51 - 80KΩ, then replace the plug with a 15A plug, you could have a 15A UMC compatible dongle, or just change the resistor and remember to limit amperage to suit your charging point. It appears that the cable size in the existing 10A dongle should be able to handle 15A as it's almost the same size as the lead to the Mennekes plug, that apparently handles up to 40A. It certainly begs the question why a 15A dongle isn't already available.
Being appropriately conservative and using the 80% of capacity rule, you could use a 90K resistor and draw 13A (86% of 15A), or just remember to set the charge rate from the car. So the bottom line is, a simple resistor change could provide around 16 - 20Km/hr of charging.

Hi, I added your summary to mine and posted it here. If you would like the source (.odt) file, please PM me.

 

[WillH]

Very interesting! You obviously know a lot more about this stuff than I do, but my concern with this would be potentially blowing fuses at points we used this at, given it is likely to be more out of the way places, friends homes, motels or the like. Perhaps that is why they have limited it to 10A?

I wouldn't be using this mod at 15A in a 10A outlet. The idea was to use it with 15A outlets, which many free ChargePoints seem to have. A domestic 10A outlet will usually be connected via a 16A breaker or hopefully an RCD/MCB (combination of a breaker with earth leakage detection that saves lives). I'm not sure of the current building code for a 15A outlet, but I'm fairly certain the breaker would be 25A or more.

When you switch on an appliance that draws 8A when operating continuously, it creates a "current inrush", many times that of its continuous operation rating. Although this usually only lasts a few cycles of the 50Hz AC wave, it can easily take out a 16A breaker. The Model S will politely increase it's draw, until it reaches your maximum setting, thus avoiding tripping a circuit breaker, unless there's already a substantial draw on the circuit from other equipment, that brings the total draw to a figure in excess of the circuit breakers capacity to handle.

One of the truly wonderful charging features of the Model S, is that it ramps up gradually to the current that you've specified, thus avoiding current inrush issues.

 

[ColinA]

Thanks (and to raynewman too)... Great to learn this stuff. By the time my car arrives I'll be full bottle!

 

[WillH]

Thanks for that. It's good to have it all together for a reference.

 

[WillH]

I've been speaking with Mitchell (Tesla Charging Specialist), just to confirm a few things regarding the UMC and adapters. Apparently there is a review of the current system at the end of the year, so there may some news about future adapters then.

Currently here is the situation and some solutions for faster mobile charging, utilising the supplied UMC.

The UMC is limited to 11KW total throughput. Here is a list of commonly available outlets in Australia and the adaptors needed to take advantage of them:

240V 10A single phase
Standard tail included with UMC. Supplies 2.4KW

240V 15A single phase. Note the larger Earth pin (central pin). This stops you from accidentally trying to draw 15A from a 10A socket. Supplies 3.6KW
Modified UMC tail. Change 10A plug to a 15A plug and replace the 100kΩ resistor between pin 1 and 6, with an 80 - 51kΩ resistor.

415V 20A and 30A 3-phase. Capable of supplying more than the 11KW maximum for the UMC.

These can be utilised with the same set of connectors that raynewman has. Specifically a Red CEE adapter from Tesla and a short lead with a 16A CEE inline socket on one end and a 20A, or 32A, 3-phase plug on the other end. So...

 

[WhiteStar]

240V 15A single phase. Note the larger Earth pin (central pin). This stops you from accidentally trying to draw 15A from a 10A socket. Supplies 3.6KW
Modified UMC tail. Change 10A plug to a 15A plug and replace the 100kΩ resistor between pin 1 and 6, with an 80 - 51kΩ resistor.

Thanks Will & Ray…very useful info.


I’m heading north in a few days so I’ll definitely use this for charging in the garage on arrival. On the way up I’ll use the evnomics J1772 adaptor at Stocklands Glendale for a couple of hours (@~33kph) just to make sure I get to Port Macquarie with some reserves. Final leg next day up to the far north coast shouldn’t be a problem.

 

[raynewman]

Thanks Will & Ray…very useful info.


I’m heading north in a few days so I’ll definitely use this for charging in the garage on arrival. On the way up I’ll use the evnomics J1772 adaptor at Stocklands Glendale for a couple of hours (@~33kph) just to make sure I get to Port Macquarie with some reserves. Final leg next day up to the far north coast shouldn’t be a problem.

If you've got an 85, St Leonards to the Observatory at 110 and under on TACC. I've done it twice now (pretty flat when you get there tho).

 

[WhiteStar]

If you've got an 85, St Leonards to the Observatory at 110 and under on TACC. I've done it twice now (pretty flat when you get there tho).

I borrowed a P85D from some friends and it seems to have a lower range than any of the other 85's. That's my reasoning for the stop in Glendale to avoid any range queasiness although I'm kind of used to it having owned a LEAF for a few years.

 

[danielp]

WillH, great work. Im not aware of us having an 80% rule in Australia, but I'm curious what you mean here. My understanding is that we spec and build it properly - to run continuously at the maximum the circuit (breaker) intends.

 

[Dborn]

Daniel, you are correct. That is what my electrician told me when I installed my 3 phase dedicated line for the connector. However, since it is 32 amps per phase, which apparently the connector could not be set to, mine has been set at 16 amp single phase at least until the 3 phase unit is released to us as originally promised ( for those with dual chargers onboard). Apparently it was 16 or 40 amps. Also, mine was the first wall connector in the country to be hooked up, ( in July last year). There would have been an abundance of caution in consequence and USA rules would have been applied. Mitchell supervised the install personally.

 

[MangroveMike]

Thanks Will & Ray…very useful info.


I’m heading north in a few days so I’ll definitely use this for charging in the garage on arrival. On the way up I’ll use the evnomics J1772 adaptor at Stocklands Glendale for a couple of hours (@~33kph) just to make sure I get to Port Macquarie with some reserves. Final leg next day up to the far north coast shouldn’t be a problem.

I've put in a 32A 3 phase and 15A at my office (in Newcastle) if you get stuck or need a quicker charge. Not as many nearby eating options as Stockland though - just a McDonalds and great sandwich shop nearby.

If if you are coming through in business hours I can also lend my 3 phase EVSE if you don't have one. PM me if you need help.

 

[WhiteStar]

I've put in a 32A 3 phase and 15A at my office (in Newcastle) if you get stuck or need a quicker charge. Not as many nearby eating options as Stockland though - just a McDonalds and great sandwich shop nearby.

If if you are coming through in business hours I can also lend my 3 phase EVSE if you don't have one. PM me if you need help.

Hi Mike, it looks like I'll be heading up on the weekend some time. I'll PM you if it looks like I'll be passing through during business hours. 32A 3 phase would add some real distance quickly. Thanks again!!!

 

[raynewman]

Thanks for that. It's good to have it all together for a reference.

I attempted to source the 7 pin UMC plug from Tesla with the following results.
We don't sell individual components, only the parts you already have e.g. the main body of the mobile connector, or 10A adaptor etc.
We do have some stock of 10A tails as replacements if you were to lose or damage the original, they sell for $135 +GST.
If you plan on attempting to modify, this is something I advise strongly against.
:scared:

 

[WhiteStar]

If you plan on attempting to modify, this is something I advise strongly against.
:scared:

oK it's going to be a 40 hour charge for me then...or I could visit the Macadamia Castle 2 hours a day for about a week

 

[raynewman]

oK it's going to be a 40 hour charge for me then...or I could visit the Macadamia Castle 2 hours a day for about a week

Use the 3 phase adaptor - it's all good.

 

[Dylanpete]

Hi everyone. I'm new to the forum and was hoping to find a way to extract more capability from the UMC.
I purchased a 100K ohm potentiometer and configured a little test rig to see what the UMC would tell the Model S about the dongle limits.

Here are the resistor values for the Australian UMC:

98KΩ = 10A
90KΩ = 13A
80KΩ = 16A (this could possibly range to 51KΩ like the European model)
30KΩ = 24A
20KΩ = 32A
10KΩ = 40A

Of course there is an acceptable range of values for all amperage settings, it's not just one value. I did find that an error (red flashing light on the UMC) was generated by a value around 40KΩ and also at 0Ω.
If you're prepared to cut open the dongle (pig tail) and change the resistor to one between 51 - 80KΩ, then replace the plug with a 15A plug, you could have a 15A UMC compatible dongle, or just change the resistor and remember to limit amperage to suit your charging point. It appears that the cable size in the existing 10A dongle should be able to handle 15A as it's almost the same size as the lead to the Mennekes plug, that apparently handles up to 40A. It certainly begs the question why a 15A dongle isn't already available.
Being appropriately conservative and using the 80% of capacity rule, you could use a 90K resistor and draw 13A (86% of 15A), or just remember to set the charge rate from the car. So the bottom line is, a simple resistor change could provide around 16 - 20Km/hr of charging.

Will, on this topic, also have a look to this thread: European UMC adapter resistor coding - Tesla Motors Club - Enthusiasts & Owners Forum

 

[WillH]

Thanks Dylanpete. I have read through that thread also.

I finished off a modification to the 10A UMC dongle today. I disconnected the 198K resistor (that's moulded into the body of the dongle) and installed a 51K resistor between pin 1 & 6. After re-assembly and testing, it now allows the UMC to draw up to 16A from the outlet. I should be able to fully charge in around 25 hours now, when visiting more remote friends.