Explanation
The power cabinet is the big box at a DC fast charging station that houses the power modules, cooling systems, and control electronics. It connects to the electrical grid on one side and to the charging dispensers (the units you interact with) on the other. Some designs integrate the power cabinet into the dispenser. Others separate them, with the cabinet placed behind a wall or fence.
Separating the power cabinet from the dispenser offers several advantages. The dispenser (where you plug in your car) can be smaller and sleeker. Multiple dispensers can share one power cabinet, allowing dynamic power allocation between stalls. The cabinet can also be placed in a more protected location, reducing exposure to weather and vandalism.
As a driver, you might notice the power cabinet as a large box humming near the chargers. It may have ventilation fans or cooling systems that make noise, especially during hot weather when the cooling system works hardest. This is normal operation.
Based on data from CharIN e.V.
Where you'll see this
- On the charger screen
Common confusion
The power cabinet is not the charger you plug into. It is the power supply behind the scenes. The unit you interact with (screen, cable, connector) is the dispenser or charging stall.
Example
A Kempower satellite charging system uses one central power cabinet that distributes power dynamically across 4-8 satellite dispensers based on demand.
Related terms
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From Finn, engineer: Understanding charging terminology helps you troubleshoot faster at the charger. These definitions are based on industry standards and our consulting work with automotive manufacturers.
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