SPECIAL FEATURE
ELECTRICAL ENCLOSURES/CABINETS
FASTER, GREENER EV CHARGING HUB INSTALLATIONS Matt Page, EV Business Development Manager at Lucy Zodion, discusses the latest innovative approaches that are streamlining the installation of EV feeder pillars.
T
he rapid expansion of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, particularly at EV hubs, is critical to support the increasing number of EV drivers on our roads looking for reliable and fast charging options. For Charge Point Operators (CPOs), efficient and environmentally responsible installation methods are essential.
Lucy Zodion’s feeder pillars can be integrated with systems like the STAKKAbox base to further streamline the installation process
The unsung hero of EV infrastructure
EV feeder pillars are essential to distribute power safely and efficiently. Depending on the site requirements, the pillars can be installed directly onto a concrete plinth or mounted on a metal root that is buried in the ground. Direct installation onto a concrete plinth is particularly beneficial in urban environments or areas where ground excavation is impractical or undesirable. It offers a quick, efficient solution that reduces the need for extensive groundwork, thereby minimising the impact on the local environment and infrastructure. However, while concrete is an affordable and versatile construction material, it has its environmental considerations: between 4-8% of total global CO2 emissions come from the concrete and cement industry.
Innovating for sustainable construction The installation methods for EV infrastructure must also be sustainable if we’re to reach net zero goals, Matt explains
As we strive for sustainability and net zero targets, it is crucial to ensure that the methods we use to install EV infrastructure are also environmentally friendly. Policies and regulations such as the UK’s Climate Change Act, the ‘Building to net zero’ scheme, and The Paris Agreement of 2015 emphasise the importance of sustainable building practises, prioritising durability, energy efficiency and waste reduction. One of the key innovations by Lucy Zodion is the detachable root section of its feeder pillars. This design feature allows the root section to be sent and installed separately from the feeder pillar itself. By pre-installing the root section, civil works can be completed in advance, significantly reducing the overall project duration. This modular approach means that the feeder pillar can simply be mounted on the pre-installed root section, avoiding the need for extensive on-site work.
42 | August 2024
Electrical Enclosures-Cabinets (Lucy Zodian).indd 42
electricalcontractingnews.com
The flexibility of the detachable root section is particularly advantageous for projects on tight schedules. This was demonstrated in a recent collaboration with InstaVolt, where the installation of its Taurus Crafts EV charging hub was expedited by completing the civil works before the feeder pillars arrived on site. This method not only saved time but also minimised disruptions – an essential consideration for public infrastructure projects.
Embracing new solutions
To further streamline the installation process and enhance environmental responsibility, Lucy Zodion’s feeder pillars can be integrated with systems like the STAKKAbox base. The STAKKAbox provides a flexible access chamber system that complements Lucy Zodion’s feeder pillars by offering robust cable management and reduced concrete usage. The system’s design utilises Glass Reinforced Polyester Resin (GRP), which is not only lightweight but also extremely durable and fire retardant, making it an ideal choice for access chamber products. One of the standout features of the STAKKAbox system is its modularity. The access chambers can be built up section by section, much like a Lego set, allowing for easy customisation on-site without the need for heavy machinery or specialised tools. This makes the installation process significantly faster and less labour-intensive, which in turn reduces costs and the overall environmental impact. Unlike traditional concrete chambers, the STAKKAbox does not require a concrete surround, significantly reducing the carbon footprint associated with
@ElecConNews
/electricalcontractingnews
the installation process. In addition, the system’s twin-wall design offers superior side-wall strength, capable of supporting vertical loads up to 60t, ensuring long-term durability and reliability.
Fast-tracking EV charging hub installations
InstaVolt’s recent project exemplifies the benefits of these innovative installation techniques. By utilising the detachable root sections and pre-installed civil works, the project timelines were substantially shortened. In future schemes, InstaVolt plans to incorporate the STAKKAbox base system to further enhance the installation process by providing a streamlined cable management solution that reduces the reliance on concrete and promotes sustainable practices. This approach not only facilitates the rapid deployment of EV charging infrastructure but also ensures that installations are future-proof and capable of supporting the evolving needs of the growing EV market.
Sustainable infrastructure
In the pursuit of net zero goals, it’s vital to remember that the installation methods for EV infrastructure must also be sustainable. By integrating cutting-edge solutions like Lucy Zodion’s detachable root section and NAL’s STAKKAbox base system, specifiers can ensure that the growth of EV infrastructure is both efficient and environmentally-friendly, setting a new standard for the industry. Lucy Zodion, lucyzodion.com
@ecn_magazine
electrical-contracting-news-ecn
31/07/2024 11:19