DC fast chargers themselves don’t directly "have" three-phase charging in the way that an electric vehicle or a home charging system might. Instead, DC fast chargers can be supplied with three-phase AC power, which they then convert into high-voltage DC power for charging the vehicle.
Here’s how it works:
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Three-Phase AC Power Supply: Many DC fast chargers are designed to be connected to a three-phase AC power source. This three-phase AC power allows the charger to draw a larger amount of electrical power, which is necessary for fast charging.
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AC to DC Conversion: Inside the DC fast charger, the three-phase AC power is converted into high-voltage DC power. This is done by the charger’s internal electronics.
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DC Charging Output: The converted high-voltage DC power is then delivered to the electric vehicle’s battery via the charging connector.
The term "three-phase" in the context of DC charging refers to the type of input power required for the charger. Specifically, three-phase power is typically required for optimal operation of DC fast chargers. This means that locations with only single-phase power, such as small residential properties, may not be able to support DC charging due to the power requirements.
When a DC charger is specified as having a power output of 120 kW, it means that the charger is designed to deliver up to 120 kW to the electric vehicle, provided that the vehicle is capable of accepting that level of power. This output is independent of the input power configuration, whether it is three-phase or otherwise. The charger's output rating reflects its capability to deliver power to the vehicle, irrespective of the underlying input power requirements.
Direct current (DC) power output does not involve phases. Unlike alternating current (AC), which is characterized by single-phase or three-phase configurations, DC power is uniform and does not have a phase component.
We offer a range of DC charger models, each featuring a distinct configuration of internal modules. The specific arrangement and type of modules vary between models, tailored to meet different power requirements and operational needs.
Input Charging: Power coming into the charger from the electrical grid.
Output Charging: Power going from the charger into the electric vehicle’s battery.
In essence, input is what the charger receives, and output is what the charger provides to the vehicle.