Zappi, a product of myenergi LTD, is an intelligent electric vehicle (EV) charger designed to support smart charging regulations and dynamic energy grid management. The installation and configuration of Zappi involve specific technical considerations, particularly for multi-unit buildings and compliance with UK energy regulations. This article provides a detailed overview of Zappi installation considerations, smart charging features, and how the myenergi app supports user control and customization. The information is drawn exclusively from the provided source material, ensuring technical accuracy and adherence to regulatory guidelines.
Overview of Zappi Installation Considerations
Zappi is designed to integrate with the energy grid in a way that supports load balancing and smart charging. This is especially relevant in multi-unit residential buildings, where a single Zappi charger may be part of a larger power grid connection. In such cases, it is essential to ensure that individual chargers operate within the overall power limits of the building’s electrical system.
According to the source material, a single 22kW Zappi charger can operate without imposing a limit on the building's total connection. However, the ability to add additional Zappi units requires dynamic load management to prevent overloading the building's power supply. This means that all Zappi chargers installed in such environments must be compatible with the same load monitoring system to ensure coordinated and efficient operation.
For users planning to install multiple Zappi units, it is important to assess the building’s electrical capacity and implement a system that allows for real-time monitoring and adjustment of power usage. This ensures that each EV owner can charge their vehicle at 22kW when necessary, provided no other EVs are charging at that time.
Smart Charging Regulations and ECO+ Mode
Zappi is compliant with the UK Government’s Smart Charge Points Regulations 2021, which came into effect on 30 June 2022. These regulations require EV chargers to support smart charging features that help manage energy demand and support a more sustainable and efficient grid.
Upon installation, Zappi devices shipped after 25 May 2022 are configured to operate in ECO+ mode by default. This mode is tailored for regions affected by the regulations, specifically England, Scotland, and Wales. The ECO+ mode includes smart charging features such as randomized delays and scheduled charging, which help distribute energy usage more evenly across the grid.
Installers are prompted during the first boot of the device to confirm whether the charger is being installed in a region affected by the smart charging regulations. This ensures that the appropriate settings are applied automatically, simplifying the compliance process for both installers and end users.
Randomized Delay and Charge Scheduling
One of the key features of Zappi’s smart charging system is the Randomized Delay. This feature introduces a delay of up to 10 minutes before the EV begins charging. The purpose of this delay is to reduce the simultaneous demand on the energy grid, which helps prevent overloads and supports a more balanced distribution of electricity.
Randomized Delay applies at both the start and end of a scheduled charging boost. However, users have the option to override this delay manually by selecting the “charge now” option in the myenergi app or by using the Zappi interface. It is important to note that the randomized delay reactivates with each new charging session and cannot be permanently disabled.
Charge scheduling is another essential component of Zappi’s smart charging system. By default, Zappi is set to charge during off-peak hours (00:00–08:00). Users can adjust these schedules in the myenergi app or via the Zappi menu under "charge settings." This allows customers to align their charging sessions with their preferred electricity tariffs, potentially reducing costs by taking advantage of lower rates during specific time periods.
For users who prefer more immediate charging, it is possible to delete the default off-peak schedule. When this is done, Zappi will begin charging as soon as the user plugs in their EV, provided the Randomized Delay is not overridden. This gives users greater flexibility in managing their charging needs while still adhering to the overall smart charging framework.
ECO Mode and Solar Energy Utilization
Zappi also supports ECO mode, which allows users to take advantage of surplus solar or wind energy for EV charging. In ECO or ECO+ modes, the charger can continue to use renewable energy even if a specific charge schedule is in place. This is particularly beneficial for households that generate their own electricity through solar panels or wind turbines, as it reduces reliance on the grid and lowers overall energy costs.
Users can override the charge schedule at any time by initiating a manual boost through the myenergi app. This feature ensures that even if a schedule is set, the user can still charge their EV immediately if needed. This level of flexibility is essential for users who require urgent charging or want to take advantage of favorable electricity pricing during specific hours.
The Role of the myenergi App
The myenergi app plays a crucial role in the management and customization of Zappi’s smart charging features. It provides users with a centralized platform to monitor and adjust their charging schedules, view charging history, and receive real-time updates on the status of their EV charging sessions.
Key features of the myenergi app include:
- Smart Charging Schedule Adjustments: Users can easily modify their off-peak or custom schedules to suit their preferences and electricity tariffs.
- Real-Time Notifications: The app informs users when the Randomized Delay is active and when their EV is expected to begin charging. This helps users plan their charging sessions more effectively.
- Charging History: The app retains up to 13 months of charging data, which can be downloaded in CSV or Excel format for record-keeping or analysis.
- Manual Overrides: Users can override the Randomized Delay by selecting the “charge now” option, ensuring greater control over the timing of their charging sessions.
The myenergi app is available for both Android and iOS devices and can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Once installed, the app connects to the Zappi charger, allowing users to manage their charging preferences remotely.
Installation and Commissioning Process
While the provided source material does not offer detailed technical specifications for Zappi installation, it does emphasize the importance of ensuring compatibility with the building’s load monitoring system. This is particularly relevant in multi-unit buildings, where Zappi units must be synchronized to avoid overloading the shared power grid.
The installation process typically involves the following steps:
Assessing Electrical Capacity: Before installation, it is essential to evaluate the building’s overall electrical capacity and determine the maximum number of Zappi units that can be safely installed without exceeding the power limit.
Ensuring Load Management Compatibility: Each Zappi unit must be compatible with the same load monitoring system to enable dynamic power distribution. This ensures that multiple units can operate simultaneously without exceeding the building’s power threshold.
Configuring Smart Charging Settings: Upon installation, the device must be configured to comply with the UK’s Smart Charge Points Regulations 2021. This includes setting the appropriate region (England, Scotland, or Wales) and enabling ECO+ mode by default.
Setting Up the myenergi App: After installation, users are encouraged to set up the myenergi app to take full advantage of Zappi’s smart charging features. The app provides a user-friendly interface for managing schedules, monitoring charging sessions, and receiving real-time updates.
User Education and Support: It is recommended that installers provide users with guidance on how to use the myenergi app and understand the implications of smart charging regulations. This ensures that users are aware of the available features and can make informed decisions about their charging preferences.
Conclusion
Zappi is a versatile and intelligent EV charger designed to support smart charging regulations and dynamic energy grid management. Its installation requires careful consideration of the building’s electrical capacity and compatibility with a shared load monitoring system. The device’s smart charging features, including randomized delays and customizable schedules, help distribute energy demand more evenly and reduce the risk of overloads.
The myenergi app plays a central role in the management of Zappi’s smart charging functions, offering users a convenient platform to adjust schedules, monitor charging history, and override delays when necessary. This level of control ensures that users can tailor their charging sessions to their preferences while still adhering to regulatory requirements.
As the adoption of EVs continues to grow, the integration of smart charging solutions like Zappi will play an increasingly important role in managing energy demand and supporting a more sustainable energy system.