Client: Shell Recharge

Industry: EV Charging & Energy Infrastructure

Challenge

EV drivers using Shell Recharge’s network would book a charging slot through the Shell app, but upon arrival, they often encountered non-functional chargers. Despite successful reservations, the chargers would not deliver power when plugged in. This led to a frustrating user experience and reduced charger reliability.

Investigation & Problem Identification

The Energos team conducted a detailed analysis using a data-driven approach:

1. Charger Data Analysis: Initial assessments of the charger logs did not reveal any performance issues with the hardware or software.
2. Physical Inspection: Engineers on-site discovered that the circuit breaker inside the chargers had tripped, interrupting the current flow.
3. Electrical Infrastructure Analysis: A deeper investigation into the power supply behind the charger revealed that:
   
   • The main electrical circuit breaker was sometimes intact and other times tripped.
   • There were instances of overvoltage from the mains, leading to unstable power delivery.
   • These fluctuations were likely triggering the charger’s built-in circuit breaker as a safety measure.

Solution Implementation

To address the root cause of the problem, Energos collaborated with the Shell Recharge team and implemented a two-pronged solution:

1. Real-Time IoT Monitoring:
   
   • Installed IoT sensors to continuously measure mains voltage and detect fluctuations in real time.
   • Integrated data analytics to provide actionable insights into power quality trends.
2. Electrical Design Enhancements:
   
   • Recommended changes in the electrical infrastructure to mitigate overvoltage issues.
   • Suggested safety modifications to improve power stability and reduce unnecessary circuit breaker trips.

Results & Impact

• Increased Charger Uptime: The implementation of IoT-based voltage monitoring and infrastructure improvements led to a significant reduction in charger failures.
• Enhanced User Experience: EV drivers experienced a more reliable charging process, leading to improved customer satisfaction.
• Proactive Issue Detection: Real-time monitoring enabled early detection of electrical anomalies, allowing preventive actions to be taken before failures occurred.

Through a combination of IoT-driven diagnostics and targeted electrical enhancements, Energos successfully optimized the reliability of Shell Recharge’s EV chargers. This case study underscores the power of data-driven maintenance and predictive insights in ensuring seamless EV charging experiences.

Want to improve the uptime and efficiency of your EV charging network? Get in touch with Energos today.

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