Supercharger - Kettleman City, CA (LIVE 15 Nov 2017, 24 V2 + 16 V3 stalls, lounge)

[McManX]

Curious, why would it be faster using the HPWC? Doesn't the car ramp down amps when charging with the HPWC at the end as well?

I recall someone saying at the very end it is faster with AC instead of DC. But I’m not an expert and I doubt it saves that much time.

 

[IdaX]

Curious, why would it be faster using the HPWC?

It would not. However it would be just as fast as the supercharger near the end.

 

[4SUPER9]

Curious, why would it be faster using the HPWC? Doesn't the car ramp down amps when charging with the HPWC at the end as well?

That was essentially my question. My understanding is that the HPWC maintains the same rate until the end, whereas a Supercharger drops to well below those speeds. Again, not so important here, but perhaps elsewhere.

 

[MP3Mike]

It has been reported that if your battery is really cold soaked that you get a charge faster from an HPWC than you would from a Supercharger. (At least for the first 30-45 minutes.)

 

[ecarfan]

It has been reported that if your battery is really cold soaked...

Unlikely to occur in the relatively moderate climate of the California Central Valley.

It is unclear to me why Tesla decided to install two HPWCs at this new site. But the more chargers the better!

 

[MorrisonHiker]

Unlikely to occur in the relatively moderate climate of the California Central Valley.

It is unclear to me why Tesla decided to install two HPWCs at this new site. But the more chargers the better!

That way 42 cars can charge at once instead of only 40!

 

[MP3Mike]

That way 42 cars can charge at once instead of only 40!

Not to mention that Tesla Roadsters could charge there with them.

 

[DOCAL]

Shows up in the car nav now, there is a code for the lounge.
Check out all those empty slots....

 

[gaswalla]

will be interesting to follow max number of chargers used over the Thanksgiving holidays

 

[ucmndd]

Heading through there this evening, I'll take some pics!

 

[plugzinSD]

I'm really wondering why a lot of the recent sites use the little dry transformers, one per Supercharger cabinet. Are they purposely getting higher voltage utility transformers, like 600VAC instead of 480VAC, just so they can pass less current through the distribution cabinets? Seems like a lot of work to wire up those 20 additional transformers for what seems like minor benefits.

Not likely the utilities are providing an odd (for them) voltage. They are certainly serving 277/480 Volt three phase. I've examined the nameplates on these transformers, and they seem to be single-winding (per phase) autotransformers with 480 V on one side, and 504 V on the other. Interestingly, 504 V is the upper legal limit according to ANSI. I thought these might be used to make up for distribution line loss, but the new site at Deming, NM, across the street from the substation, makes that unlikely!

 

[David99]

Awesome! Can't wait to go there. I got my car when there was a hand full of Supercharger stantions and 8 stalls was a big one. This site is a clear sign of the success of Tesla!

 

[MP3Mike]

I've examined the nameplates on these transformers, and they seem to be single-winding (per phase) autotransformers with 480 V on one side, and 504 V on the other. Interestingly, 504 V is the upper legal limit according to ANSI. I thought these might be used to make up for distribution line loss, but the new site at Deming, NM, across the street from the substation, makes that unlikely!

Could the issue be that the utility is providing 504 V and Tesla's equipment can only handle 480 V. So maybe they are bringing the voltage down and not up?

 

[Big Earl]

Not likely the utilities are providing an odd (for them) voltage. They are certainly serving 277/480 Volt three phase. I've examined the nameplates on these transformers, and they seem to be single-winding (per phase) autotransformers with 480 V on one side, and 504 V on the other. Interestingly, 504 V is the upper legal limit according to ANSI. I thought these might be used to make up for distribution line loss, but the new site at Deming, NM, across the street from the substation, makes that unlikely!

I've been seeing these autotransformers getting installed at many new Supercharger locations. Tesla seems to be shoving as much voltage into the superchargers as they can. I assume for better efficiency and for maximum power output.

 

[miimura]

I've been seeing these autotransformers getting installed at many new Supercharger locations. Tesla seems to be shoving as much voltage into the superchargers as they can. I assume for better efficiency and for maximum power output.

You may be right, but why one per cabinet instead of one larger one between the utility transformer and the distribution cabinet? Does the Supercharger have more voltage headroom than the breakers and other things inside the distribution cabinet?

 

[Cosmacelf]

We need a utility guy like RandyS to help us out here!

 

[nikeykid]

based on the model 3 facebook page, the site and lounge are both open. uploading a few pictures from the post

 

[Kant.Ing]

A Tesla motel there too would be nice!

 

[gaswalla]

you could also cross post that pic into the Model 3 sighting thread

 

[RubberToe]

Are they serving Pliny the Elder?

RT