Its a safe bet that existing utility transformer is not the one that will serve the charging site. Need 500 kVA minimum capacity, and those have cooling fins on the back. This one does not, and appears physically smaller as well. Maybe they will upgrade that one from whatever it is, but that would mean that the existing customers are already getting 277/480, which I wouldn't necessarily expect. They are not that large.
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Supercharger - Tucson, AZ
- Thread starter MarkR
- Start date
I think you all are correct. I'm betting on a new and separate transformer, which is what I've always seen at other sites. Sorry to have even speculated! I hope the new transformer arrives without a long delay, but that's probably even more wishful thinking.
I won't be needing this one until December, but southern Arizona has waited waaaaay too long for a supercharger.
Lots of progress in just two days of work at the Tesla SC (9225 S Rita Red, Tucson). All stanchions up, wire pulled, pad for transformer, and concrete forms placed.
tmoz
S85D, Y LR, ex Prius PiP
Yes, thank you for the update in pics. Looks like it could still be 2-3 wks away before they are useable.
Onto Wilcox!
Onto Wilcox!
Thanks for this post! I have been wondering what type of transformers they were, and what their function might be, since the first picture of them, with the schematic transformer diagram on their cases, was posted. For what it's worth: I peeked throught the wooden enclosure at the Green River, UT SC yesterday and saw two of these, one for each supercharger, as well. It opened 3/17/14. They looked to be in good shape, but corrosion on some of the fasteners suggested they were not a recent addition.
Alphacrux
Member
would these be used to offset voltage loss through the cable under high load? That is, longer runs of cable to the pedestal would get auto transformers, shorter runs would not. Just speculation.
Daily update: more concrete finished. Wiring cleaned up from yesterday.
An it looks like Deming NM is now permitted. With Tucson and Deming and an 85 kWh or larger battery, this will open a southern route (I-10 + I-20). WIllcox will make it practical for all battery sizes, and (someday) Ft Stockton TX will make I-10 practical.
Progress!
Progress!
tmoz
S85D, Y LR, ex Prius PiP
They sure left a lot of extra wire at the stations. I suppose better safe than sorry. I'm sure they recycle the extra copper in those very thick wires.
tmoz
S85D, Y LR, ex Prius PiP
Any speculation as to where the Wilcox charger will be?
Apple Annies would love to have it near their pie store I'm sure. so would McDonalds, Safeway, etc.
It would be interesting to know how the site selection works and how incentive money changes hands.
Apple Annies would love to have it near their pie store I'm sure. so would McDonalds, Safeway, etc.
It would be interesting to know how the site selection works and how incentive money changes hands.
TMC Bubba
Member
My bet was that autotransformers would be employed to offset voltage loss from the utility to the Supercharger cabinets. It would compensate for the distance between the SC and the utility’s substation as well as any potential loading of the on-site transformer.
Since DC is supplied to the pedestals an autotransformer would not affect cabinet to pedestal voltage loss.
Alphacrux
Member
Thanks for clarifying. Yes of course you are right the auto transformer would not affect the D.C.
Tucson SC work is wrapping up (9225 S Rita Rd, Tucson. S Rita Road and I-10.). Fences are down. Today electricians finishing up. Tomorrow asphalt work will be done. Landscaping next week. No word on when TEP will install the transformer. The Tesla Club of Southern Arizona will be hosting a SC dedication on November 18th 10:00 am. www.southernaztesla.com
Thanks for the frequent updates.I'm very excited for the corridor along the I10 to be completed with Superchargers.
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