Load-shedding the FCSP

[myke]

Has anyone experimented with how to use a dry-contact output (of a load-shedding ATS) on the FCSP?

I've recently picked up a whole-home genny, which is 100A (22KW). In the included ATS, there are some normally closed 24V contacts meant to go between your thermostat and air conditioner; the relays open when the RPM/frequency drop.

I was pondering how to load-shed the FCSP. Other than a giant 100A contactor ($$$) on the 240V lines, one of the simplest methods might be to is to open break the "CP" connection of the EVSE's gun. (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SAE_J1772#Connector ) - initially I considered the PP line, but then I might drive away with the cable in by accident* (*no, not really, because the truck knows the flap is open, but if someone else has a dumber vehicle charging, that doesn't work.)

De-rating the EVSE while on generator presumes I'm awake to 1) disconnect the EVSE 2) open it 3) de-rate 4) close it back up 5) close the breaker again 6) figure out how to reset the overload-tripped ATS or genny. Although if there was a way to de-rate without opening the thing up...

Thoughts? Comments? Other ideas? Has anyone tried breaking the CP connection while charging? I'll try it out soon on a warmer day here in Canada.

Sponsored

 

[djwildstar]

Has anyone experimented with how to use a dry-contact output (of a load-shedding ATS) on the FCSP?

No, but I have some thoughts for you.

The easiest would be to have your electrician wire the FCSP so that it is on your utility feed, but before the generator isolation switch. This way the FCSP is only powered when utility power is on. It should be exceedingly rare that you would need to charge the truck while you are running from the generator -- and in the event that you do, charge at Level 1 from the mobile charger.

It is possible to temporarily de-rate the FCSP without opening the case, via a setting in FordPass -- Go to Account, Connected Charge Station, Settings, Max Charge Current, and then Edit. You can use the slider to set any current level between 6A and the maximum set via the configuration switch inside. While this is still a manual process, at least it doesn't involve opening the case -- and remember that the FCSP only draws power if the truck is charging, so in most backup-power situations, you'll have time to make a manual setting change before the truck draws power and trips the generator's breaker.

Finally, the FCSP has an internal serial communication line that is normally used to communicate with the Home Integration System. It is possible that the FCSP supports some type of signaling on this line that would tell it to inhibit charging -- however, even if it does, I'm not aware of a reference that would tell you how to hook into this. Maybe Ford could provide more information?

 

[myke]

> wire the FCSP so that it is on your utility feed, but before the generator isolation switch

We'd made the decision to go with a whole-panel transfer switch, so that is unfortunately not an option, as the service entrance goes to the ATS. I had extended conversations with 2 electricians about this. Not sure how happy I am, but it did mean one less distribution panel - we were also in an emergency situation as the main breaker was found to be faulty as we took possession of the house and were planning the service upgrade.

> exceedingly rare that you would need to charge the truck while you are running from the generator

If I've just come home at 13% HVB and the utility power goes out while I'm asleep... Also I work in critical infrastructure - I do actually need to move about in civic/inclement weather/other situations, so a (re)charged vehicle is important. We've had several multi-day outages in recent memory too. Hence getting the generator in the first place.

> de-rate the FCSP without opening the case, via a setting in FordPass

That only works if I'm awake and home, and the FCSP is communicating via WiFi at the time that shedding is needed. Furthermore I'm not going to know the genny is underrevving/overloaded until it's too late. Also, did FordPass completely break for anyone else for about 4 hours yesterday afternoon?

> internal serial communication line

Yes - There's two RS485 ports in fact, but also adjacent to them is a "Utility" connector, which I wonder if that could have a disconnection or EPO contact I need.

Until I know about the Utility connector and/or the RS485 comms commands (haven't found anything yet), putting a relay to interrupt the CP line still seems to be the absolute simplest and safest (and transparent!) way to automatically stop charging during a load-shedding call. By virtue of the gun's wires all being under screw terminals, this is not only a very easy thing to do (extend the CP wire to a small enclosure nearby with a relay) it's also completely reversible, should I ever add the whole-home inverter or something else comes about.

 

[TaxmanHog]

Also, did FordPass completely break for anyone else for about 4 hours yesterday afternoon?

Yes, https://www.f150lightningforum.com/forum/threads/ford-pass-ford-com-down-resolved.18067/

Sponsored