Rolec Wallpod: enhance or substitute?

[WordSmith]

My Rolec Wallpod was installed in 2016, and everything functioned properly until the original RCBO required replacement due to intermittent tripping. Approximately four years later, the substitute Garo is beginning to exhibit similar issues, prompting me to consider replacing it with a comparable Type B apparatus; however, they all appear to be single-module instead of dual-module. Modifying the wiring is not particularly challenging, yet I am curious if there could be an issue regarding the spatial constraints around the breaker in terms of depth or height. Is there an appropriate Type B 2-module RCBO available?

This has prompted me to contemplate the necessity of substituting the entire unit with a "smart" charger. I possess electrical proficiency, thus the installation should pose no issues; however, I would appreciate guidance on charger varieties and any potential complications with a self-installation.

[WordSmith]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/?search-alias=aps&field-keywords=Rolec+EV+charger&tag=vs-pl-speakev-com-20&ascsubtag=v1-1b35d9-197958-e02ec46492-k&rel=nofollow&linkCode=gg3&creatorsDisableRedirect=true&ar_su=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fascsubtag%3Dv1-1b35d9-197958-e02ec46492-k%26rel%3Dnofollow%26k%3DRolec%2BEV%2Bcharger%26tag%3Dvs-pl-speakev-com-20%26creatorsDisableRedirect%3Dtrue&ar_mt=SEARCH_PAGE

[Paqngo]

What are your objectives for acquiring a 'smart' charging station? What advantage does that provide you compared to your current situation? Is it truly necessary to substitute the EVSE controller?

To capitalise on variable rate tariffs, you must have a method for monitoring the fluctuating tariffs. If they are uncomplicated peak/off-peak periods during conventional hours, then virtually any charging station can accommodate that, or your vehicle can be effortlessly programd to utilise those timings.
To capitalise on local solar generation for self-consumption, it is essential for your chargepoint to ascertain the energy availability at your property, enabling you to charge your vehicle solely with solar power when time is not a constraint.
To capitalise on highly variable-rate tariffs such as Octopus Agile, it is essential to have a system capable of retrieving your half-hourly rates and modifying your car's charging schedule based on your needs.
To benefit from 'Intelligent' tariffs, such as Octopus Intelligent Go, you must relinquish complete control of your charging to a third party.

I substituted my outdated Rolec Wallpod with a system based on an OpenEVSE controller, successfully implementing options 1 and 2 mentioned above, integrated through Home Assistant. It is indeed a vessel of Theseus/ Trigger's broom.

The majority of 'smart' charging stations are connected to remote control systems rather than being governed by local control mechanisms. For instance, pod point depends exclusively on its own servers to manage your chargepoint. OpenEVSE is unique. Certain 'intelligent' charging stations have proven to be ineffectual relics when the provider ceased operations, exemplified by JuiceBox's withdrawal from the US market, which resulted in the closure of their central management systems. The case of Andersen also occurred in the UK.

If the 'smart' control is unnecessary for you and your focus is solely on enhancing reliability and adhering to the latest electrical wiring standards, you may continue to upgrade the electrical components of your Rolec, as numerous forum members have done, to incorporate PEN loss protection (which is not a concern for me since I possess an earth rod), or an RCD that complies with current regulations concerning DC faults, unlike those applicable at the time of your initial installation.

[ianwh4]

Since then, I have further modified it utilising Home Assistant and Shelly components, enabling it to be solar-panel-aware or adjustable to any predetermined current of my preference. I am currently experiencing some problems with my hardware, resulting in unreliable performance; I am in the process of diagnosing the underlying issues, likely related to my software sequencing interfering with the ECU, I suspect...

[WordSmith]

I appreciate the responses. Currently, I utilise the car's timer to charge during off-peak hours and am reluctant to relinquish complete charging control to "them" (whoever "them" may be) unless there is a significant cost advantage in kWh, which appears to be lacking at present, or if it becomes compulsory (which is likely in the future). I lack solar panels, yet the idea occasionally crosses my mind due to our unusually expansive south-facing roof, despite having relatively low electric vehicle mileage.
The provision is TN-C-S through two aerial conductors. N is likely grounded at the location of the transformer and is certainly grounded at the final pole. Due to the aforementioned reasons, a PEN fault is improbable; however, I have installed an earth rod "just to be certain" as I am uneasy with the concept of a breaker on the earth connection to the vehicle.
Upon consideration, I believe it is advisable to substitute the sporadic Type A RCBO with a Type B while maintaining the remainder unchanged. Should I opt to incorporate solar energy, or if a governmental directive (or incentive) arises, I will reconsider.
I have just realised that I can install an RCCB instead of an RCBO, as the MCB in the consumer unit offers over-current protection, simplifying the search for a compatible option. One potential option is this: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003095164494.html. Are there any additional suggestions?

A concluding observation: I noticed that the MCB in the CU is rated at 32A, which sufficed for charging a PHEV, but I now require a replacement of 40A.

I have just observed these: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005009842040152.html, which appear to be a conventional Tongou RCCB featuring a reset mechanism for specific situations. Has anyone present engaged in experimentation with them or comparable items?

Revised a second time to indicate that I have discovered this discourse: I'm unable to access external links. Please provide the text you'd like me to paraphrase. My inquiry has been resolved, and it appears that I will be transferring some traditional British currency to AliExpress.

[ML350_Colin]

It is likely that you currently possess historical charging data, which will assist you in determining the cost-effectiveness of a ‘intelligent’ EVSE. On Intelligent Octopus Go, I am charged 6.9p per kWh during off-peak hours and 30.46p per kWh during peak hours, in addition to a standing fee.

The economical rate is a fixed period from 23:30 to 05:30, and extends from 23:30 until 11:00 the following day for electric vehicle charging. Electricity is available at a reduced rate for the entire residence during the designated period, in addition to any charging intervals assigned to me between 05:30 and 11:00.

EV charging stations are assigned dynamically by Octopus, and their allocation may vary based on load and consumption. In my situation, my electric vehicle lacks integration with IOG, so I utilise an Ohme Home Pro EVSE, which does have that capability, and it is the Ohme that manages the charging sessions.

If you can determine your ratio of low-cost to peak charging, you will be able to contrast it with a conventional, fixed-time, overnight tariff.

Approximately 52% of my appliance electricity usage can be rescheduled to the overnight period (such as the dishwasher and washing machine) or involves electric vehicle charging during off-peak hours designated by Octopus. I rarely need to charge the electric vehicle unexpectedly during peak pricing hours, although I frequently connect it during the day to prepare for the following day and receive daytime slots assigned by Octopus.

Utilising a 'intelligent' EVSE such as the Ohme, in conjunction with the IOG tariff, is beneficial for us, although we represent a particular scenario. It may not be effective for all individuals. However, keep in mind that despite lacking an immersion heater, tumble dryer, batteries, or underfloor electric heating, it has still proven to be economical for us. We are still evaluating home batteries, as the point of financial equilibrium would occur approximately between 5 to 6 years.

[WordSmith]

I presently incur charges of 28.952p during daytime hours and 6.993p from 23:00 to 06:00 (SC 62.873p daily). We possess diesel and PHEV petrol vehicles in addition to the EV, resulting in a modest (yet growing) EV mileage. The supplementary "bonus" slots from 05:30 to 11:00 could be advantageous; however, during the essential overnight timeframe, transitioning to "intelligent" charging would result in a loss of one hour and a mere savings of 0.09p/kWh, which is insufficient to warrant ceding control or to validate the expense of a "intelligent" charging unit. If I possessed solar panels and home batteries, the circumstances would change.

[Rashman4u]

Utilise the Search Community to locate references to Tongou. Proficient electricians present have conducted evaluations on several of these items, which are certainly worth investigating. It's somewhat beyond my comprehension.

[WordSmith]

I appreciate it once more.
A Tongou RCCB has been ordered (and I have already substituted the 32A MCB with a 40A variant) thus everything is satisfactory 🙂