# Hardware Design Principles DeCharge chargers are engineered for real-world durability, modularity, and ease of deployment. Whether installed in a residential garage, a rural roadside, or a public mall parking lot, the hardware is designed to be reliable, serviceable, and future-ready. This section outlines the guiding principles, physical design attributes, and embedded technologies that make DeCharge hardware uniquely suited to a distributed, community-powered infrastructure model. ## **Real-World Design Philosophy** DeCharge hardware is built to operate reliably in a wide range of physical environments and use cases. Key design goals include: * Rapid deployment with minimal tools or technical support * Compatibility with standard residential and commercial power supplies * Protection against dust, water, temperature, and tampering * Onboard diagnostics and remote controllability * Longevity across 5-7 years with minimal maintenance Each charger is developed with mass deployment in mind - ensuring every unit is easy to install, monitor, and maintain at scale. ## **Modular Component Architecture** All DeCharge devices follow a modular hardware design. This enables faster manufacturing, simplified part replacement, and streamlined field servicing. Core components include:
ComponentFunctionality
Power Control UnitHandles energy input, safety cutoff, and delivery
PCB with OSEM moduleTracks energy usage and uptime securely
Communication ModuleEnables Wi-Fi, 4G/5G, or LAN connectivity
Enclosure & MountingProtects internals and supports pole/wall mounts
Diagnostic PortsUsed for testing, firmware updates, reset
Each module is separately replaceable or upgradeable, allowing DeCharge to issue OTA (over-the-air) software updates or field-level part replacements without decommissioning the entire unit. ## **Smart Metering and Security** Every charger includes a secure metering chip. This system enables: * Precision energy logging (kWh per session) * Timestamped session data and usage history * Local signing of every transaction * Tamper detection and error flagging Because this metering is built into the hardware itself, DeCharge does not rely on external reporting, manual auditing, or trust-based verification. Each device autonomously generates proof of its own activity. ## **Environmental and Electrical Protection** DeCharge chargers are built to handle diverse and unpredictable field conditions. All hardware units include: * IP65 (or higher) rated enclosures to protect against dust and rain * Ventilation systems and thermal cutoffs to manage overheating * Ground fault detection and auto-shutdown circuits * Residual Current Devices (RCDs) to prevent electrical shock * Overvoltage protection for power surges Installers are guided to place chargers under shade or canopies when exposed to extreme sunlight. Chargers also include LED indicators for real-time operational status and basic fault diagnosis. ## **Connectivity and Communication** Each charger is designed to be online 24/7 through at least one of three supported communication modes: * 4G/5G SIM slot (supports major telecom providers in India, Europe, and North America) * Wi-Fi (requires dedicated router with minimum 100 Mbps bandwidth) * LAN (for large sites, hubs, or Titans) Connectivity allows each unit to: * Transmit telemetry to the DeCharge backend * Receive OTA updates * Be remotely restarted, locked, or diagnosed * Stream live status data to the host dashboard Offline buffer storage allows for short-term operation if the internet is temporarily lost, with queued data uploaded once the connection is restored. ## **Mounting Options and Power Interface** To accommodate different site conditions and charger models: | Model | Mount Options | Input Requiremen | | ---------- | ------------- | ------------------- | | Mini | Wall-mounted | 230V, 16A (1-Phase) | | Beast | Wall or Pole | 230V, 32A (1-Phase) | | Titan Mini | Ground Plinth | 415V, 3-Phase, 72A | | Titan | Ground Plinth | 415V, 3-Phase, 90A | Mounting kits are included for both standard and delegated installations. Brackets, bolts, and strain relief fittings ensure long-term mechanical safety. ## **Designed for Future Integration** DeCharge hardware is not static. It includes architecture and spare I/O interfaces for future integration with: * Energy storage systems (batteries or BESS) * Rooftop or pole-mounted solar panels * Dynamic pricing controllers or smart meters * Peer-to-peer energy trading modules * Microgrid or vehicle-to-grid (V2G) ecosystems This ensures that even entry-level devices can evolve with the network, enabling gradual migration toward more advanced use cases without hardware replacement. The modular design also allows Titan Mini and Titan to share a common chassis and communication stack, streamlining integration, diagnostics, and servicing across power classes. ## **Deployment-Ready Packaging** All DeCharge chargers are shipped in ruggedized packaging with: * Pre-registered QR codes mapped to owner accounts * Cable size, breaker rating, and mounting instructions * User-specific configuration if ordered via delegation * Printed quickstart and digital onboarding guide Upon delivery, most chargers can be installed in under 90 minutes by a certified electrician or delegated partner. DeCharge’s hardware design reflects its larger mission to enable scalable, decentralized infrastructure without complexity. Each charger is a robust, modular node designed to serve users and communities reliably for years to come. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.decharge.network/network-and-technology/hardware-design-principles.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.