An EV that can only charge with 1-phase

An EV that is capable to charge on 3 phases, but can also charge on a 1-phase charger

Alternating Current

Alfen Charging Equipment

The unique number (ID) assigned to each charging station during production. Example: ACE0123456, older chargers use the format 12345R012

A program developed by Alfen for the installer to commission Alfen charging stations and configure the features of Smart Charging. The program is for use on a Windows laptop.

The current consumption of devices is monitored by an EMS and controlled by the charging station via this feature. ALB can be combined with a Smart Charging Network to dynamically manage the power distribution for the SCN.

Advanced is an obsolete software and hardware platform that was used in Alfen chargers from appr. 2004 till 2017. Unfortunately Alfen is no longer supporting these chargers as hardware and configuration software is no longer available

The Alfen Hardware Platform is a framework used by Alfen for its charging stations, incorporating various hardware components and firmware updates to ensure efficient operation and maintenance

This refers to the process of distributing incoming network traffic across multiple servers to ensure no single server becomes overwhelmed. It helps maintain optimal system performance, maximize throughput, minimize response time, and provide fault tolerance

Alfen is a manufacturer of Smart Energy solutions like smart grid, battery storage and vehicle chargers. Alfen was founded in 1937 and the headquarters are located in Almere, the Netherlands

The web shop where you can order spare parts and find the default password. Access is restricted to Alfen customers, who must be companies.

In case the available current in a charging station or group of charging stations is insufficient to serve all connected EVs, they will be charged one after the other. The available power is divided and communicated to connected EVs, whilst other charging sessions will be resumed for a set period of time (alternating period).

An Alfen customer that may repair their own chargers with support from their service partners and claim parts under warranty. Training modules and certificates are provided for ARP customers and their partners.

Software system to manage charging stations.

The previous name for 'Carry-in'

Formerly ‘Back to Base’. Chargers sent back for repair. Alfen offers a standard 2-year back-to-base warranty on chargers from the time of delivery (= ready for factory shipment).

Stationary part of EV supply equipment connected to the supply network. Alfen charging stations have one or two sockets.

Control Pilot - Communication signal/wire in the charge cable used between charger and EV

A Charge Point Management System is a comprehensive software solution designed to manage and monitor electric vehicle charging stations. It provides functionalities like real-time monitoring, remote management, billing, user authentication, and reporting, ensuring optimal station performance and seamless user experiences

The party/person who can submit service requests to Alfen, purchase licenses and warranties, order spare parts, and request default passwords. If you bought the charging station from Alfen, you are automatically the CPO.

CS can mean 'Charging Station' or 'Customer Service'

The part of the charging station comparable to the brain.

Signal strenght indication for mobile connection

Direct Current

DEutscher Kraftfahrzeug-Uberwachungs-Verein (German motor vehicle inspection institution)

Dutch Smart Meter Requirements. Dutch 'Smart Meter' using P1 connection for Active Loadbalancing on Alfen chargers

Distribution System Operator

A platform that enables seamless EV charging. It allows partners to exchange key data for user authentication, billing, and real-time station info, ensuring a connected and future-ready charging experience.

Complete system including the EV supply equipment and the EV functions that are required to supply electric energy to an EV for the purpose of charging.

Electromagnetic compatibility , all electrical devices and installations affect each other, EMC guidelines limit electromagnetic emissions from equipment to control side effects.

Energy Management System

E-Mobility Service Provider The party that provided the charge pass

The person using the charging station to charge an EV.

A (usually local) system that connects to solar inverters, heat pumps, energy storage and charging stations in order to monitor and control the available and consumed power of these devices. It displays the consumption and generation of power. It can be purchased and used by companies or consumers.

Electro static discharge. Electrostatic discharge that can cause damage to electronics

European Smart Meter Requirements

Electric Vehicle

Alfen's model name indicating two sockets on the charging point.

Alfen's model name indicating a single socket on the charging point.

Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment, charger for charging an EV

Digital energy meter that is added to the control cabinet if it cannot be provided by the grid operator

Factory Acceptance Test. A test that is performed on a (new) charger before it leaves the factory.

The operating system of the charging station.

Field Service Engineer. An engineer working for a Field Service Partner

Field Service Partner. A company that visits chargers for repairs and maintenance.

Alfen partner companies that perform on-site service on behalf of Alfen.

Firmware

General Data Protection Regulation: The General Data Protection Regulation (AVG) is a European regulation that standardises the rules for processing personal data by private companies and public authorities across the European Union.

AI capable of creating original content based on user instructions, using advanced machine learning techniques.

General Packet Radio Service a technology to efficiently and quickly transmit mobile data

Hybrid Electric Verhicle

Hardware

Integrated Charging Unit, Previous name for Alfen Chargers, not used anymore

The backoffice system of Alfen.

International Electrotechnical Commision

Javascript Object Notation. It's a lightweight, text-based format used to store and exchange data. It's easy for humans to read and write, and easy for machines to parse and generate.

Phase (1, 2, 3)

Local Area Network

Solutions and methods for language learning, designed to perform a wide range of natural language processing tasks.

Last Minute Risk Assessment. LMRA ahould be performee by any engineer starting work on a (electric) device.

A group of computers and other devices in a limited area, connected by a communications link that enables any device to interact with any other on the network.

The process required at Alfen to link the specific charging station to the party/person who will manage it.

The maximum charging current a charging station (Station max. current) or socket (max. current socket) is allowed to provide

Megabits per second. 'Speed' in which digital data can be transferred

Mechanical Circuit Breaker. A MCB protects the wiring and installation against overcurrent

Multicast Domain Name System

Power Meter that measures the kWh used by the devices/installation connected after the meter

Communication protocol providing communication between two electrical devices.

Modbus is a communication protocol between devices to communicate with each other.

Industry standard for communication between EV and charging station

Mobility Service Provider

An app developed by Alfen for the installer / electrician only to commission and configure features of Alfen charging stations. The app can be used on a laptop or mobile phone.

Software package allowing the (end) user to change settings of the charging station.

Neutral

NEN stands for "Nederlands Normalisatie-instituut" (Royal Netherlands Standardization Institute). It is the official body in the Netherlands responsible for developing, managing, and promoting standards.

The NG platform refers to Alfen chargers using the 'Next Generation' software and hardware components.

Hardware platform, single socket product s-line (without gprs modem)

Hardware platform, single socket product pro-line

Hardware platform, double socket product pro-line

Open Charge Point

Open Charge Point Interface. Used to connect systems of different Chargepoint operators to connect their back office systems

Communication protocol enabling interoperability between EV charging stations and back-end management systems.

Plug and charge

Connector used on smart power meters (mostly in the Netherlands and Belgium) that can be connected to the P1 port on an Alfen charger This allows charging at the maximum available power using the actual power consumption on the location.

Printed Circuit Board (Assembly). A board containing electronic components

Protective Earth

The order in which the available phases are connected to a 3-phase charger.

Feature that allows the charging station to switch between 1-phase and 3-phase charging

Plug in Hybrid Electric Verhicle

With support for ISO 15118, OCPP allows drivers to plug their vehicle into the charging station without needing to manually authenticate or initiate a charging session.

Point of Interconnection

The connection point where the EV supply equipment and the grid connection come together.

PP = Proximity Pin - Determines max allowed current of the charging cable

Unique code to reset the password from Owner to Default, found on the flyer in the box and the web shop.

A set of parameters for a specific external energy meter. This set is necessary for the charging station to be able to read the data of that specific external energy meter. Some external energy meters are available with presets when configuring Active Load Balancing.

The test current that is applied during the probing phase.

Every charging session starts with a test phase. In this phase the charging station detects whether the electric vehicle requires a minimum charging current of 6A (according to the IEC 61851 norm) or 14A. Only if the available power is not sufficient to serve all sockets in use, these will be paused during the probing phase. The socket with the recently connected vehicle will not be paused.

Photovoltaic

Puls Width Modulation. Type of signal used in the communication between charger and EV

The part of the charging station where the power comes in.

Questions and Answers

Protection of electrical installation against leakage currents.

Unique code to reset the password from Owner to Default, found on the flyer in the box and the web shop.

Range extended verhicle

Request for change. Type of ticket available on the Alfen support portal to request a change for your charger

RadioFrequency Identification. Communication technology used to 'read' tags/charge passes by a charger

Registered Jack

Recommended Standard

A standard defining the electrical characteristics of drivers and receivers for use in serial communications systems.

The available power reserved for a socket when the charging station loses connection to the meter used for Active Loadbalancing.

Site Acceptance Test. Test performed on location by the installer when a new charger is installed

The ratio of the sensor output to the sensor input, which is expressed in degree/sec.

The part of the charging station comparable to the brain.

A set of charging stations forming a network, coordinated to distribute available power fairly based on demand.

Service Level Agreement. A formal agreement that describes what service will be provided, performance standards and how performance is measured

Optimal power distribution between the two sockets within a charger (Double or Twin)

Digital energy meter that has been placed in the control cabinet by the grid operator.

Refers to energy consumption optimization within a system of electric vehicles, charging stations and charging operators by means of sharing and controlling data. General (umbrella) term for several features.

Multiple charging stations that are connected within the same network via LAN, exchanging data to manage the current distribution locally. For every socket, the network decides how fast it can charge, taking the total load into account.

Controlling the charging power or current is based on power transfer limits at specific points in time. Those limits are combined in a charging profile. By the means of these profiles, a central system can control • the charging current of a specific EV • the total allowed energy consumption on an entire electrical installation • or a group of charging stations, based on a grid connection, energy availability on the grid or the wiring of a building.

Smart Meter

Part on the charging station where the EVE connects to the charger.

Solar EV charging uses energy generated by solar panels to power electric vehicles. Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, which is then used to charge the EV's battery. This method is environmentally friendly, cost-efficient, and promotes energy independence.

A (spare) part/material of a charging station, often several materials together in one box (kit).

One-time password dedicated for Alfen field engineers and Field Service Partners. It allows offering on-site services without sharing your password and changing customer passwords without needing the default password.

See 'SLB (Static Load Balancing)'

Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol

Alfen's model name for public chargers

Name of the industry standard connector/socket type used on Alfen chargers

User Datagram Protocol

Unshielded Twisted Pair

Virtual Private Network

Renault certification, a complete and fully compatible solution developed for Renault electric cars.