Lexicon - Terms and Definitions used on Alfen chargers
Overview
This article is a collection of terms used on Alfen chargers.
In EV charging a lot of terms are used that may be new or unknown.
In this article is a lexicon for abbreviations and terms that are used in the Alfen company especially for Charging Stations.
1-phase EV
An EV that can only charge with 1-phase
3-phase EV
An EV that is capable to charge on 3 phases, but can also charge on a 1-phase charger
AC
Alternating Current
ACE
Alfen Charging Equipment
ACE number
Alfen Charging Equipment - number
Alfen Charging Equipment - number
The unique number (ID) assigned to each charging station during production. Example: ACE0123456, older chargers use the format 12345R012
ACE Service Installer
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.
Active Load Balancing
The actual current consumption of devices in the installation is measured by an external power meter (Smart P1 meter, Modbus TCP/IP or Modbus RTU)
The meter is connected to the charger and the readings are used to calculate the maximum current that can used to charge the EV at that time.
Since the power consumption is measured in realtime, the charge current can vary and charging is optimized without compromising the power levels of the installation it is connected to.
The meter is connected to the charger and the readings are used to calculate the maximum current that can used to charge the EV at that time.
Since the power consumption is measured in realtime, the charge current can vary and charging is optimized without compromising the power levels of the installation it is connected to.
Advanced
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
AHP
Alfen Hardware Platform
Alfen Hardware Platform
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
ALB
(Active Load Balancing)
(Active Load Balancing)
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
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
Alfen Web Shop
The web shop where registered business contact can order chargers, licenses and spare parts and find the default password. Access is restricted to Alfen customers, who must be companies.
Alternating
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).
ARP
(Alfen Repair Partner)
(Alfen Repair Partner)
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.
Back office
A management system (in the cloud)provided by the operator for monitoring and managing the charging stations.
A management system (in the cloud)provided by the operator for monitoring and managing the charging stations.
Back to base
The previous name for 'Carry-in'
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).
Charging station
Stationary part of EV supply equipment connected to the supply network. Alfen charging stations have one or two sockets.
CP
Control Pilot - Communication signal/wire in the charge cable used between charger and EV
CPMS
Charge point management system
Charge point management system
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
CPO
Charge Point Operator
Charge Point Operator
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
CS can mean 'Charging Station' or 'Customer Service'
CTL
Controller board
Controller board
The part of the charging station comparable to the brain.
dBm
Signal strength indication for mobile connection
DC
Direct Current
Dekra
DEutscher KRAftfahrzeug-Uberwachungs-Verein (German motor vehicle inspection institution)
DSMR
Dutch Smart Meter Requirements. Dutch 'Smart Meter' using P1 connection for Active Loadbalancing on Alfen chargers
DSO
Distribution System Operator
Eclearing
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.
Electrical installation
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.
EMC
Electromagnetic compatibility , all electrical devices and installations affect each other, EMC guidelines limit electromagnetic emissions from equipment to control side effects.
EMS
Energy Management System
EMSP
E-Mobility Service Provider. The party that provided the charge pass
End user
The person using the charging station to charge an EV.
Energy Management System
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.
ESD
Electro static discharge. Electrostatic discharge that can cause damage to electronics
ESMR
European Smart Meter Requirements
EV
Electric Vehicle
EVE Double
Alfen's model name indicating two sockets on the charging point.
EVE Single
Alfen's model name indicating a single socket on the charging point.
EVSE
Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment, charger for charging an EV
External energy meter
Digital energy meter that is added to the control cabinet if it cannot be provided by the grid operator
FAT
Factory Acceptance Test. A test that is performed on a (new) charger before it leaves the factory.
Firmware
The operating system of the charging station.
FSE
Field Service Engineer. An engineer working for a Field Service Partner
FSP
Field Service Partner. A company that visits chargers for repairs and maintenance on behalf of Alfen.
FW
Firmware
GDPR
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.
GenAI
Generative AI
Generative AI
AI capable of creating original content based on user instructions, using advanced machine learning techniques.
GPRS
General Packet Radio Service a technology to efficiently and quickly transmit mobile data
HEV
Hybrid Electric Verhicle
HW
Hardware
ICU
Integrated Charging Unit, Previous name for Alfen Chargers, not used anymore
ICU Connect
The backoffice system of Alfen.
IEC
International Electrotechnical Commision
JSON
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.
L (L1 L2 L3)
Phase (1, 2, 3)
LAN
Local Area Network
LLM
Large Language Models
Large Language Models
Solutions and methods for language learning, designed to perform a wide range of natural language processing tasks.
LMRA
Last Minute Risk Assessment. LMRA ahould be performee by any engineer starting work on a (electric) device.
Local Area Network
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.
Management transfer
The process required at Alfen to link the specific charging station to the party/person who will manage it.
Master Key
A RFID card can be set as 'Master Key'. With this card you can grant access to other RFID cards for using a charging station
Maximum current
The maximum charging current a charging station (Station max. current) or socket (max. current socket) is allowed to provide
Mbps
Megabits per second. 'Speed' in which digital data can be transferred
MCB
Mechanical Circuit Breaker. A MCB protects the wiring and installation against overcurrent
mDNS
Multicast Domain Name System
MID
Power Meter that measures the kWh used by the devices/installation connected after the meter
MOD-bus
Communication protocol providing communication between two electrical devices.
Modbus
Modbus is a communication protocol between devices to communicate with each other.
Mode-3
Industry standard for communication between EV and charging station
MSP
Mobility Service Provider
MyEve App
Software package allowing the installer or (end) user to change settings on an Alfen charging station.
N
Neutral
NEN
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.
NG Platform
The NG platform refers to Alfen chargers using the 'Next Generation' software and hardware components.
NG900
Hardware platform, single socket product s-line (without gprs modem)
NG910
Hardware platform, single socket product pro-line
NG920
Hardware platform, double socket product pro-line
OCP
Open Charge Point
OCPI
Open Charge Point Interface. Used to connect systems of different Chargepoint operators to connect their back office systems
OCPP
Open Charge Point Protocol
Open Charge Point Protocol
Communication protocol enabling interoperability between EV charging stations and back-end management systems.
P&C
Plug and charge
P1
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.
PCB
Printed Circuit Board (Assembly). A board containing electronic components
PE
Protective Earth
Phase Rotation
The order in which the available phases are connected to a 3-phase charger.
Phase Switching
Feature that allows the charging station to switch between 1-phase and 3-phase charging
PHEV
Plug in Hybrid Electric Verhicle
Plug&Charge
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.
POI
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
PRC
Password Recovery Code
Password Recovery Code
Unique code to reset the password from Owner to Default, found on the flyer in the box and the web shop.
Preset
for an external energy meter
for an external energy meter
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.
Probing Current
The test current that is applied during the probing phase.
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.
PV
Photovoltaic
PWM
Puls Width Modulation. Type of signal used in the communication between charger and EV
PWR
Powerboard
Powerboard
The part of the charging station where the power comes in.
Q&A
Questions and Answers
RCD
Residual current device)
Residual current device)
Protection of electrical installation against leakage currents.
Recovery code
Unique code to reset the password from Owner to Default, found on the flyer in the box and the web shop.
REV
Range extended verhicle
RFC
Request for change. Type of ticket available on the Alfen support portal to request a change for your charger
RFID
RadioFrequency Identification. Communication technology used to 'read' tags/charge passes by a charger
RJ (11/45)
Registered Jack
RS
Recommended Standard
RS-485
A standard defining the electrical characteristics of drivers and receivers for use in serial communications systems.
Safe Current
The available power reserved for a socket when the charging station loses connection to the meter used for Active Loadbalancing.
SAT
Site Acceptance Test. Test performed on location by the installer when a new charger is installed
Scaling Factor
The ratio of the sensor output to the sensor input, which is expressed in degree/sec.
SCB
Smart Control Board
Smart Control Board
The part of the charging station comparable to the brain.
SCN
Smart Charging Network
Smart Charging Network
A set of charging stations forming a network, coordinated to distribute available power fairly based on demand.
SLA
Service Level Agreement. A formal agreement that describes what service will be provided, performance standards and how performance is measured
SLB
Static Load Balancing
Static Load Balancing
Optimal power distribution between the two sockets within a charger (Double or Twin)
Smart (Energy) Meter
Digital energy meter that has been placed in the control cabinet by the grid operator.
Smart Charging
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.
Smart Charging Network
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.
Smart Charging Profiles
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.
SMR
Smart Meter
Socket
Part on the charging station where the EVE connects to the charger.
Solar Charging
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.
SPK
Spare Part Kit
Spare Part Kit
A (spare) part/material of a charging station, often several materials together in one box (kit).
SSA
Secure Service Access
Secure Service Access
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.
Standard Load Balancing
See 'SLB'
Static Load Balancing
See 'SLB'
TCP/IP
Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol
TWIN
Alfen's model name for public chargers
Type-2
Name of the industry standard connector/socket type used on Alfen chargers
UDP
User Datagram Protocol
UTP
Unshielded Twisted Pair
VPN
Virtual Private Network
ZE ready
Renault certification, a complete and fully compatible solution developed for Renault electric cars.