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.
- ACE installer:
Software package for configuring the charging station. - ACE number (Alfen Charging Equipment - number):
The unique number (ID) assigned to each charging station. - ACE service installer:
Software package for configuring the charging station. - AHP (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):
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 Web Shop:
The web shop where you can order spare parts and find the default password. Access is restricted to Alfen customers, who must be companies. - ARP (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.
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- Back office (system):
Software system to manage one or more charging stations.
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- CPMS (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):
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. - CTL (Controller board):
The part of the charging station comparable to the brain.
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- Double:
Alfen's model name indicating two sockets on the charging point.
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- End user:
The person using the charging station to charge an EV.
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- Firmware:
The operating system of the charging station. - FSP (Field Service Partner):
Alfen partner companies that perform on-site service on behalf of Alfen.
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- GenAI (Generative AI):
AI capable of creating original content based on user instructions, using advanced machine learning techniques.
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- ICU Connect:
The backoffice system of Alfen.
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- LLM (Large Language Models):
Solutions and methods for language learning, designed to perform a wide range of natural language processing tasks.
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- Management transfer:
The process required at Alfen to link the specific charging station to the party/person who will manage it. - MOD-bus:
Communication protocol providing communication between two electrical devices. - Mode-3:
Industry standard for communication between EV and charging station - MyEve App:
Software package allowing the (end) user to change settings of the charging station.
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- NG Platform:
The NG platform refers to 'Next Generation'
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- OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol):
Communication protocol enabling interoperability between EV charging stations and back-end management systems.
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- P1
Connector used on smart power meters (ostly 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. - 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. - PRC (Password Recovery Code):
Unique code to reset the password from Owner to Default, found on the flyer in the box and the web shop. - PWR (Powerboard):
The part of the charging station where the power comes in.
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- RCD (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.
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- SCB (Smart Control Board):
The part of the charging station comparable to the brain. - SCN (Smart Charging Network):
A set of charging stations forming a network, coordinated to distribute available power fairly based on demand. - Single:
Alfen's model name indicating a single socket on the charging point. - SLB (Static Load Balancing)
Optimal power distribution between the two sockets within a charger (Double or Twin) - Smart Charging:
Function to improve efficiency and management of the electricity grid, supporting load management and smart charging. - 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):
A (spare) part/material of a charging station, often several materials together in one box (kit). - SSA (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.
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- TWIN:
Alfen's model name indicating the number of sockets (Twin, Double, or Single).