Questions and answers: EMS design and configuration

Answers to practical questions about designing and operating energy management. Measurement and wiring checks are intended for a qualified technician. Eco setting names refer to the original SmartSystem local interface.

Do I need an electricity meter on every circuit?

No. If only chargers are connected downstream of a circuit breaker, control can use their own measurements and the circuit's configured current limit. If other appliances share the same supply point, the total consumption must be obtained through a SmartMeter or compatible existing metering.

Can I use an electricity meter already installed in the building?

Yes, if it provides the required data through a supported interface. SmartSystem can connect through Modbus TCP or RTU. The design must verify registers, units, phases and how the data is refreshed.

What if the metered point has multiple incoming supplies?

Metering must be designed to cover all relevant incoming supplies. The original procedure also accommodates multiple electricity meters whose data is combined in the controller. A designer verifies the wiring and assignments for the specific site.

How is a SmartMeter connected?

SmartMeter connects to SmartSystem through CIB. Cable selection, topology, power supply and permitted lengths are determined by the documentation for the installed configuration. Internet or LTE connections are not a direct substitute for CIB wiring without additional devices and a communication design.

The measurements show negative current or incorrect consumption

A technician checks the sensors' installation direction, phase assignments, closure and ratio settings. Sensor cable lengths and routing must comply with the manufacturer's instructions. With solar power, a negative value may also indicate actual export to the grid, so its sign alone does not establish a fault.

Reserved capacity is on the medium-voltage side, metering on the low-voltage side

When metering is on the other side of a transformer, the assessment of reserved capacity and the parameters of the particular substation must be taken into account. Do not use a universal five-percent deduction as a substitute for this design.

Why did EMS suspend charging?

Check the available power at every configured level, the charging mode, priority and the validity of the measured data. A technician also checks communication with the electricity meters and the Modbus connection. The limit may originate somewhere other than the main supply.

Solar panels are generating power, but Eco is not charging

The deciding factors are the surplus after subtracting the building's consumption and the minimum power supported by the vehicle and station. Generation alone does not establish a sufficient surplus. The original modes are explained in the article How to configure and use solar power with Eco mode.

The vehicle does not resume charging after an interruption

Behaviour after repeated interruptions depends on the vehicle. Check its status and the configured mode. The Eco variant that maintains a minimum current can reduce the number of interruptions, but it uses grid energy when the surplus is insufficient. If the problem recurs, send support the vehicle model, time and station identifier.

Control fundamentals: Introduction to AgeVolt EMS. Site design: Practical advice for designers.