Compatibility and integration

Advice and explanations

Integration is designed for the specific devices and available interfaces. Sharing a protocol name does not automatically establish compatibility for every station, building or backend. The examples below explain possible configurations, rather than named customer installations.

SmartSystem can connect charging with building metering and control. The following interfaces serve different purposes: Modbus transfers available data and limits, OCPP connects stations to their management system, and a supported MQTT connection provides communication with the cloud.

Integration with BMS and other building systems

Integrating AgeVolt EMS with Building Management Systems (BMS) and other building systems is essential for effective energy management and cost optimisation. AgeVolt EMS supports various protocols and standards that enable communication and integration with existing infrastructure.

Supported protocols and standards
  1. Modbus RTU or TCP:
    • Depending on the installation, SmartSystem can receive power limits and measured data from the building's system. A supervisory system can obtain available charging data. Registers, units and commands are configured during integration.
  2. OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol):
    • connects a compatible charging station to its management system. The version, supported functions and control method must be verified for the station model and firmware.
  3. MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport):
    • is used for supported connections of SmartSystem or Shelly metering to the AgeVolt cloud. MQTT support alone does not establish that any arbitrary device can be connected.

Integration with different charging stations and backends

AgeVolt EMS is designed to work with charging stations from different manufacturers. This flexibility allows users to select stations that best meet their needs while benefiting from advanced power management and cost optimisation.

Support for different manufacturers and models
  1. AC and DC charging stations:
    • AgeVolt EMS supports alternating-current (AC) and direct-current (DC) charging stations, enabling applications ranging from home charging to fast charging stations.
  2. Integration with existing installations:
    • AgeVolt EMS can integrate with a building's existing charging stations, allowing modernisation and optimisation without replacing the entire infrastructure.
Illustrative configuration examples
  1. Integration with BMS in an office building:
    • Illustrative building example: a compatible BMS passes the available capacity or measured data to the controller. Communication and available functions are configured for the particular systems.
  2. Sub-distribution boards and smart meters:
    • The building has smart meters with current-transformer metering that monitor consumption on individual floors and sub-distribution boards. AgeVolt EMS uses this data to optimise charging, taking into account lifts, lighting, heating and other technologies.
  3. Public car park with different charging stations:
    • Illustrative car park example: compatible stations are connected to a shared management system. The available power-limiting capabilities must be verified for each model.

Conclusion

AgeVolt EMS is a highly compatible and flexible system that allows integration with different building systems and charging stations from various manufacturers. Support for standard protocols and advanced power management capabilities can help users make efficient, optimised use of the available energy resources.

The next article explains the role of OCPP in connecting stations to a management system.

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