UPDATE_2_2012_EN

Public charging stations Both AC and DC current are suited to public charging stations. In both cases, additional requirements are in place, such as customer identification for authorization and release. Even the interaction between charging stations and identifications systems belonging to different infrastructure operators and energy suppliers must be harmonized. Customers are offered additional information should they so desire, by means of displays, for marketing purposes, for example. Charging infrastructure for parking lots A charging infrastructure is needed which provides numerous charging points, and is monitored by a central control unit, for use in company parking lots, public parking lots or in underground hotel parking. The charging infrastructure can be connected to a management system that acquires charging data, monitors charging processes, and provides the driver and operator with relevant processed data. Managing charging To operate a charging infrastructure in an economically viable manner, and to make many charging stations available, a management system is needed for the charging stations. Status data on power requirements or error messages can be centrally acquired and presented. In this way, critical load situations can be monitored, whether this is due to numerous simultaneous charging processes or overlap with peak loads in the network.The management system can enable users once they have been identified at the charging station, appropriate data is acquired for the charging process, such as the time or energy consumption. Thorsten Temme EV Charge Controller The EV Charge Controller controls and monitors the charging process in accordance with IEC 61851-1 in mode 3. As all the control functions needed for charging are combined in one device, the charging station does not need another controller. The EV Charge Controller is configured via the DIP switch on the front of the housing.Ten different DIP switches implement the different applications, ranging from the simple wall box to complex installations of individual or networked charging stations. The maximum permitted current can also be set using a rotary switch in a range from 5 to 80 A. Additional digital inputs enable use in various applications. One charging system for DC and AC current In conjunction with the international automotive industry, Phoenix Contact has promoted the development of the Combined AC/DC Charging System according to IEC 62196-3. The advantage of this system lies in the special geometry and design of the charging socket (inlet) on the vehicle.The inlet provides a connection for both AC and DC connectors for fast charging, making both AC and DC charging possible. As such, automotive manufacturers can offer their clients a universal charging system with just one inlet and assembly.The driver connects both charging plugs to just one interface. So, for example, the driver can use DC current to recharge on the motorway and AC at night, when parked in the garage. UPDATE 2|12 07Cover story