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Introduction
Connecting a charging station to a backend system using OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) allows remote monitoring and management of the charging process. OCPP is a standardized communication protocol that provides a common interface for backend systems. As a result, operators of charging stations can track performance, gather energy consumption data, and remotely manage charging parameters such as power and charging schedules. Connecting the station helps improve the efficiency and availability of charging infrastructure, which is essential for the development of electric mobility. This document presents the possibilities of connecting the Enelion Lumina station to a backend system.
Configuring the Charging Station in the Configuration Panel
The connection of the Enelion Lumina station to the OCPP backend system is done through the station's configuration panel. In the OCPP Connection tab, the connection can be configured. The configuration key values can be set in the Configuration Keys tab or through the backend system with the OCPP ChangeConfiguration command.
Fig. 1. Example connection of the Lumina station to the OCPP backend system
In case of connection issues and failure to achieve the "Connected" status, ensure that the data has been entered correctly and that the charger has been added on the backend system side. Fig. 2 shows the "Disconnected" status with a "Handshake status 404 not found" message. This status appears when the server does not accept the station.
Fig. 2. Failed connection of the station to the backend system
There are two ways to connect the Enelion Lumina station to the OCPP backend system:
- The station can be configured as a Master.
- The charger can be configured as a Slave. This option is available if the station is connected to another Master charger in the Charging Network section. The connection selection in the panel is shown in Fig. 3.
Fig. 3. Selection of connection type in the configuration panel
Connecting a Single Charger
A charger configured as a Master must have internet access. There can only be one Master charger in the network of chargers communicating with each other. The parameters for configuration are shown in Fig. 4. These are:
- Connector ID: A unique number assigned to each charging connector at the station. It allows for the precise identification of a specific connector at the station. For a single charger, this is simply "1."
- OCPP URL: The URL address used to establish the connection between the client (e.g., the charging management system) and the charging station using the OCPP protocol. It is the address where the web service or endpoint is located, to which OCPP messages are sent.
- Freecharge ID Tag: When Freecharge is enabled on the charger, this tag will be sent to the backend to authorize a transaction without an RFID card. The backend must accept this tag for Freecharge to function correctly via OCPP.
- Password: A password used for authentication and authorization to access the charging station by the client or management system. It should only be provided if the server requires it.
- Charge Point ID: A unique name assigned to a specific electric vehicle charging station.
- Number of Connectors: The number of chargers connected in the network. Ensure that the Connector ID does not exceed this value in any charger. For a single charger, this is simply "1."
Fig. 4. Master charger configuration
Connecting Multiple Chargers
To the first station connected to the backend system as a Master, additional stations configured as Slaves can be added. Chargers configured as Slaves do not need to be connected to the internet. However, they must communicate with the Master charger wirelessly via Wi-Fi Mesh or wired via CAN. In the case of Slave configuration, not all information needs to be provided. Only the Connector ID (unique, consecutive station numbers in the chain) and Freecharge ID tag should be specified.
Fig. 5. Slave charger configuration
To connect multiple chargers in a Mesh or CAN network, in the configuration panel, go to the Charging Network/Configuration section and configure the charging stations according to the Enelion Lumina user manual. In the Charging Network/Overview tab, you can check the correctness and topology of the station connections.
