Function extensions for AC charging controllers: New calibration law concept simplifies certification via software update

Software release 1.8.0 implements a new, simplified calibration law concept with OCMF support, which removes the charging controller from the measuring capsule relevant to calibration law. This simplifies the system architecture and significantly reduces the certification and maintenance effort involved for manufacturers and operators of charging infrastructure.

The new calibration law concept for the CHARX control modular AC charging controller defines the energy meter as the sole component of the measuring capsule. In this model, the charging controller only acts as a transparent interface between the energy meter and the OCPP backend, without processing or changing the data relevant to calibration law.

This conceptual realignment has numerous advantages:
• Simplified certification: The calibration law tests remain a central component of certification. However, the process is now much simpler. As the charging controller is no longer part of the measuring capsule, elaborate software tests are no longer necessary. In particular, these include the validation of signing and decryption mechanisms, the processing of measured values, and the maintenance of a calibration law logbook. This simplification reduces the testing effort considerably and speeds up the certification process.
• Future-proof: Software updates to the charging controller no longer lead to the loss of calibration law certification – the certificate remains valid.
• Design flexibility: The charging controller software is no longer tailored to a specific energy meter model. This means that different meter models can be used, which enables the flexible and scalable design of the charging solution.
• Functional equality for all users: With the new calibration law concept, all users benefit from a uniformly high level of functionality – regardless of whether the calibration law functionality is activated.

The consistent separation of measurement and communication relevant to calibration law not only makes the charging infrastructure simpler and more robust, but also easier to adapt to future requirements. The new calibration law concept is being implemented via a software update, which will be available from August in the download area on the respective item page.
Due to their open Linux platform, the AC charging controllers from Phoenix Contact are optimally prepared for IoT applications, smart services, and sector coupling – and now too for the much more efficient implementation of calibration law requirements.