Chargepoint Europe on Smart Connect: “Compact, simple and flexible”

In practice, Chargepoint Europe works with different solutions for Smart Load Management and energy measurement. The Xemex Smart Connect is now also part of that portfolio.According to Max Turling, Engineer & Technical Support at Chargepoint Europe, the added value lies mainly in the combination of simplicity, flexibility and a compact installation.

Load balancing requires the right setup

When multiple charging points are installed at a location, available grid capacity needs to be managed carefully. This is where load balancing, or Smart Load Management, comes into play.Traditionally, Chargepoint Europe has used CT coils connected to the main connection to measure the available capacity. The measurements are then used to control the charging infrastructure.

The P1 port of a smart meter provides another way to access this information. Instead of adding separate measurement components, the existing data from the smart meter can be used.This is where the Smart Connect comes in.

The type of DSMR protocol, whether the P1 port is already in use and whether additional components such as a P1 splitter or external power supply are required can all be considered before an installer arrives on site.This helps Chargepoint Europe prepare installations more efficiently and reduces unexpected situations during installation.

More flexibility during installation planning

The flexibility of the Smart Connect becomes particularly useful in VvE projects.Underground car parks often already have a data network with switches in place. Instead of connecting the module to one specific charging station, the Smart Connect can be connected to the network switch.

“The Xemex module only needs to be connected from the Xemex to the switch. That’s it. You no longer have to connect it to one specific charging station.” This gives Chargepoint Europe more freedom when designing the installation. The Smart Connect does not necessarily have to be tied to a single charging point, which can be useful when multiple charging stations are connected within the same network.

No loose coils, but a compact solution

Installation time is not necessarily always shorter compared with a solution using CT coils. Cabling still needs to be routed to the main distribution board, and the practical situation on site can vary. For Turling, the main advantage is therefore not simply installation speed. The compact design and the absence of separate measurement coils and additional components make the installation more straightforward and visually cleaner. “You also don’t have a few loose coils lying around in the cabinet. I simply think it looks much better.”

For installations in shared technical spaces, such as VvE garages, this can make a noticeable difference.

Simple configuration helps prevent errors

Chargepoint Europe’s installers have the technical knowledge required to configure charging infrastructure. At the same time, simple configuration remains important in practice.The easier a solution is to configure, the less time installers need to spend searching for network settings or entering technical parameters manually. The introduction of firmware version 1.9 also made the Smart Connect easier to configure.

For Turling, this is an important consideration:“It should be quick and easy. It should be compact, and you should be able to use it in many different ways.” A straightforward setup therefore supports an efficient installation process while reducing the risk of configuration errors.

Flexible across different projects

Chargepoint Europe has now applied the Smart Connect at multiple locations and has also ordered larger quantities for new projects.That flexibility is particularly relevant for a company working on different types of charging infrastructure. Not every location has the same network setup, meter configuration or requirements.

The ability to use the Smart Connect in combination with an existing P1 port and network infrastructure gives Chargepoint Europe another option when designing a suitable solution for a project.