> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.voltmasters.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.voltmasters.io/device-integrations/ev-chargers/alfen.md).

# Alfen

This manual serves as a guide for adjusting the settings of the Alfen charging station so that communication with, and control by, the Voltmasters Controller is possible. For more in-depth information, please refer to the Alfen Smart Charging Implementation Guide.

**Configuration**

1. Install the charging station.
2. Update the Alfen charging station to firmware version 4.2.0 (or higher).
3. Connect the Alfen charging station to a network that meets the following requirements:\
   a. The charging station is located on the same local network as the Voltmasters Controller.\
   b. Ensure that communication between the charging station and the Voltmasters Controller is open.
4. Install the ACE Service Installer tool, or search online for the latest version of the ACE Service Installer if the link no longer works. [Install link](https://legacy.knowledge.alfen.com/space/IN/1627488257/Download+the+ACE+Service+Installer)
5. Before the charging station can be managed, the smart charging functionality must first be purchased and deployed.
6. Unlock the functionality via the ACE Service Installer using the following login credentials:\
   **Username**: *RadomskiR*\
   **Password**: *fazUv6*

If the site has a weak internet connection, the following procedure can be used instead to unlock the desired functionality:

1. Open the ACE Service Installer.
2. Go to **Device** in the menu.
3. Select **Install feature(s)**.
4. Enter the license key and click **OK**. The charging station will restart after the license key has been updated.

<figure><img src="/files/jUyGLnXOBpuC8je7Z8hE" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Configuring Active Load Balancing via the ACE Service Installer**

1. Select the charging station.
2. Select the **Smart Charging** tab.

<figure><img src="/files/jIYI57Kb5jipvyA6R3bR" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

3. Check the box next to **Active Load Balancing**. The following parameters will be displayed.
4. **Data type**: select **Energy Management System** as the data source. The Voltmasters EMS will pass the dynamic minimum and maximum values to the charging station, and the charging station will increase or decrease the power of the socket accordingly. Before continuing, make sure the following requirements are met:
   * The ALB feature on the charging station must be unlocked.
   * The communication cable must be a CAT5e or CAT6 UTP/Ethernet RJ45 cable with a maximum length of 100 m.
   * The Voltmasters EMS must support Modbus; the Voltmasters EMS will assume the role of Modbus "master" in this configuration, while the charging station must act as a "slave".
   * The charging station must be located in the same local area network (LAN) as the Voltmasters EMS:
     * There must be no power over Ethernet.
     * The Voltmasters EMS must be able to find the IP address of the charging station via the mDNS protocol, or the charging station must be set to a fixed IP address.
     * The IP address must meet the requirements of the IPv4 protocol. IPv6 addresses are not supported by the charging station.
     * Access must be available to the LAN settings for configuring the energy meter and the charging station (IPv4 address, subnet mask, default gateway).
   * An open internet connection must be available; the Alfen server must be accessible for receiving updates and license keys.
   * Modbus messages:
     * The Modbus master must connect to the IP of the Modbus slave's wired Ethernet connection on port 502.
     * Requests with certain slave addresses must be accepted: charging-station-related Modbus registers require slave address 200, and socket-related Modbus registers require slave address 1 or 2, depending on the socket.
   * A validity time of 60 seconds (configurable) applies before the charging station is set back to the safe current. The Voltmasters EMS must update the socket current / SCN total current setpoint within the validity time, otherwise the charging station(s) will fall back to the configured safe current.
   * The Voltmasters EMS must integrate the charging station. Use the *Implementation of Modbus Slave TCP/IP for Alfen NG9xx platform* document for the applicable registers.
5. An additional page is shown once **Energy Management System** is selected as the data source. Double-click to open it, and select **TCP/IP EMS** in the menu.
6. Fill in the **Mode**. Select whether the Voltmasters EMS manages every single socket or a complete Smart Charging Network.
7. Fill in the **validity time** (default 60s). If the charging station does not receive any updates from the Voltmasters EMS within the configured validity time, it will interpret this as a disconnect and fall back to the configured safe current.

**Verifying Active Load Balancing Using the Voltmasters EMS**

8. Select the **Live monitoring** tab, select **States**, and observe the status of the *Modbus Connection State*.\
   If this state shows *Not in use (communication idle)*, there is a communication loss. Check your installation, or refer to the Troubleshooting section for more information.
9. Connect a vehicle and start a charging session.
10. Use the Voltmasters EMS to change the maximum available power. Refer to the Voltmasters manual for how to do this.
11. Select the **Live monitoring** tab, select **Currents**, and observe the drawn currents.

*Note: The steps above describe configuration via the ACE Service Installer. The MyEve app offers the same options under Advanced > Smart Charging > Active Load Balancing, where Energy Management System can be selected as the Data source and the Mode and validity time configured in the same way.*


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