ZEFNET Controls

Controls allows for Groups of chargers to be programmed to control the behavior of a group of chargers on a predefined schedule. Currently, ZEFNET offers three Control policy options:

EV Interrupt - interrupts service to the charger(s) for a predefined period of time (common applications include restricting residential charger access during a peak period, or preventing commercial chargers from being used outside of business hours, etc.). 

Static Balance - sets a static maximum collective kW output for a group of chargers for a predefined period of time. Common applications include accommodating multiple chargers on a limited circuit box. 

Active Balance - sets load balancing for a group of chargers based on energy available from energy monitors (configured in the Feeds section). Common applications include configuring chargers to solely provide energy that has been generated from a solar array. 

Creating a Control

Note: Prior to creating a Control, you will need to create a group to apply it to in the Groups module. 

1. Create a new control with the sign. Provide a name and description, if needed.

2. Determine the policy to be applied (as listed above). Note that each option has specific configuration options:

EV Interrupt - Are participants allowed to override this control?

This is a setting intended for residential programs, that (when checked) will allow members that have claimed a residential charger in the ZEFNET Charge mobile app to override the control, with the understanding that they may be required to pay higher demand chargers for any energy consumed.

Static Balance - Maximum Control Power

Entering a value (in watts) will set the maximum power output that the group of chargers under the control may output at any point in time. When the control is active, ZEFNET will reduce each charger's power output in 25% increments to ensure that the total power output does not exceed this value. (This curtailing occurs one charger at a time, at random). 

Active Balance - Select Feed

A list of all energy monitors that have been configured in the Feeds module should appear. Selecting a particular energy monitor will link the maximum power output of the control group to the monitor's reported energy available.

3. Define the Control Schedule

4. Assign the Control to a Group

Select the group of chargers to which this control should be applied. If you don't see the group you'd like to apply it to, you'll need to go to the Groups module to create/edit it. Click SAVE. 

Viewing the Control

Once created, you can view a control in list form, with the following data columns:

You can click the ellipses (...) or chevron arrow to view more information about the control, including its attributes, how many times it has run, and the success rate.