Implementing OCPP for Charging Stations

Project in Nutshell: the OCPP software for charging stations developed by Promwad streamlines the management and operation of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The implementation of this protocol helps our client Proterra (USA) effectively monitor, manage, and optimise the operation of charging stations, reducing equipment and maintenance costs.

Client

Proterra is an American EV technology company focused on decarbonising the transportation sector by electrifying on and off-road commercial vehicles. The company offers an end-to-end electrification solution that includes heavy-duty EV batteries and transit vehicles, drivetrains, charging infrastructure, and fleet and energy management software.

Challenge

Our task was to implement the Open Charge Point Protocol and optimise the code and device used in the customer's charging stations. The project consisted of two phases.

The aims of the first phase:

• to improve code readability, maintainability, and extensibility;
• to reduce the system's complexity;
• to fix bugs in a control device connected to several EV power sources.

During the second phase, our main goal was OCPP implementation; it's a standard protocol used for communication between charging stations and their management systems.

Our team was determined to redesign the existing DC charging infrastructure firmware and make it OCPP 1.6 compliant.

Solution

We worked on an innovative device designed to manage electric chargers. Our team created a cutting-edge firmware development process to provide our customer with a product that is efficient, reliable, and easy to use.

Phase One: Code Refactoring

During the first phase of the development process, we focused on improving code readability, maintainability, and extensibility. Our software engineers reduced the system complexity and fixed bugs within the existing firmware.

We identified and resolved the issues affecting the system’s functionality, analysed the codebase and identified problem areas, and applied our expertise to develop more effective solutions. For example, to maximise reliability and response time, we moved some parts of the code from user space to the Linux kernel driver.

As a result of our efforts, the firmware for the device is now much more stable and sounder.

Phase Two: OCPP 1.6 implementation Iwith Open OCPP

To achieve this goal, we researched various open-source solutions and selected Open OCPP as the best option. We are currently working on integrating Open OCPP with the device firmware, enabling the device to communicate with CSMS that support the protocol. Our team uses an extensive knowledge of different communication protocols and software development to ensure that the integration is seamless, secure, and reliable.

Business Value

By refactoring and fixing bugs in the existing firmware, and utilising the Linux kernel driver, we have significantly improved the device's performance, reliability and ease of maintenance.

As a result, our client got the device to manage the electric vehicle charging infrastructure more effectively, reducing downtime, and increasing productivity.

The implementation of OCPP 1.6 made the device compatible with various CSMS. Now, users of this ready-made solution can enjoy a better user experience, more charging options, and higher reliability than competing solutions.

The device enables the management of charging stations from different manufacturers, making their infrastructure more versatile and flexible. This reduces equipment and maintenance costs, expands their potential supplier and customer base, and gives them an advantage over competitors who have not yet implemented this protocol.

More of What We Do for EV Charging:

• Review of EV Charging Solutions: discover our engineering services for wired and wireless chargers, as well as advanced battery and station management systems.
• Battery Management Systems: we design scalable BMS for easy adoption to any battery pack size with fast time-to-market and automotive graded hardware.