OCPP 1.6 Feature List
OCPP 1.6 is a widely adopted communication protocol for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, enabling seamless interaction between charging points and central management systems. It is essential for EV infrastructure, particularly for exporting charging stations to international markets. Below is a detailed feature list of OCPP 1.6, focusing on its six configuration profiles and the role of OCPP gateways in supporting these functionalities.
▶ Six Configuration Profiles of OCPP 1.6
1、Core Profile
- Features: Provides basic functionalities such as starting/stopping charging sessions, status notifications, and remote control.
- Supported Functions: Authorization, remote start/stop transactions, retrieving meter values, and sending status updates.
2、Firmware Management Profile
- Features: Enables remote firmware updates for charging stations.
- Supported Functions: Diagnostic information retrieval, firmware update notifications, and execution of firmware installation.
3、Local Authorization List Management Profile
- Features: Allows offline user authorization through local lists stored in the charging station.
- Supported Functions: Syncing and updating local authorization lists from the central system to ensure uninterrupted operations during network outages.
4、Reservation Profile
- Features: Supports advance booking of charging stations to optimize resource allocation.
- Supported Functions: Reserving a charge point (e.g., “Reserve Now”) and canceling reservations.
5、Smart Charging Profile
- Features: Enables dynamic load management and configuration of charging schedules to optimize energy usage.
- Supported Functions: Setting power limits, defining charging schedules (absolute, relative, or recurring), and implementing load balancing.
6、Remote Trigger Profile
- Features: Allows the central system to remotely trigger specific actions on the charging station.
- Supported Functions: Sending messages like status updates or diagnostic data requests.
▶ Role of OCPP Gateways
OCPP gateways act as protocol translators, bridging the gap between OCPP-compliant systems and other communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, MQTT). They are essential for ensuring interoperability and meeting diverse customer requirements.
▶ Key Functions of OCPP Gateways:
- Protocol Translation: Converts domestic protocols (e.g., proprietary cloud protocols) into OCPP 1.6 messages to enable compatibility with international platforms.
- Full Profile Support: Ensures that all six configuration profiles of OCPP 1.6 are effectively implemented, even if the charging station hardware only supports basic core functions.
- Seamless Integration: Facilitates integration with various central management systems without requiring hardware or software modifications on the charging station.
- Smart Charging Enablement: Supports advanced energy management by translating smart charging instructions into actionable commands for the charging station.
- Remote Monitoring and Updates: Allows centralized monitoring of station status, execution of firmware updates, and retrieval of diagnostic data.
▶ Conclusion
OCPP 1.6 provides a robust framework for EV charging infrastructure through its six configuration profiles, covering essential functions like core operations, firmware management, smart charging, and more. The introduction of OCPP gateways further enhances the protocol’s flexibility by enabling seamless integration with different systems and ensuring full utilization of its features. Together, these technologies empower EV operators to build efficient, scalable, and interoperable charging networks while delivering a superior user experience and supporting global electrification efforts.