FAQ

Connectivity and Network

What connectivity is required for the Maxem Controller (LAN or 4G)?

The Maxem Energy Controller features a UTP port for internet connectivity. Both a 4G router and a local UTP/LAN connection can be used.
A fixed LAN connection provides the highest reliability and is therefore recommended.
When Dynamic Load Management (DLM) is applied, charging stations are connected to the controller via a network switch. In that case, the controller also supplies internet to the charging points.

How is reliability ensured when using 4G?

4G usage requires stable mobile coverage. In the event of a connection failure, the configured fallback mode activates.
For critical locations or DLM applications, a wired internet connection is always advised.

What network settings are recommended for installation?

A local network with VLAN structure offers optimal stability and security. An optional 4G backup can be added as a contingency.

Are there cabling requirements for new installations?

Yes. Run UTP cabling to each charging station where possible. For DC chargers, a reliable wired connection is strongly recommended.

Measurements and Power Monitoring

What meters are minimally required for load management?

At least one meter on the main connection is required. Depending on the electrical setup, additional intermediate meters may be necessary.

What is required for power monitoring on site?

The main meter must be read via Modbus. A separate intermediate meter alongside the main meter is preferred. Additionally, a reliable internet connection for the controller and charging points is essential, with a UTP connection to each charger being preferred.

Does Maxem support P1 ports?

No. Maxem supports Modbus communication exclusively for EMS controls.

Hardware Integration and Scalability

Does Maxem Energy Cloud support both AC and DC chargers?

Yes. Maxem Energy Cloud is hardware-agnostic and supports controlling chargers from various brands and models.
OCPP 1.6J or higher is required; OCPP 1.5 is not supported.

What happens if some charging stations cannot be controlled by Maxem?

Uncontrolled stations operate according to their internal logic. Maxem dynamically distributes the remaining power to controllable chargers. This can be managed procedurally with priority rules.

Can the system be scaled with additional charging stations?

The infrastructure scales flexibly. New stations can be added incrementally. For sites with active Maxem EMS, contact the Maxem Operations team first. These chargers must be configured to integrate into the load balancing algorithm.

Batteries and Inverters

Can Maxem integrate batteries and inverters?

Yes. Maxem can control both batteries and inverters via Modbus communication.

Must a specific battery supplier be chosen?

No. Maxem is compatible with many systems via Modbus, allowing flexible integration. See the full list here.

Power Distribution and Priorities

How does peak shaving work to stay within contracted power limits?

The main connection is continuously measured, after which Maxem distributes available power across building consumption, PV generation, and charging demand. Battery storage and set rules ensure the system stays within contractual limits.

How does Maxem determine energy source priorities?

The standard order is: solar energy → grid → battery.
Grid drawdown (per hour of the day) can be set as part of the battery algorithm.

Can Maxem prioritize between chargers and consumers?

Yes. Priority settings can be configured per charging point or asset (e.g., DC chargers take precedence over AC chargers).

How are priorities handled between vehicles or charging stations?

Power distribution is allocated evenly over the different chargepoints by default. When one vehicle no longer requests power, the remaining capacity is automatically redistributed. Custom priority rules can be applied optionally.

Time Control and Schedules

Does Maxem support time-bound power limits?

Yes. Time-bound power limits (e.g., for block contracts) are supported. Currently set via Operations; soon also available via the dashboard.

Can you set scheduled limits for charging or power?

Yes. Setting charging schedules are available.

Fallback and Reliability

What happens when the connection fails?

The system automatically switches to a preset safe mode (e.g., 0 kW or minimum AC charging current).
Upon connection restoration, the controller resumes normal operation. A different fallback from 0 kW can be set in consultation with Maxem Support.

System Performance

How quickly does the system respond to changes in energy consumption?

Maxem's system typically responds within five seconds to changes in energy flows. In principal the Maxem system can do this within a second, but the actual response time depends on the slowest asset in the chain.

Battery and EMS Integration

Who controls energy flows: Maxem or the battery EMS?

Both options are possible. Maxem can centrally control or collaborate with the battery EMS, which supplies a setpoint via API.

Can Maxem continue to control the chargers when a BESS uses their own EMS?

Yes. The battery EMS can provide an available power setpoint, after which Maxem handles charging distribution.

How is decided who takes the lead (Maxem or battery EMS)?

This is determined at or shortly after selecting and in agreement with the battery supplier. Technical alignment on the communication protocol follows.

Solar Energy and Generation

Can Maxem include solar panels and other consumers?

Yes. PV generation and local loads can be factored into control via additional Modbus measurements. Extra meters may be required.

Does Maxem optimize solar energy usage?

 PV production is used first for own consumption; remaining power is allocated to building and charging points, supplemented by battery if needed.

Can we charge above contracted power using own PV?

Yes. Own generation does not count as grid draw. EMS control ensures physical limits are not exceeded.

Can I charge on own solar power and claim HBEs?

Yes. Maxem records solar production and charging data for HBE administration. Solar charging reduces both costs and CO₂ emissions.

Does Maxem automatically register HBEs?

No. Maxem provides measurement data for HBE registration; processing typically occurs via a broker.

Grid Capacity and Congestion

How does Maxem help with limited grid capacity?

Maxem EMS measures load, flattens peaks (peak shaving), and controls based on priorities, schedules, and price signals. Expansion of charging infrastructure is often possible without a heavier grid connection.

What is the difference between physical limit and contracted power?

The physical limit is what the connection can technically handle. Contracted power (GTV) is the agreement with the grid operator, often as a quarter-hour average. 

Export and Data

Can charging sessions be exported to Excel?

Yes. In the Maxem Energy Controller (MEC), transaction data can be downloaded via Transactions → Download data.

Local Control and Architecture

How does Maxem's local control work?

Local control uses an integrated hardware controller that makes real-time decisions based on current energy needs and available sources.

What is the role of the hardware controller?

The Maxem controller acts as the EMS brain. It measures energy flows and optimally controls them for maximum efficiency and reliability.

How does Maxem support real-time load balancing?

By continuously monitoring energy flows and dynamically distributing based on supply and demand within the system.

What are the benefits of the hybrid cloud-local model?

The hybrid model combines cloud analytics power with local decision-making. This ensures fast responses, minimal downtime, and robust continuity.

How does Maxem integrate with existing energy infrastructures?

Maxem provides extensive APIs and OCPP support for seamless integration with existing systems and third-party solutions.

How does Maxem help reduce energy costs?

Through smart control and optimization of consumption, generation, and storage. This leads to more efficient energy use and lower operational costs.

Sustainability and Vision

What is Maxem's approach to grid congestion?

Maxem alleviates grid congestion through smart charging and advanced load management, reducing peak loads and improving grid stability.

How does Maxem contribute to sustainability?

By integrating renewable sources like solar energy and optimizing consumption for lower emissions.

What role does Maxem play in the energy market?

Maxem acts as a facilitator of smart energy solutions, helping businesses optimize energy management and contribute to a sustainable future.

What is Maxem's vision for the future of energy management?

Maxem aims for an intelligent, sustainable energy system where efficiency and minimal ecological impact are vital.

Other Technical Information

What is the difference between Maxem EMS and Maxem CPMS?

Maxem EMS handles real-time energy control (e.g., load balancing, prioritization) across assets like chargers, batteries, PV, and grid connections. Where Maxem CPMS manages items like charging cards, rates, transactions, reporting, and roaming. Both the Maxem EMS and CPMS compliment eachother.

Does Maxem support different access modes (RFID, whitelist, plug & charge)?

AC chargers always require authorization via card or RFID. DC charging can be set as plug & charge for pre-verified vehicles. Whitelisting for known users is also possible.

Can access modes be set per charging point?

Rights and access modes are configurable per site and per charging point in the Maxem platform. 

What happens during network outage with transactions and data?

During network outage, the charging station stores transaction data locally. Once the backoffice connection is restored, stored data is automatically synchronized based on charger settings. Local data retention period is configurable per point.

Whats the difference between charger uptime and the backoffice connection?

Hardware uptime refers to the charger's operational status, while connectivity concerns the data link. A charger can be active/usable even if the data connection with the backoffice is temporarily down.