{"id":19494,"date":"2023-03-01T15:25:09","date_gmt":"2023-03-01T14:25:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/monta.com\/en\/?p=19494"},"modified":"2025-05-12T05:56:15","modified_gmt":"2025-05-12T04:56:15","slug":"powerbank-transforming-charge-points-into-grid-balancing-assets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/monta.com\/en\/blog\/powerbank-transforming-charge-points-into-grid-balancing-assets\/","title":{"rendered":"PowerBank: Transforming charge points into Grid-Balancing assets"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure class=\"wp-block-post-featured-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/monta.com\/app\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/11\/powerbank-helping.webp\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" style=\"object-fit:cover;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/monta.com\/app\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/11\/powerbank-helping.webp 768w, https:\/\/monta.com\/app\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/11\/powerbank-helping-300x254.webp 300w, https:\/\/monta.com\/app\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/11\/powerbank-helping-150x127.webp 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n\n\n<p>The global electricity grid, as we know it, was never designed to handle the exponential rise in electricity demand. With renewable energy\u2019s inherent volatility and shifting consumption patterns, we now face the challenge of balancing an increasingly unstable grid. At Monta, we believe this challenge presents an opportunity\u2014and our solution is&nbsp;<strong>PowerBank<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"toc-item-0\">What is PowerBank?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>PowerBank is a groundbreaking service enabling charge point owners to support grid balancing while creating new revenue opportunities. By momentarily pausing ongoing charges at PowerBank-enabled charge points when grid imbalances are detected, Monta allows these charge points to participate in balancing and flexibility markets. This transforms them into valuable assets for ancillary grid services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The result? A win-win for everyone. The grid gains stability, charge point owners unlock an additional revenue stream, and renewable energy becomes more reliable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"toc-item-1\">How PowerBank works<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Monta is developing&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/monta.com\/en\/features\/powerbank\/\">PowerBank<\/a>&nbsp;to deliver&nbsp;<strong>Primary Reserve (FCR)<\/strong>, a critical grid service that demands ultra-fast data monitoring and response. Here\u2019s how it works:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Power updates from charge points are measured locally once per second and forwarded to Monta.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>These updates are sent when a configurable power change is detected (e.g., 200 W) or at configurable intervals (e.g., every 15 minutes) to minimize unnecessary data traffic.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/monta.com\/app\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/11\/powerbank-solution-1024x720.webp\" alt=\"powerbank illustration\" class=\"wp-image-6533\" title=\"PowerBank: Transforming charge points into Grid-Balancing assets 2\" srcset=\"https:\/\/monta.com\/app\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/11\/powerbank-solution-1024x720.webp 1024w, https:\/\/monta.com\/app\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/11\/powerbank-solution-300x211.webp 300w, https:\/\/monta.com\/app\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/11\/powerbank-solution-150x106.webp 150w, https:\/\/monta.com\/app\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/11\/powerbank-solution-768x540.webp 768w, https:\/\/monta.com\/app\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/11\/powerbank-solution-1536x1081.webp 1536w, https:\/\/monta.com\/app\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/11\/powerbank-solution.webp 1889w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">How Monta PowerBank works<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This precision ensures grid balancing can occur swiftly and effectively without overburdening hardware manufacturers or Monta\u2019s systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"toc-item-2\">Technical overview for hardware manufacturers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To enable charge points to support PowerBank, we\u2019ve outlined key technical specifications:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Real-Time Monitoring<\/strong>: Power values must be measured locally at least once per second during charging.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Efficient Data Transmission<\/strong>: Power updates should be forwarded to Monta when:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A configurable power change occurs (e.g., a 100 W change).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>At a configurable interval (e.g., every 5 minutes) if no change is detected.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019re already collaborating with several charge point brands that meet\u2014or are close to meeting\u2014these specifications. However, our vision is to include all our hardware partners, ensuring no one is left behind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"toc-item-3\">Why PowerBank matters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>PowerBank isn\u2019t just another feature; it\u2019s a&nbsp;<strong>market-disrupting technology<\/strong>&nbsp;poised to redefine how charge points interact with the grid. Charge point owners are already signing up, and the positive feedback underscores its potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By enabling flexibility services, manufacturers can position their charge points as future-ready and indispensable for a sustainable energy grid. Together, we can build a grid system that supports renewable energy growth and creates a more reliable infrastructure for EVs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"toc-item-4\">Join us in revolutionizing the grid<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We invite all hardware manufacturers \u2013 and through our <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/monta.com\/en\/products\/hardware-portal\/\">Hardware Portal<\/a><\/strong> we\u2019ll support you in meeting the technical requirements to make your chargers grid-ready with PowerBank. Whether you\u2019re ready to integrate or need support in meeting the technical requirements, we&#8217;re is here to help. Let\u2019s collaborate to ensure your hardware is equipped to deliver flexibility services and drive this innovation forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more details or assistance, reach out to&nbsp;<strong>Alex Iriondo<\/strong>, Product Manager &#8211; Grid Services, at&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:alir@monta.com\">alir@monta.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Together, we can make PowerBank a cornerstone of the modern electricity grid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"toc-item-5\"><strong>Appendix &#8211; Technical specifications&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Abbreviation table can be found at the end of the document.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In order for a CS to participate in grid flexibility markets, three requirements must ideally be met:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>1. During a charging transaction, the power meter values for each of its&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/monta.com\/en\/glossary\/electric-vehicle-supply-equipment-evse\/\">EVSEs<\/a>&nbsp;must be able to be measured locally at least once per second.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2. During a charging transaction, the power meter values for each of its EVSEs must be forwarded to the CSMS within one second whenever a configurable change in power has been detected, down to a minimal configurable change of 100 Watts.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>3. During a charging transaction, the power meter values for each of its EVSEs must be forwarded to the CSMS at a configurable interval down to once per 5 minutes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Requirement 1 is a prerequisite for requirement 2 and 3 and is not directly visible in&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/monta.com\/en\/glossary\/open-charge-point-protocol-ocpp\/\">OCPP protocol&nbsp;<\/a>implementations.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Depending on the OCPP standard used, we suggest to map requirements 2 and 3 to OCPP as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"toc-item-6\"><strong>OCPP 1.6&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"toc-item-7\"><strong>Requirement 2&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>OCPP 1.6 does not, out of the box, support configuring a CS to send meter values whenever a configurable change in power has been detected.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We suggest that manufacturers add the following writable configuration key:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Key<\/strong><\/td><td>MeterValuePowerActiveImportDeltaTrigger<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Type<\/strong><\/td><td>Integer<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Unit<\/strong><\/td><td>Watts<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Description<\/strong><\/td><td>The change in value in Watts of the overall Power.Active.Import measured required in order to trigger a MeterValues.req PDU from the CS to the CSMS. A value of 0 turns the trigger off.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Suggested key configuration for OCPP 1.6 compatibility<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Manufacturers should support the trigger to send a&nbsp;<strong>MeterValues.req&nbsp;<\/strong>PDU to the CSMS at least&nbsp;<strong>once per second&nbsp;<\/strong>when the configuration is active and a charging transaction is active.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Manufacturers should support setting a delta value down to&nbsp;<strong>100&nbsp;<\/strong>(Watts).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The delta value signifies the value change in the overall&nbsp;<strong>Power.Active.Import&nbsp;<\/strong>since the last time a&nbsp;<strong>MeterValue&nbsp;<\/strong>class was sent (in a&nbsp;<strong>MeterValues.req&nbsp;<\/strong>or&nbsp;<strong>StopTransaction.req&nbsp;<\/strong>PDU) containing the overall&nbsp;<strong>Power.Active.Import&nbsp;<\/strong>measurand or one of the phase&nbsp;<strong>Power.Active.Import&nbsp;<\/strong>measurands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"toc-item-8\"><strong>Requirement 3&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>OCPP 1.6 already supports configuring a CS to send meter values at set intervals using the&nbsp;<strong>ChangeConfiguration.req&nbsp;<\/strong>PDU (OCPP 1.6, section 6.9) with the following configuration key:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>MeterValueSampleInterval&nbsp;<\/strong>(OCPP 1.6, section 9.1.19.) along with&nbsp;<strong>MeterValuesSampledData&nbsp;<\/strong>(OCPP 1.6, section 9.1.17.) for sending meter values within transactions at set intervals.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Manufacturers should support&nbsp;<strong>MeterValueSampleInterval&nbsp;<\/strong>down to&nbsp;<strong>300&nbsp;<\/strong>(seconds). Manufacturers should support the measurand&nbsp;<strong>Power.Active.Import<\/strong>(OCPP 1.6, section 7.31).&nbsp;<strong>OCPP 2.0.1&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"toc-item-9\"><strong>Requirement 2 and 3&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>OCPP 2.0.1 supports advanced monitoring using the Device Management Monitoring feature (OCPP 2.0.1, Part 1, section 4.4.). This allows a CSMS to set both periodic and delta-based monitoring on the power of each EVSE of a CS, if supported by the manufacturer.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Manufacturers should therefore support the following Device Management Monitoring features (see (OCPP 2.0.1, Part 2, section N.2.):&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>N02 Get Monitoring report&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>N04 Set Variable Monitoring&nbsp;<\/strong>on the variable&nbsp;<strong>Power&nbsp;<\/strong>of each&nbsp;<strong>EVSE&nbsp;<\/strong>of a CS (OCPP 2.0.1, Part 2, appendix 3.2.30.) with the&nbsp;<strong>Delta&nbsp;<\/strong>and&nbsp;<strong>Periodic&nbsp;<\/strong>monitor types (OCPP 2.0.1, Part 2, section 3.55).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>N06 Clear \/ Remove Monitoring&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>N07 Alert Event&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>N08 Periodic Event<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Manufacturers should support setting the periodic interval down to&nbsp;<strong>300 seconds&nbsp;<\/strong>and the delta value down to&nbsp;<strong>100 Watts<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Manufacturers should support the delta trigger to send a&nbsp;<strong>NotifyEventRequest.req&nbsp;<\/strong>PDU to the CSMS at least&nbsp;<strong>once per second&nbsp;<\/strong>during a charging transaction when the monitoring is active.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"toc-item-10\"><strong>Abbreviations&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Abbreviation<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Term<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Meaning<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>EV<\/td><td>Electric Vehicle<\/td><td>A battery-powered vehicle that uses one or more electrical motors for propulsion.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>CS<\/td><td>Charging Station<\/td><td>The physical system where an EV can be charged. A Charging<br>Station has one or more EVSEs.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/monta.com\/en\/glossary\/electric-vehicle-supply-equipment-evse\/\">EVSE<\/a><\/td><td>Electric Vehicle<br>Supply Equipment<\/td><td>An EVSE is considered as an independently operated and managed part of the Charging Station that can deliver energy to one EV at a time.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>CSMS<\/td><td>Charging Station<br>Management<br>System<\/td><td>Manages Charging Stations and has the information for<br>authorising Users for using its Charging Stations.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The global electricity grid, as we know it, was never designed to handle the exponential rise in electricity demand. With renewable energy\u2019s inherent volatility and shifting consumption patterns, we now face the challenge of balancing an increasingly unstable grid. At Monta, we believe this challenge presents an opportunity\u2014and our solution is&nbsp;PowerBank. What is PowerBank? PowerBank &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/monta.com\/en\/blog\/powerbank-transforming-charge-points-into-grid-balancing-assets\/\">Continued<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":55,"featured_media":6535,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[],"article_tags":[],"class_list":["post-19494","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-monta-news-updates"],"acf":[],"featured_media_global":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/monta.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19494","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/monta.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/monta.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/monta.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/55"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/monta.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19494"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/monta.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19494\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21195,"href":"https:\/\/monta.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19494\/revisions\/21195"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/monta.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6535"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/monta.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19494"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/monta.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19494"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/monta.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19494"},{"taxonomy":"article_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/monta.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article_tags?post=19494"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}