Phaeton

Phaeton documentation

Alfen Settings Checklist

Verify the Alfen charger-side settings that let Phaeton control current and phase switching.

Before You Start

Use this checklist when setting up an Alfen Eve charger for Phaeton, or when Phaeton can read the charger but cannot control current or phase switching.

You need Alfen ACE Service Installer access with permission to change Smart Charging or Load Balancing settings. Some options are installer-level or require the Active Load Balancing license.

For exact ACE screens, use Alfen's Smart Charging functionalities, Active Load Balancing, and Smart Charging Network article at https://aceservice.alfen.com/en-us/knowledgebase/article/KA-01167 and its attached smart-charging documents.

Keep site safety limits under the control of the responsible installer. Do not raise a safe current, station limit, or phase-switching option beyond what the installation, charger, and vehicle can safely support.

Required Alfen Settings

  • Active Load Balancing is enabled and licensed.
  • Data Source is Energy Management System.
  • Safe current is set to a safe site-specific fallback current.
  • TCP/IP EMS mode is Socket for a single Phaeton-controlled charger.
  • TCP/IP EMS validity time is longer than Phaeton's current update interval.
  • Modbus TCP/IP Allow reading is enabled.
  • Modbus TCP/IP Allow writing maximum currents is enabled.
  • Allow 1- and 3-phased charging is enabled when Phaeton may switch phases.

Validity Time And Safe Current

The default Phaeton current update interval is 30000 ms. With the default Alfen validity time of 60 s, the charger has enough time to receive the next setpoint.

If the site uses a shorter validity time or a longer Phaeton update interval, make the validity time comfortably longer than the Phaeton interval.

Safe current is the charger's fallback when EMS setpoints expire or Phaeton is offline. It must be configured before Alfen will reliably accept maximum-current writes.

Phase Switching

Only enable Allow 1- and 3-phased charging when the physical installation and charger configuration support it.

If this Alfen checkbox is unavailable or intentionally disabled, leave Phaeton Auto 1P/3P switching disabled and do not use the manual phase toggle as a troubleshooting signal.

Phaeton Checks

  • Open Configuration -> Charger.
  • Select the built-in alfen-eve profile.
  • Confirm the charger IP address and Modbus TCP port, usually 502.
  • Run the charger connection test.
  • Run Test Alfen Control.
  • Test Alfen Control should report that Alfen control is accepted, the EMS validity timer is active, safe current is configured, and the Modbus setpoint is accounted for.

Current Does Not Change

  • Active Load Balancing is enabled and licensed.
  • Data Source is Energy Management System, not Meter.
  • TCP/IP EMS mode is Socket for this setup.
  • Allow writing maximum currents is enabled.
  • Safe current is configured and greater than 0 A.
  • TCP/IP EMS validity time is longer than Phaeton's current update interval.
  • Test Alfen Control reports setpoint accounted: yes.

Charging Falls Back

  • TCP/IP EMS validity time is not shorter than Phaeton's current update interval.
  • Phaeton is running continuously and logs do not show charger reconnect loops.
  • The charger and Phaeton remain on the same network without firewall or Wi-Fi interruptions.
  • Test Alfen Control shows a positive validity time after the write.

Phase Switching Fails

  • Allow 1- and 3-phased charging is enabled in the Alfen Active balancing menu.
  • The Phaeton charger profile is still alfen-eve or a custom profile with the Alfen phase register correctly mapped.
  • The installation supports both 1-phase and 3-phase charging.
  • Phaeton logs do not contain Phase switching support probe failed.
  • After changing the Alfen checkbox, try the phase change from Manual mode before judging Auto mode.

Support Bundle

  • Phaeton version and platform, for example Cerbo GX or Raspberry Pi.
  • Alfen model, firmware version, and whether Active Load Balancing is licensed.
  • Screenshot of Alfen Active balancing showing Active Load Balancing, Data Source, safe current, and the 1-/3-phase checkbox.
  • Screenshot of Alfen TCP/IP EMS showing mode and validity time.
  • Screenshot or copied text from Phaeton Test Alfen Control.
  • Phaeton full log from Logs -> Download full log, preferably at DEBUG level while reproducing the issue.
  • Alfen charger logs or event export when available.
  • The exact test time and expected result, for example Manual 6 A did not change the charger or switch to 1 phase failed.