OpenEVSE Language Translation

[glyn.hudson]

@molnar

Will the new kit differ very much from the currently available one?

The new unit will be identical to the current OpenEVSE kit that we sell. The only difference will be the type-2 socket instead of a tethered cable and three-phase option as well as full CE certification.

@molnar

I’m considering about to build my own OpenEVSE version, because I would like to measure the voltages of the 3 phases independenty, so I started to “redesign” your EmonTX Arduino Shield schematic, with 3 voltage inputs, and 4 CTs. I really like the OP-AMP modification, that I’ve found here, so I have integrated that solution also. On my test-PCB, it works very nice. (I’m really thankful about your great work, because from these things I could put together everything just in a few days) At the moment it’s only measuring 3 phase power, and the EVSE functionality still needs to be added. I use a Leonardo, which have enough IOs, so I think it can be managed, to have the measurement and the EVSE functionality together.

The EVSE currently only monitors current and assumes a unity power factor and a steady voltage. These assumptions are generally true with EV charging resulting in a a pretty accurate kWh reading, but I agree your solution would be more accurate at the expense of extra hardware. The three-phases should be balanced and at constant voltage when EV charging. If greater accuracy is required a billing grade meter can be installed inline with the EVSE.

@molnar

To tell the truth, when I read first, that you want to supply a “European version” of the OpenEVSE, then I was thinking, that you will replace the LCD (to the version, which supports the German/Hungarian/other EU characters), and also hoped, that the 3 phase (real) power measurement will be included.

(Don’t take it as a “reproach”, I’m really amazed by your work. I’m just giving you new product development ideas )

I had been thinking about different language packs for the LCD. This would be quite easy to do since all the strings for the openEVSE are in a single file:

https://github.com/openenergymonitor/open_evse/blob/development/firmware/open_evse/Language_default.h

Feel free to translate the strings, I’m happy to re-compile the FW for different languages if required. However, I guess this would only be useful for the LCD menu. The new type-2 enclosure does not have a button since all interaction is done via the WiFi-gateway web interface. Currently translating the wifi-gateway interface would be more work since all the strings are not in a single file:

https://github.com/OpenEVSE/ESP8266_WiFi_v2.x/blob/stable/src/html/home.htm