To achieve the net-zero climate target by 2050, more electricity is needed. For example, for charging electric vehicles. This electricity can be produced using photovoltaic systems on buildings. However, this rapidly increases the amount of electricity fed into and out of a property, meaning that the connection to the power grid has to be upgraded at great expense. To avoid this, one thing is needed above all else: more intelligence in the building. The innovative load management system developed by CLEMAP AG in close collaboration with Otto Fischer AG does exactly that. The algorithms of CLEMAP technology coordinate the charging of charging stations from different manufacturers around the building, dynamically prioritizing or limiting the charging power depending on the electricity production of the photovoltaic system on the roof. The load management system can even adjust the charging current so that only solar power is used for charging. The solution is 100% Swiss-made, developed in Zurich and produced in Ticino.
The CLEMAP solution consists of a compact measuring device with local control function, which is installed in the building's distribution board or fuse box. The inconspicuous device contains a concentrated load of intelligent algorithms and interfaces that monitor electricity consumption: it analyzes the energy flows in the building and optimizes the loads on this basis. No additional measurements are required. Software enables remote control of the charging stations, monitoring via a dashboard, and, if desired, generates invoices.
CLEMAP AG was founded six years ago by five engineers from ETH Zurich and SUPSI, including current CEO Gino Agbomemewa and COO Pascal Kienast, who have known each other since childhood in Ticino. "The demand for energy monitoring systems for buildings was growing rapidly at the time. That's where we came in, with the goal of developing networked modular energy platforms for monitoring and optimizing energy flows," recalls Gino Agbomemewa. The founders quickly realized that there were still few practical, manufacturer-independent load management solutions available, especially for electric mobility. The challenge: manufacturers of charging stations and photovoltaic systems have their own non-standardized interfaces. Otto Fischer AG was one of the first customers and sales partners of CLEMAP AG. It needed load management solutions for its customers. A 257 kWp photovoltaic system is installed on the Otto Fischer AG company building. This system was integrated into the system. "Our powerful device controls over 30 AC and DC charging stations from different manufacturers here. It can be easily put into operation by electricians without any pre-configuration, has low investment costs, and is scalable from two to fifty charging stations," explains Pascal Kienast. Otto Fischer AG is very satisfied. "Thanks to CLEMAP's solution , we can cater to all user groups at Otto Fischer AG: the shipping company with its electric transporters, employees with their private vehicles, and visitors. And we have been able to significantly increase the self-consumption of our photovoltaic system," says Alessandro Buriola, Head of Product Range Development at Otto Fischer AG.
Today, CLEMAP AG in Zurich employs 10 people. It is well established on the market and already operates in other countries. It is continuously developing its solutions and expertise in various customer and research projects. CLEMAP energy management solutions help to curb the costs of grid expansion. For example, the CLEMAP device is already ready for grid-supporting measures such as flexible tariffs or vehicle-to-grid. "Charging stations always want to charge as quickly as possible and are usually dumb. Thanks to CLEMAP , they are becoming a key element of a cost-efficient energy transition," adds Gino Agbomemewa.