Wallbox Inspection: Acclaim for the Fronius Wattpilot Flex Home
Together with the Berlin University of Applied Sciences (HTW) and the ADAC, Fraunhofer ISE has launched the “Wallbox Inspection” project for electric car chargers. Five charging solutions have been extensively tested since June 2023. “The aim of the project is to systematically evaluate the quality of charging solutions in connection with PV systems and to establish a uniform industry standard,” explains the Fraunhofer ISE project team. The Fronius Wattpilot Flex Home achieved second place with a fantastic Wallbox Performance Index (WPI) score of 94.4 percent, equating to cost savings of nearly 54 euros per year compared to the fifth-placed solution (which only offers three-phase charging).
Intelligent charging as the key to success
A
large part of the Wattpilot Flex Home’s success was down to the excellent way
in which it uses surplus PV energy. The innovative Fronius EV charger
intelligently uses solar energy, dynamically adjusting the charging process to
available PV power, enabling charging even with minimal solar surplus. “No ray of sunshine is wasted. Surplus PV
yield goes directly into the electric vehicle,” explains Harald
Scherleitner, CSO of Fronius International GmbH, proudly.
Developed and manufactured in Austria, the EV charger from Fronius charges vehicles particularly efficiently and cost-effectively. Thanks to a built-in mechanism that switches automatically between single-phase and three-phase charging, it precisely follows the solar production curve and utilizes more surplus PV energy than most other solutions.
Design and connectivity combined
Robust,
weatherproof, and with an award-winning design, the Wattpilot Flex Home fits
seamlessly into any home. “Aesthetic appeal and outstanding functionality were our
priorities for the Wattpilot Flex Home,”
explains Markus Brandstötter, Product Manager at Fronius International
GmbH. The charging solution can be conveniently controlled via an
app, touch buttons, or RFID, delivering full control and a smart charging
experience.
Tests under realistic conditions
Tests
were carried out under realistic conditions in the Digital Grid Lab at
Fraunhofer ISE. The current flow between the PV system, household, power grid,
and vehicle was examined and the measurements included standby consumption,
switching between single-phase and three-phase charging, and behavior in the
event of a strongly fluctuating solar surplus.
We are Fronius.
Around 6,700 employees worldwide at the end of 2024, a current export share of 90 percent, and 1,752 active patents: that’s us, that’s Fronius. Founded in 1945 as a regional one-man operation, we are now a global player—a fact that is impressively demonstrated by our 37 international subsidiaries and our network of sales partners in more than 60 countries. And yet, at heart, we are still a family-owned company from Austria, active in the electrical and electronics industry. Fronius Welding continuously revolutionizes welding technology, while Fronius Solar & Energy focuses on making the best possible use of solar energy and optimizing battery charging systems for intralogistics. We have been pursuing a clear goal for 80 years now: researching electricity and putting it to efficient use as the fuel of the future. We develop products and solutions for a future worth living in, offering our customers an all-in-one package in the process: from advance planning and consulting to ongoing monitoring and services tailored to their specific needs. We are innovative. We are curious. We are Fronius.
Fronius Solar & Energy
We create energy solutions for an emissions-free future: in private homes, on farms, in small and medium-sized enterprises, and for large-scale commercial and industrial projects. Our innovative products are the answer for using solar energy as a power supply, for heating and air conditioning, and to charge electric vehicles. We also offer charging solutions for traction batteries in intralogistics and for starter batteries in vehicle workshops.
Fronius Welding
Maximum arc quality, a deep understanding of our customers, a thirst for technical progress: we are the innovation leader in arc welding and the global market leader in robot-assisted welding. Our customized, automated complete systems and digital welding solutions for Industry 5.0 are the product of our expertise. Intuitive welding machines for manual welding applications, high-quality welding accessories, and effective protective products to keep specialists safe round off our portfolio. Our technologies establish connections between people, industries, and metals.