Hardware Specifications
This page provides a comprehensive technical overview of the Thorium EV charging controller hardware, including physical specifications, component details, environmental ratings, and certifications.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 400 × 500 × 180 mm |
| Weight | 8.5 kg (fully assembled) |
| Enclosure material | Powder-coated steel, RAL 9005 (matte black) |
| Mounting | Wall-mount bracket, 4-point fixing |
| Supply voltage | 230V AC single-phase / 400V AC three-phase, 50Hz |
| Controller power consumption | < 15W (standby), < 25W (active) |
| Max current per channel | 32A (single-phase), 32A per phase (three-phase) |
| Number of channels | Up to 4 (independently controlled) |
| Contactor rating | 40A, AC-1, 100,000 cycles |
| Current sensor type | Split-core CT, 100A max, 1% accuracy |
| Touchscreen | 7" IPS LCD, 1024×600, capacitive touch |
| Payment terminal | Viva Wallet NFC POS, EMV contactless |
| Connectivity | Ethernet (RJ45), USB (for 4G dongle), Wi-Fi (2.4GHz) |
| Processor | ARM Cortex-A53 quad-core, 1.5GHz |
| Memory | 2GB DDR4 RAM, 16GB eMMC storage |
| Operating temperature | -20°C to +55°C |
| Storage temperature | -30°C to +70°C |
| Humidity | 5–95% RH (non-condensing) |
| Ingress protection | IP54 (dust-protected, splash-proof) |
Component Overview
Contactors
Each channel uses an industrial-grade normally-open contactor mounted on a DIN rail inside the enclosure. The contactor coil is driven by the controller board through an optocoupler-isolated relay driver. An auxiliary contact on each contactor provides closed-loop feedback to the controller, allowing it to verify the actual state of the power circuit at all times.
Current Sensors
Split-core current transformers (CTs) clip around the live conductor of each channel without requiring the cable to be disconnected. Each CT outputs a proportional low-voltage AC signal that is sampled by the controller's 12-bit ADC at 1 kHz. The split-core design allows for easy installation and replacement.
Payment Terminal
The Viva Wallet NFC POS terminal is mounted flush in the front panel of the enclosure. It communicates with the controller board via USB and supports EMV contactless (NFC), chip, and PIN transactions. The terminal has its own display and LED indicators for payment status feedback.
Touchscreen Display
A 7-inch IPS LCD panel with capacitive touch input serves as the primary user interface. It is bonded to the front panel behind a scratch-resistant polycarbonate window. The display is readable in direct sunlight (800 nits peak brightness) and supports multi-touch input.
Controller Board
The custom-designed controller board is the brain of the system. Built around an ARM Cortex-A53 processor, it runs the Thorium firmware (Linux-based) and manages all I/O: contactor control, current sensing, touchscreen display, POS communication, and network connectivity. The board includes a hardware watchdog timer and a real-time clock (RTC) with battery backup.
Environmental Ratings
Thorium is rated IP54, making it suitable for covered outdoor installations such as parking garages, carports, and building facades with overhangs. The unit should not be installed in locations where it is exposed to direct, sustained rainfall or water jets.
The operating temperature range of -20°C to +55°C covers the vast majority of European climates. In Greece, ambient temperatures at typical installation locations rarely exceed 45°C even in summer. The unit includes passive ventilation slots to prevent internal heat buildup.
Certifications
- CE marking — compliant with applicable EU directives (LVD 2014/35/EU, EMC 2014/30/EU).
- RoHS — compliant with Directive 2011/65/EU on the restriction of hazardous substances.
- EMC tested — EN 61000-6-2 (immunity), EN 61000-6-3 (emissions) for industrial environments.