EV Charging ESS Project: POWEROAD Empowering Sustainable Transportation with Energy Storage Solutions

Background

A Dutch transport company is leading the charge toward a sustainable future in the transport sector with the launch of an innovative charging infrastructure project. This company has implemented the “Laden op Zon” (Charging on Solar) initiative, which integrates solar panels, fast chargers, and a ESS to enable efficient and sustainable charging for their fleet of electric trucks.

Challenge

The primary challenge was to build a charging solution that could handle the increasing energy demands of e-trucks while minimizing vulnerability to fluctuating energy prices and reducing strain on the local power grid.

Solution:

POWEROAD provided the FLEX 215 Air cooling Outdoor Cabinet ESS with a capacity of 1.5MW/3.2MWh, seamlessly integrating it with solar panels and fast chargers. This system ensures that the company’s e-trucks can always charge using solar energy, even when the sun isn’t shining. Additionally, the system anticipates volatile market prices and optimizes charging times to minimize costs. When not in use for truck charging, the battery system is deployed on balancing markets, stabilizing the electricity grid and enhancing the energy resilience.

Highlights

1. POWEROAD provided an IP55 outdoor cabinet ESS that performs reliably in outdoor settings. It is adaptable to various installation environments and locations, requiring no additional protection despite exposure to wind, rain, and sunlight.
2. The energy storage system was installed near the main routes of the heavy-duty trucks, where vibrations from passing trucks are frequent. Despite this, the system operates stably and reliably, eliminating the hassle of seeking alternative installation sites.
3. The on-site energy storage system integrates with the warehouse rooftop solar system and nearby charging stations, forming a hybrid PV+ESS+EV Chargingnetwork. This setup ensures that the logistics fleet can consistently charge with clean solar energy.
4. Post-installation, the system presents a neat and visually appealing setup, adding a striking feature to the logistics park.

Project Value

1. By forecasting market price fluctuations, the energy storage system optimizes charging strategies, effectively reducing costs.
2. POWEROAD ESS aids in stabilizing the grid by adjusting energy output in response to grid demand, enhancing energy resilience and overcoming grid congestion.
3. Through grid integration and participation in ancillary services, the system quickly recoups equipment investment costs and generates additional value. The experience from this project can be readily applied to similar logistics parks in the future.

The project positions the transport company as a front-runner in sustainable transport, enabling the operation of 6 e-trucks, with plans to expand to 36 in the near future. The POWEROAD ESS not only supports it’s commitment to sustainability but also offers a robust business model by capitalizing on renewable energy and balancing market opportunities. This project demonstrates how innovative energy solutions can overcome challenges like grid congestion and contribute to a more sustainable transport sector.