Post by Admin on Oct 12, 2016 14:23:39 GMT -5
EVgo, the nation’s largest network of public electric vehicle fast charging stations, is pleased to announce that it has received an Energy Storage North America 2016 Innovation Award for its Stationary Storage + Electric Charging (SSPEC) project.
A pioneering program in lowering the cost and immediate power demand of EV charging to host facilities, the EVgo SSPEC project explores how incorporating energy storage along with DC Fast Charging infrastructure can reduce the overall costs to public stations in order to make charging more accessible to EV owners. The SSPEC site is a model for future public charging facilities thanks to its use of four second-life batteries pulled straight from the BMW Group’s retired test fleet of electric vehicles, along with its use of solar power generation and intelligent site power control.
“DC Fast Charging plus storage presents an exciting opportunity for drivers and charging companies alike. This project has the potential to shortcut some of the barriers facilities face when looking to install DC Fast Charging stations by reducing operating costs, improving charging service and convenience for EV drivers, and ultimately can help to put more electric vehicles on the road,” said Terry O’Day, Vice President, Product Strategy and Market Development at EVgo
For the SSPEC project, EVgo partnered with the University of California San Diego, which is recognized as one of the top 15 research universities worldwide and operates what is considered one of the world’s most advanced microgrids. EVgo worked with UC San Diego to locate a demonstration site on the campus microgrid that would also ensure the stations would be accessible to the public and which results in the chargers serving over 100 drivers per week. The project is part of the CPUC Technology Demonstration Program, a program designed to help demonstrate the benefits of energy storage coupled with public DC Fast Charging stations.
The EVgo SSPEC system leverages a total of four second-life battery packs to provide energy storage services at the site. Local site controls then dispatch the batteries to provide services when vehicles arrive to charge at the site. With the system’s solar charging integration, customer vehicles charge directly from solar energy generated on site, and the batteries are used to reduce the grid’s electricity consumption, effectively offsetting demand charges and helping to manage the operational cost of providing public charging services.
“The EVgo SSPEC project was a great success in achieving affordability and accessibility in DC Fast Charging,” said Byron Washom, Director of Strategic Energy Initiatives of UC San Diego. “We have received hugely positive feedback, with customers saying the exceptionally well-designed structure is shaded during the day, well lit for safety at night, effortless to operate and that the location is very convenient as well.”
About the Award
Energy Storage North America (ESNA), the largest gathering of policy, technology and market leaders in energy storage, celebrated the winners of its 2016 Innovation Awards and 2016 Champion Awards during a reception at the San Diego Convention Center. Award winners were recognized for their leadership in energy storage, services supplied to customers and the grid, unique technology solutions, financing, or partnerships.
More information on the award-winning projects and champions can be found here.
“The individuals and organizations who received this year’s ESNA Awards have each played a key role in advancing energy storage through impactful programs, projects, technologies or policies,” said Janice Lin, Energy Storage North America Conference Chair. “Their work is transforming the energy storage ecosystem by opening up brand new markets and solving real world problems for customers and the grid. The strength of our nominees was unmatched in 2016, reflecting the continued growth and maturation of our industry.”
Site Equipment Description
The site originally hosted two dual-standard ABB 50kW charging stations which were upgraded in July to four dual-standard BTC split-unit charging stations. The BTC unit design separates the power cube from the customer dispenser, thereby exploring opportunities to minimize the size of charging equipment for the driver interface. Energy storage is provided on site by two 30kW/50kWh EV Grid battery cabinets, each cabinet houses two second-life battery packs and one Ideal Power power converter. Site controls are provided by Kisensum to communicate with the energy storage system and with the BTC dispensers. The site controller imposes power limits on the BTC charge stations so they will not exceed limits in the charging station. The purpose here is to protect circuit from overload, and minimize overall demand by utilizing the EV Grid batteries in the process. The controller also charges battery in times of no or light electricity use by charging stations, and discharge during times of heavy use.
The site has a 12.6 kW solar canopy with 40 SolarWorld 315 modules feeding into the demonstration site through an ABB inverter. The canopy acts as a generator and a shade structure for vehicles coming to utilize the stations. At night, the canopy is fitted with downward facing LED lighting for driver convenience. A Schneider built three-phase Automatic Load Management System (ALMS) provides security on an excess of equipment capacity installed at the site by limiting the equipment power draw from the source.
About EVgo
EVgo leads America’s electric vehicle revolution. Our mission: Build the nation’s largest EV charging network while improving the planet and boosting the economy. We put the right chargers in the right places. Together we unite the EV movement for all, making it unstoppable. EVgo provides access to hundreds of public charging sites across the United States. To find out more, or to join the EVgo network, visit www.evgo.com. Connect with EVgo on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
About Energy Storage North America
Energy Storage North America is the largest conference, exhibition and networking event for the North American energy storage industry. Now in its fourth year, ESNA connects developers, energy users, utilities and policymakers to advance understanding and deployment of energy storage and ultimately build a cleaner, more affordable, and more resilient grid. For more information, visit www.esnaexpo.com.
About UC San Diego
At the University of California San Diego, we constantly push boundaries and challenge expectations. Established in 1960, UC San Diego has been shaped by exceptional scholars who aren’t afraid to take risks and redefine conventional wisdom. Today, as one of the top 15 research universities in the world, we are driving innovation and change to advance society, propel economic growth and make our world a better place. Learn more at www.ucsd.edu.
About Kisensum
Kisensum develops software solutions for electric vehicle charging, stationary energy storage systems, and microgrids. The founders have successfully built 5 software startups in various industries including energy, digital mapping, consumer applications, and medical software. Leveraging their work at the Los Angeles Air Force Base’s Vehicle to Grid project, Kisensum has become an expert in EV fleet management, smart charging solutions, and grid tied energy storage. Kisensum is also experienced at evaluating grid services and tariffs that are most appropriate to minimize energy costs utilizing energy storage and DERs. Current customers include, EVgo, LA Air Force Base, Andrews Air Force Base, Ft Hood Army Base, and Alameda County Clean Fleet. To learn more, please visit www.kisensum.com.
About EV Grid
EV Grid works with vehicle OEMs, fleets, and site operators to supply mobile and stationary grid-integrated battery systems, because the future is electric.
About Ideal Power Inc.
Ideal Power Inc. (NASDAQ: IPWR) is a technology company dedicated to advancing the efficiency of electric power conversion. The company has developed a novel, patented power conversion technology called Power Packet Switching Architecture™ (“PPSA”). PPSA improves the size, cost, efficiency, flexibility and reliability of electronic power converters. PPSA can scale across several large and growing markets, including solar PV, variable frequency drives, battery energy storage, mobile power and microgrids, and electric vehicle charging. The Company is also developing and has patented a bi-directional, bi-polar junction transistor (“B-TRAN™”) which has the potential to dramatically increase bi-directional power switching efficiency and power density. Ideal Power employs a capital-efficient business model which enables the company to address several product development projects and markets simultaneously. For more information, visit www.IdealPower.com.
www.nrgevgo.com/about/news/evgo-wins-energy-storage-north-america-2016-innovation-award/
A pioneering program in lowering the cost and immediate power demand of EV charging to host facilities, the EVgo SSPEC project explores how incorporating energy storage along with DC Fast Charging infrastructure can reduce the overall costs to public stations in order to make charging more accessible to EV owners. The SSPEC site is a model for future public charging facilities thanks to its use of four second-life batteries pulled straight from the BMW Group’s retired test fleet of electric vehicles, along with its use of solar power generation and intelligent site power control.
“DC Fast Charging plus storage presents an exciting opportunity for drivers and charging companies alike. This project has the potential to shortcut some of the barriers facilities face when looking to install DC Fast Charging stations by reducing operating costs, improving charging service and convenience for EV drivers, and ultimately can help to put more electric vehicles on the road,” said Terry O’Day, Vice President, Product Strategy and Market Development at EVgo
For the SSPEC project, EVgo partnered with the University of California San Diego, which is recognized as one of the top 15 research universities worldwide and operates what is considered one of the world’s most advanced microgrids. EVgo worked with UC San Diego to locate a demonstration site on the campus microgrid that would also ensure the stations would be accessible to the public and which results in the chargers serving over 100 drivers per week. The project is part of the CPUC Technology Demonstration Program, a program designed to help demonstrate the benefits of energy storage coupled with public DC Fast Charging stations.
The EVgo SSPEC system leverages a total of four second-life battery packs to provide energy storage services at the site. Local site controls then dispatch the batteries to provide services when vehicles arrive to charge at the site. With the system’s solar charging integration, customer vehicles charge directly from solar energy generated on site, and the batteries are used to reduce the grid’s electricity consumption, effectively offsetting demand charges and helping to manage the operational cost of providing public charging services.
“The EVgo SSPEC project was a great success in achieving affordability and accessibility in DC Fast Charging,” said Byron Washom, Director of Strategic Energy Initiatives of UC San Diego. “We have received hugely positive feedback, with customers saying the exceptionally well-designed structure is shaded during the day, well lit for safety at night, effortless to operate and that the location is very convenient as well.”
About the Award
Energy Storage North America (ESNA), the largest gathering of policy, technology and market leaders in energy storage, celebrated the winners of its 2016 Innovation Awards and 2016 Champion Awards during a reception at the San Diego Convention Center. Award winners were recognized for their leadership in energy storage, services supplied to customers and the grid, unique technology solutions, financing, or partnerships.
More information on the award-winning projects and champions can be found here.
“The individuals and organizations who received this year’s ESNA Awards have each played a key role in advancing energy storage through impactful programs, projects, technologies or policies,” said Janice Lin, Energy Storage North America Conference Chair. “Their work is transforming the energy storage ecosystem by opening up brand new markets and solving real world problems for customers and the grid. The strength of our nominees was unmatched in 2016, reflecting the continued growth and maturation of our industry.”
Site Equipment Description
The site originally hosted two dual-standard ABB 50kW charging stations which were upgraded in July to four dual-standard BTC split-unit charging stations. The BTC unit design separates the power cube from the customer dispenser, thereby exploring opportunities to minimize the size of charging equipment for the driver interface. Energy storage is provided on site by two 30kW/50kWh EV Grid battery cabinets, each cabinet houses two second-life battery packs and one Ideal Power power converter. Site controls are provided by Kisensum to communicate with the energy storage system and with the BTC dispensers. The site controller imposes power limits on the BTC charge stations so they will not exceed limits in the charging station. The purpose here is to protect circuit from overload, and minimize overall demand by utilizing the EV Grid batteries in the process. The controller also charges battery in times of no or light electricity use by charging stations, and discharge during times of heavy use.
The site has a 12.6 kW solar canopy with 40 SolarWorld 315 modules feeding into the demonstration site through an ABB inverter. The canopy acts as a generator and a shade structure for vehicles coming to utilize the stations. At night, the canopy is fitted with downward facing LED lighting for driver convenience. A Schneider built three-phase Automatic Load Management System (ALMS) provides security on an excess of equipment capacity installed at the site by limiting the equipment power draw from the source.
About EVgo
EVgo leads America’s electric vehicle revolution. Our mission: Build the nation’s largest EV charging network while improving the planet and boosting the economy. We put the right chargers in the right places. Together we unite the EV movement for all, making it unstoppable. EVgo provides access to hundreds of public charging sites across the United States. To find out more, or to join the EVgo network, visit www.evgo.com. Connect with EVgo on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
About Energy Storage North America
Energy Storage North America is the largest conference, exhibition and networking event for the North American energy storage industry. Now in its fourth year, ESNA connects developers, energy users, utilities and policymakers to advance understanding and deployment of energy storage and ultimately build a cleaner, more affordable, and more resilient grid. For more information, visit www.esnaexpo.com.
About UC San Diego
At the University of California San Diego, we constantly push boundaries and challenge expectations. Established in 1960, UC San Diego has been shaped by exceptional scholars who aren’t afraid to take risks and redefine conventional wisdom. Today, as one of the top 15 research universities in the world, we are driving innovation and change to advance society, propel economic growth and make our world a better place. Learn more at www.ucsd.edu.
About Kisensum
Kisensum develops software solutions for electric vehicle charging, stationary energy storage systems, and microgrids. The founders have successfully built 5 software startups in various industries including energy, digital mapping, consumer applications, and medical software. Leveraging their work at the Los Angeles Air Force Base’s Vehicle to Grid project, Kisensum has become an expert in EV fleet management, smart charging solutions, and grid tied energy storage. Kisensum is also experienced at evaluating grid services and tariffs that are most appropriate to minimize energy costs utilizing energy storage and DERs. Current customers include, EVgo, LA Air Force Base, Andrews Air Force Base, Ft Hood Army Base, and Alameda County Clean Fleet. To learn more, please visit www.kisensum.com.
About EV Grid
EV Grid works with vehicle OEMs, fleets, and site operators to supply mobile and stationary grid-integrated battery systems, because the future is electric.
About Ideal Power Inc.
Ideal Power Inc. (NASDAQ: IPWR) is a technology company dedicated to advancing the efficiency of electric power conversion. The company has developed a novel, patented power conversion technology called Power Packet Switching Architecture™ (“PPSA”). PPSA improves the size, cost, efficiency, flexibility and reliability of electronic power converters. PPSA can scale across several large and growing markets, including solar PV, variable frequency drives, battery energy storage, mobile power and microgrids, and electric vehicle charging. The Company is also developing and has patented a bi-directional, bi-polar junction transistor (“B-TRAN™”) which has the potential to dramatically increase bi-directional power switching efficiency and power density. Ideal Power employs a capital-efficient business model which enables the company to address several product development projects and markets simultaneously. For more information, visit www.IdealPower.com.
www.nrgevgo.com/about/news/evgo-wins-energy-storage-north-america-2016-innovation-award/
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