Battery Buffered EV Charger
Key facts:
| Project | EV & Ebike charging from BESS, fed by on-site renewables & community PV array |
| Country | Wales |
| Nominal capacity | 72kWh |
| RE technology sources | 3kW Pico hydro, 20kWp PV Glazing, 235Wp PV tiles, 62kWp PV ground mount, 1.89kWp PV on-roof |
Project overview
The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) commissioned Dulas to design a battery buffered Electric Vehicle (EV) and E-bike charging system with the purpose of limiting grid import by supplementing on-site charging with battery power by utilising a smart Energy Management System (EMS). The aim was to prioritise charging the battery using on-site renewable generation and solar power from a local community energy scheme, over mains electricity. The system has a nominal capacity of 72KWh and is now a key component of the site’s integrated renewable energy infrastructure.
Impact
The project plays a vital role in CAT’s mission to educate students on renewable technologies whilst being as sustainable as possible. It also reflects a collaborative approach to local energy generation with Bro Dyfi Community Renewables (BDCR) supplying renewable electricity from its adjacent solar farm via a private wire connection. The arrangement benefits both parties, with CAT paying BDCR a higher rate than they would receive for exporting to the grid, while still paying less than the cost of importing from a traditional energy provider, thus creating a financially and environmentally sustainable model whilst realising Welsh Government’s ambitions for locally owned energy generation systems.
Challenges and solutions
Dulas was tasked with designing a battery-buffered EV charging system that could manage complex energy flows and restrict grid import during peak site demand whilst working alongside an EMS to optimise onsite renewable energy usage.
CAT already had multiple generation sources, including three PV arrays and a 3kW Pico hydro turbine. In addition, the project required collaboration with BDCR to connect a 62 kWp solar array via private wire located 1 km away, and incorporate this into the EMS. Transmitting this electricity as high-voltage DC proved more efficient and simplified the integration.
Key challenges included meeting tight funding deadlines, overcoming difficult site access issues for the containerised system, and creating a unified architecture from technologies of different ages and manufacturers. Interfacing these components within the EMS added further complexity.
Ben Robinson, BDM and joint Project Manager at Dulas, said:
“It was a joy to be working with CAT again on such a groundbreaking project, helping Dulas to further develop and demonstrate our battery and EV charging solutions from on-site renewables, whilst providing real benefits to the community, showing what is possible in grid constrained locations and providing an educational resource… all at the same time!”
The system not only reduces operational costs for CAT but also ensures BDCR can achieve higher revenues for their solar generation. Beyond financial and environmental gains, the project fosters community engagement. By collaborating with TrydaNi community EV car share club, the system enables members to access charging facilities at CAT, supporting shared mobility and encouraging the adoption of EV’s within the region.
In addition, the integrated monitoring and control platform provides a valuable educational resource for staff, visitors, lecturers and postgraduate students, offering real-world insights into renewable energy systems, battery technology, community energy, smart grid technology, and sustainable transport solutions.
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