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Maximum charging power with a small grid connection: Intelligent charging with battery storage
The expansion of the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles presents companies with a key challenge: How can an efficient charging infrastructure be implemented when the existing grid connection is limited? The good news: With the right combination of battery storage and intelligent energy management, impressive charging performance can be achieved even with a small grid connection.
The challenge: limited network capacity vs. high charging demand
Imagine the following scenario: A medium-sized company wants to convert its fleet to electric vehicles and at the same time offer charging options for employees and customers. The available grid connection is 100 kW - theoretically sufficient for three to four AC charging points. But what happens if several vehicles want to charge at high power at the same time?
The technical solution: battery storage as a "charging buffer"
This is where the combination of stationary battery storage and intelligent load management comes into play. The basic principle is strikingly simple:
1. The battery storage is charged during times of low grid load
2. It provides additional power during charging peaks
3. An intelligent energy management system coordinates the energy flows
With this approach, for example, a 100 kW grid connection can be supplemented with an additional 90 kW from the battery storage. The result: an available charging power of up to 180 kW - enough for a DC fast charging station or several AC charging points.
Optimize energy costs through intelligent load managementOptimize energy costs through intelligent load management
The use of a battery storage system offers further advantages for energy costs:
Peak shaving: peak loads are capped, which reduces grid charges
Self-consumption optimization: If a PV system is in place, excess solar power can be temporarily stored
Flexible electricity tariffs: the storage system can be charged during off-peak times
Practical planning aspects
When planning a buffered charging infrastructure, there are a few important factors to consider:
Dimensioning: The storage capacity should be tailored to the expected charging behavior
Load profiles: An analysis of the existing network utilization helps with the optimal design
Expandability: Modular systems enable later scaling
Safety: Modern battery storage systems have multi-level safety systems
Technology in Transition
The technology is developing rapidly. Modern battery storage systems now achieve efficiencies of over 98% and offer functions such as bidirectional charging (vehicle-to-grid). In combination with intelligent energy management systems, highly efficient overall solutions are created that can be flexibly adapted to different requirements.
Conclusion: Combine intelligently instead of expanding expensively
The combination of battery storage and intelligent energy management makes it possible to build a powerful charging infrastructure even with limited grid connection. The key to success lies in the intelligent integration of the components: from the battery storage solution to the EV charging solution to the higher-level energy management system, all elements must work together perfectly. With the right planning and modern technologies, a future-proof and cost-efficient charging infrastructure can be realized.