Ymif Engineering develops electronics for ''Smart charging in practice''

In February 2023, a charging plaza for electric bicycles and cars was put into use in Belfeld. The charging plaza has room for 12 e-bikes and 2 cars, which can be charged directly with solar energy. 24 solar panels have been placed on the roof. The destination of the generated energy is determined by an intelligent control system. This dynamically responds to the demand from connected energy consumers.

Energy consumption and energy storage

When no e-bikes or electric cars are connected, the energy generated is used by electrical consumers in the hub such as lighting, controls, cameras, etc. The remaining energy is stored in batteries. If the batteries are full, the excess energy is stored in a virtual hub via a backup connection.

If e-bikes or electric cars are connected, they are immediately charged with the energy generated. If the batteries in the installation become exhausted because the energy users need more energy than the 24 batteries can supply, the batteries are protected by the intelligent control system. Energy to charge the users then comes from the virtual hub.

Virtual hub and backup system

The installation is connected to a virtual hub. Energy can be supplied from the installation to the virtual hub, as well as energy can be taken. Several sustainable sources such as wind energy are connected to this virtual hub, so that energy can still be supplied to users even in the winter months with less sun. The installation also has a backup connection to the electricity network.

Pilot “Smart charging in practice”

The charging plaza is part of the pilot project 'Smart charging in practice'. The main reasons for this project are the growth of electric driving and the development of knowledge of smart charging concepts to prevent overload on the electricity grid. Monitoring, control and reporting are very important in order to properly coordinate energy supply and demand.

Development of communication and operating system

Ymif Engineering has many years of experience in the field of Energy Storage Systems, developed the communication and operating system for the electric charging plaza. The electronics make it possible to monitor, program and control the system remotely. The monitoring system with online dashboard is very important to analyze the collected data and answer the research questions of the pilot.

Would you like more information or do you also have a challenge in the field of an Energy Storage System? Call or email to Ymif Engineering.