BayWa r.e. is a leading global renewable energy developer, service supplier, distributor and energy solutions provider with operations throughout Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific. The company also strategically invests in new and emerging markets. BayWa r.e has brought over 3 GW of renewable energy online, while managing over 8GW of assets. BayWa r.e. is part of the BayWa Group, a global business established for over 90 years, with revenues of EUR17.1 billion.
BayWa r.e. is a finalist for the 2020 ees AWARD introducing a Hybrid Storage System coupled with AC/DC e-mobility charging infrastructure.
ees International: The BayWa r.e. hybrid storage system for e-mobility charging infrastructure includes both new and old batteries. How does the system work and what batteries are used?
The system, installed at our headquarters in Munich, is a combination of advanced and state-of-the-art products including a hybrid battery, fully integrated load management and a smart charging infrastructure landscape.
The system allows us to access an optimized grid supply, in turn reducing electricity costs – enabling fast charging of multiple vehicles without compromising the grid. This results in reduced peak-time electricity charges.
The smart dynamic energy management system is connected to a complex measurement system, housed within our headquarters, and can communicate with the charging infrastructure landscape.
This comprises four 150 kW DC hyperchargers with integrated stacks, 32 Mennekes wallboxes and 42 Ubitricity wallboxes with smart metering capabilities for employee car fleet management.
The 150 kW hybrid battery includes 96 kWh 2nd life cells from Mercedes Vito series and 68 kWh new Samsung cells.
ees International: What is the benefit of combining second-life batteries from Mercedes-Benz Vito with new Samsung batteries?
A mix of new and used cells can be economically attractive, especially where larger systems are concerned. It’s also a very sustainable approach as an increased volume of batteries from the automotive market will be available for use, giving the old batteries a new lease of life. These batteries are far away from the end of their life span but are being replaced by newer technology which allows for an increased range, an important characteristic of electric cars. However, range and energy density are less important requirements for stationary storage applications.
Our energy management system optimizes the use of both the new and used battery cells by smartly controlling the cycling and average SOC of the cells – meaning that the ageing of the parts takes place in a controlled manner.
ees International: Could other second-life batteries from other EV manufacturers be integrated into the system as well?
Yes. Our state-of-the-art energy management systems allows for the integration of other second-life batteries. The economic benefit of using many different batteries within a single project will need to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, as integration and management can be quite complex.
ees International: Considering that the batteries used for the charging system are second-life, will this impact the usability and longevity of the charging station?
No, there is no negative impact on the usability and longevity of the charging station from using batteries that are enjoying a second life. In fact, optimizing the costs of the battery element can help to accelerate the deployment of the charging infrastructure. And our system is low maintenance, which helps to keep operating costs low.
ees International: Resource scarcity and an insufficient charging infrastructure are two of the main challenges for the further transition to sustainable mobility. Could your hybrid storage and e-charging infrastructure system be a long-term solution to both of these challenges?
Absolutely. By using second-life batteries we can reduce the need to employ new, scarce, natural resources. At the same time, by optimizing costs we can help to accelerate the deployment of an accessible charging infrastructure – an important step in helping the mobility sector play a role in reducing carbon emissions and speeding the energy transition.
ees International: What are the next steps for BayWa r.e. and the “hybrid storage system meets AC/DC e-mobility charging infrastructure”?
This project is providing a great opportunity to learn about and exploit the benefits of this approach, demonstrating how well this new combination of technologies and smart control can work on a commercial scale.
It’s helping BayWa r.e. to plan for the further rollout of our energy solution and charging infrastructure business. And also signposting the way for wider industry, enabling it to deploy this kind of optimized solution to accelerate the energy transition.
We are looking to further extend the charging infrastructure at our headquarters with other charging solution providers, to enable us to learn more about the connectivity capabilities of a wide range of charging solutions currently available in the market and to push the technology further.
We see our unique, scalable system as being well suited for a range of applications – from corporate carparks, park and ride locations and shopping malls through to rental housing sites, large retail outlets and supermarket chains.
Thank you very much for the interview, Stefan Tait!
The interview partner:
Stefan Tait, Strategy Manager
BayWa r.e. GmbH
