Application of Integrated PV-ESS-Charging in Heavy Truck Charging Stations
How It Works
• Photovoltaic power generation: Solar panels convert solar energy into direct current (DC). When there is sufficient sunlight, part of the electricity generated directly powers the charging piles for heavy trucks, while excess electricity is stored in the ESS.
• Energy storage system (ESS): Consists of battery packs, battery management system (BMS), power conversion system (PCS), this system releases stored energy to charging piles when solar power is insufficient or at night. The ESS performs peak shaving and valley filling to stabilize power supply.
• Charging facilities: The DC power from the PV and ESS or the AC power from the power grid is converted into a voltage and current suitable for charging the heavy-duty truck battery through a charging module to charge the heavy-duty truck.
Key Technologies
• High-efficiency PV modules: Use solar panels with high conversion efficiency and reliability, such as monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon or thin-film solar cells, to maximize power generation.
• Intelligent energy storage technology: The advanced BMS monitors the battery status in real time, optimizing the charging and discharging strategy to extend the battery lifespan. At the same time, the energy storage inverter has efficient power conversion capabilities, realizing flexible interaction among the ESS, the power grid and charging piles.
• Energy Management System (EMS): Coordinates the energy flow between PV, ESS and charging facilities, and intelligently distributes electrical energy based on real-time data such as light intensity, battery power, and charging needs to ensure efficient and stable operation of the system.
Advantages
• Energy self-sufficiency: Reduce grid dependence and electricity costs, maintaining charging capacity during outages or in remote areas—enabling off-grid operation for heavy truck stations.
• Peak shaving and valley filling: To alleviate the load pressure on the power grid, during peak electricity consumption, the ESS discharges to reduce electricity consumption from the power grid; during low electricity consumption, low-priced electricity is used to charge the ESS to achieve peak-shifting and cut operating costs.
• Environmental protection and energy saving: Using clean solar energy to reduce carbon emissions, meet environmental protection requirements, and help achieve green logistics and sustainable development.
Challenges
• High initial investment: The construction of an integrated PV-ESS-Charging heavy-duty truck charging station demands the purchase of many solar panels, energy storage equipment, etc. The initial construction cost is relatively high, which may curb some companies’ investment willingness.
• Large space requirement: Heavy trucks demand high charging power and extensive solar panels, so a large installation area is required. At the same time, the energy storage system also needs a certain amount of space to place battery packs and other equipment. For charging stations with limited space, it is very difficult to implement integrated PV-ESS-Charging.
• Technical complexity: It involves the integration and coordinated operation of multiple technologies, demanding professional expertise in system design, installation, debugging and operation and maintenance.
