Microgrids are a hot topic these days, and with good reason—supporting EV charging infrastructure with battery storage, on-site generation and V2X technology can overcome grid constraints and reduce costs.
Cenex has published new research detailing how DC-coupled smart energy hubs can help organisations accelerate fleet electrification while unlock substantial energy savings, lower peak demand and overcome grid constraints.
The report explores the performance of the 3ti Papilio3 V2X DC FastHub across a range of commercial and public-sector use cases, including fleet depots, factories, offices and leisure destinations.
Using Cenex’s EIGER energy modelling tool, the study assessed how DC-coupled energy systems can optimise energy use behind the meter.
The report found that peak site demand can be reduced by between 5 kW and 150 kW, depending on the site and operational profile, and predicts that annual energy cost savings of £2,600–£3,700 could be achieved at office, leisure and depot sites operating on two-rate tariffs. For high-demand factory sites, annual savings could be as much as £18,000.
Battery energy storage is a central component of any microgrid. Cenex found that using a DC-coupled architecture reduces energy conversion losses, improving overall system efficiency and renewable energy utilization.
“Cenex modelling demonstrated how smart DC microgrids integrating solar, storage and bidirectional EV charging can significantly reduce energy costs, lower peak demand and support fleet electrification,” said Steve Carroll, Cenex’s Head of Research and Technical Services. “Solutions like the Fasthub will be essential if we are to electrify transport operations and optimize energy use in today’s grid-constrained environments.”
“This research makes a compelling value case for bidirectional charging hubs in fleet depots, factories and sites with limited grid capacity,” said Mark Potter, CTO, 3ti. “The HALO V2X Hub brings solar generation, battery storage and bidirectional EV charging together in a behind-the-meter DC microgrid, and Cenex’s modelling shows the tangible savings and grid benefits that delivers.”
Source: Cenex
