Dundee City Council and SWARCO

Connected Energy installed two E-STOR systems, one at each of the hubs. In both cases, the E-STOR is configured to manage peak loads, ensuring that the hubs do not exceed their import capacity.

The E-STOR is programmed to monitor the grid load, and when demand from the vehicles plugged into the hub gets close to exceeding the power available from the grid, E-STOR kicks in to bridge the gap. Both hubs include solar PV, so the BESS is configured to store solar energy for charging vehicles later.

It also provides additional power as needed during periods of high demand. Integrating E-STOR with both a solar PV array and the grid ensures that the site optimises its use of renewable energy, providing cost savings and environmental benefits. In addition, the E-STOR provides energy resilience as a reservoir of power for use with mission-critical vehicles during any grid supply issues.

The system will also help the council to reduce their electricity costs from the outset. From their experience with Princes Street, the Council has calculated that the inclusion of battery energy storage has reduced their energy costs by 2p per kW to 15p per kW. With 130 charging sessions a day expected across the three hubs, the whole life costs become a substantial saving to the council.