Ali Hyder | MEL Candidate | December 3, 2024
Industry Partner: Keegan Hardy, Capital Regional District (CRD)
ABSTRACT
This project evaluates the techno-economic feasibility of implementing off-grid and hybrid Level II EV Charging Infrastructure (EVCI) to support the CRD’s growing fleet of EVs. The study focuses on designing systems that integrate solar photovoltaics (PV) and battery energy storage systems (BESS) to address charging challenges in remote locations and areas with limited grid capacity. By optimizing system design based on daily EV mileage and charging requirement, solar PV potential, site-specific constraints, and benchmarking against turnkey solutions, the project delivers cost-effective and scalable recommendations.
INTRODUCTION
As the EV fleet within the CRD grows—currently over 300 vehicles and expanding—reliance on conventional grid connections presents challenges for scaling infrastructure, particularly in remote areas and locations with limited electrical capacity. To address this demand sustainably and equitably, the CRD has prioritized innovative solutions such as off-grid and hybrid charging systems that integrate renewable energy sources like solar PV with BESS. This project addresses the following objectives:
- Designing cost-effective systems using off-the-shelf equipment to provide reliable daily ‘top-up’ charging (Level II) for CRD fleet vehicles, with full off-grid capability at remote sites.
- Developing hybrid systems optimized to leverage solar PV and BESS, with low-power trickle charging to ensure operational continuity at sites with exhausted or limited grid capacity.
- Delivering Class D estimates for the designed EVCI and benchmarking against two turnkey solutions available in the US.
METHODS & MATERIALS
The methodology adopted for the TEA can be summarized in five steps –
- System sizing: Perform an analysis to determine optimal sizing and configuration of the PV array and BESS capacity based on available space, PV potential, EV daily mileage and ‘top-up’ charging requirements. (Tools: MS Excel, SOLARGIS & Helioscope)
- Equipment selection: Conduct market due-diligence to identify viable technical solutions and readily available ‘off-the-shelf’ equipment. Compile a list of required equipment, datasheets and quotations from suppliers. (Interactions: Industry Experts, Manufacturers, BC Hydro & Contractors)
- Schematic design: Create engineering documentation such as Single Line Diagrams (SLD), 2D Layouts, 3D renders, PV design simulations aligned with manufacturers’ specifications and industry standards. (Tools: AutoCAD, SketchUp & Helioscope)
- Class D costing: Prepare a bill of materials and cost estimate for supply and services, leveraging supplier quotes and benchmarking against turnkey systems from Beam and PairedPower. (Tool: MS Excel)
- Final Report & Documentation: Compile the analysis and results into a comprehensive report and presentation. (Tool: MS Word, PowerPoint)
RESULTS
The designed EVCI systems address site-specific requirements while optimizing performance and cost-effectiveness. Both designs are based on a daily charging requirement of 15.89 kWh, derived from the CRD’s EV fleet specifications, considering the F-150 Lightning PRO with a 98 kWh battery, 370 km EPA-estimated range, 3.78 km/kWh efficiency and 60 km daily driving. The Beaver Lake hybrid system integrates an 8.1 kWp solar PV array and three 14.3 kWh battery units (34.3 kWh usable capacity at 80% depth of discharge), supporting charging for up to two EVs daily, supplemented by a low-power grid connection for overnight recharging. The Mayne Island off-grid system incorporates an 8.1 kWp solar PV array and two 14.3 kWh battery units (22.9 kWh usable capacity at 80% depth of discharge), delivering sufficient energy for one EV daily without grid dependency. Both configurations are scalable, leverage off-the-shelf equipment, and include Class D cost estimates for equipment, installation, permitting, logistics, and contingencies. Benchmarking against U.S. turnkey solutions shows that the proposed EVCI designs cost less than 50% of identified solutions—refer to Tables 1, 2 & 3.
DISCUSSION
Additional design considerations for remote areas should include cellular connectivity, auxiliary loads such as lighting and CCTV, and site-specific assessments like topographical surveys and geotechnical investigations to ensure the infrastructure’s connectivity, security and functionality.
CONCLUSION
The proposed EVCI designs demonstrate cost-effective and scalable solutions. By integrating solar PV, BESS, using off-the-shelf equipment, the designs provide reliable and sustainable EVCI while achieving significant cost savings compared to turnkey solutions. These systems offer a replicable framework for expanding EVCI in remote and grid-constrained locations, supporting CRD’s sustainability and electrification goals.
CONTACT
Ali Hyder