Multi-Use-Case Optimization for E-Trucks and Energy Management
Self-sufficient in summer, cost-efficient in winter: Maximum cost savings through multi-use-case optimization.
Combined Optimization of PV, Battery Storage, and E-Trucks
This project focuses on the intelligent combination of a photovoltaic (PV) system, battery storage, and dynamic electricity tariffs to establish a sustainable and cost-efficient energy infrastructure for Döpke Logistics.
Objective: To make the transition of the fleet to e-trucks economically attractive and reliable.
The optimized energy infrastructure for Döpke Logistics enables operations to be largely self-sufficient in the summer and cost-optimal in the winter. With intelligent control and dynamic electricity tariffs, the solution ensures that e-trucks are always operational, allowing the company to take full advantage of favorable energy prices on the market.
Working Together for an Integrated Energy and Charging Infrastructure
Partners
- Döpke Logistik GmbH & Co. KG: coneva client and user of the new energy system
- coneva GmbH: Energy supplier and provider of the Energy Management System (EMS)
- novaSES GmbH: Partner for planning and installation of the PV system
Local Infrastructure
- PV system with a capacity of 430 kWp for solar energy use
- Socomec battery storage with a capacity of 389 kWh for optimized intermediate storage
- Two heavy Volvo FH Electric tractors, each with 378 kWh net usable storage capacity (540 kWh gross, 70 % SOC)
- Two Alpitronic charging points with 200 kW charging capacity for fast charging of the trucks
- coneva Flex EMS with SmartBox as the central control unit for energy optimization
Project Goal
The primary goal of the project is to build a future-proof and cost-optimized local energy infrastructure that supports the operation of the two e-trucks in an affordable and sustainable manner. This includes ensuring the optimal interaction of the PV system, battery storage, and charging infrastructure while ensuring smooth operations for the truck fleet.
Intelligently Managing Complex Charging Requirements
The electrification of truck fleets brings unique energy management challenges as the daily charging needs of the trucks must be met reliably and cost-effectively.
- Operational Requirement: The two e-trucks must be fully charged and ready for operation by 5:00 AM every day. After their daily tours, they return to the charging station between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM on weekdays.
Seasonal Optimization: In summer, the PV system, combined with battery storage, should cover most of the charging needs, allowing the trucks to be primarily charged with self-generated PV electricity.
Dynamic Electricity Tariffs: When PV generation cannot fully cover the charging demand, the required electricity is purchased through a dynamic electricity tariff, which optimizes market price fluctuations.
Winter Operation: During the winter months, when PV generation decreases, charging is increasingly sourced from the grid via the dynamic tariff, with the EMS optimizing the usage of cheaper time slots.
Peak Load Management: To further reduce costs, the EMS avoids power peaks and distributes the energy demand in a cost-effective manner.
Would you also like to benefit from multi-use optimization for your operations?
Our sales team will gladly get in touch with you and assess the flexibility potential at your location.
Intelligent Energy Management Makes E-Trucks Suitable for Everyday Use
The transition to an electrified truck fleet is not only feasible but also economically and sustainably achievable. By employing a dynamic energy management system and strategically using PV electricity in combination with battery storage, a high degree of autonomy can be achieved without compromising operational reliability.
365 Days of Cost Control through Intelligent EMS
Summer Operation
In the summer, the PV system generates maximum electricity during the day. While the e-trucks are on their routes, the battery storage is charged with PV electricity, and any surplus electricity is fed into the grid. Upon return, the trucks are first charged with the excess PV electricity. The remaining charging needs are covered using PV power stored in the battery. Thanks to this combination, grid electricity use can often be completely avoided, achieving full self-sufficiency on some days.
On days with additional electricity demand, the energy management system ensures that this is sourced during cheaper hours. Dynamic tariff optimization allows the selection of the most cost-efficient time slots, even within the quarter-hour periods, to maximize cost savings.
Winter Operation
In winter, when PV generation drops, grid electricity use increases. The EMS ensures that charging operations are covered as cost-effectively as possible through the dynamic electricity tariff, adjusting the charging times to periods of lower electricity prices, thus keeping operating costs low despite greater reliance on the grid.
EMS Algorithm
The Energy Management System operates fully automatically, creating a cost-optimal schedule based on daily forecasts. The local control unit then ensures the precise implementation of the charging plan.
“With our optimized overall system of PV, battery storage, and e-trucks, we prove that the transition to e-trucks in logistics can be cost-effective and seamless. We are proud to be pioneers at our location and are now taking the next steps.”
“Through our flexible energy management algorithm, we ensure that the e-trucks are charged as climate-neutral and cost-effectively as possible throughout the year. This enables us to provide our client with seamless operations at minimal costs and lay the foundation for the further transition of the logistics fleet to e-trucks.”
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Further References
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