eWorkVehicle Battery Charger

Dedicated battery charger for work vehicles. The purpose of this project is to develop and test a platform concept for robust, high-efficiency battery chargers for electric work vehicles. The platform, developed based on interaction with application-orientated research at the University of Southern Denmark, will be used by Converdan as a foundation for the development and manufacture of smaller series of customer-specific battery chargers on a price-competitive basis. The platform concept allows for the charging of mobile, electric battery-equipped work machinery and heavy electric vehicles with high efficiency at relatively high power levels.

Challenge

The purpose of the eWorkVehicle Battery Charger project is to develop and test a platform concept for robust, high-efficiency battery chargers for electric work vehicles. Smaller series of customer-specific battery chargers will be developed on a price-competitive basis. The platform concept allows for the charging of mobile, electric battery-equipped work machinery and heavy electric vehicles with high efficiency at relatively high power levels. The aim is for Converdan A/S to create a foundation upon which to expand its current international business to include the supply of battery chargers for work vehicles.

Solution idea

With a basis in state-of-the-art power electronics technology in battery charging, voltage control, and voltage conversion in electric power trains and battery systems, the eWorkVehicle Battery Charger project aims to develop and test early prototypes of a battery charger with extremely high efficiency. Additionally, the charger will monitor and control the charging process, and the project will develop and test a “Smart Grid” solution for monitoring and controlling the charging and discharging of mobile battery systems based on standard protocols already familiar to electrical grid operators.

Project deliverables

Development of a platform technology concept for high-efficiency battery chargers with varying power output, serving as a foundation for the subsequent production of smaller series of customer-specific battery chargers on a price-competitive basis. Manufacture of early prototype battery chargers and testing them for use in electric refuse collection vehicles and other work vehicles. Development and testing of a “Smart Grid” device for monitoring and control of charging and discharging of mobile battery systems.

Problem owners

• Converdan A/S

Problem solvers

• Banke Electromotive ApS
• Banke ApS
• SDU: University of Southern Denmark

This project is financed by Energy Cluster Denmark’s Industrial Electronics Innovation (IEI) support programme. It offers three years of support to allow small- and medium-sized businesses to collaboratively develop innovative electronic products focused on energy optimisation. The IEI project is supported by the European Regional Development Fund.