The noted electric vehicle charging company NRG EVgo is partnering with the energy management company Princeton Power Systems to provide solar-powered charging technologies to the University of California–Irvine entry into the Solar Decathlon.
The biennial Solar Decathlon is an event put on by the US Department of Energy requiring participant teams to design, construct, and successfully operate solar-powered homes that are energy efficient while remaining cost effective.
The team from UC Irvine — known as Team Orange County (encompassing Chapman University + Irvine Valley College + Saddleback College, as well) is currently competing in the event, which will be ongoing until October 18th. Those interested are actually able to watch the competition which is taking place at the Great Park in Irvine, California — as the event is open to the general public.
With regard to the help from NRG EVgo and Princeton Power Systems, the two are providing a first-of-its-kind “CA-10” power converter, allowing for the charging of an electric vehicle at a rate of 10 kilowatts (kW) directly from home solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, as well as allowing for electricity to head back to the grid.
Here’s more via Solar Power World Online:
The CA-10 maximizes the DC power output from the solar array and through a DC-DC converter provides DC fast-charging directly to the electric vehicle. The direct DC-DC conversion reduces losses associated with power conversion by over 50%, maximizing efficiency and reducing charging time. It is currently compatible with vehicles supporting the CHAdeMO charging standard, such as the Nissan LEAF.
The station can also output power to the grid, or the home when the grid is not available. It meets UL and safety requirements to allow ease of permitting and resident peace of mind. NRG EVgo is donating the CA-10 product to the UC Irvine team, while Princeton Power is providing design consulting and on-site support. The CA-10 solar charging station is based on Princeton Power’s DRI-10 4-port hybrid inverter and will be the first solar fast-charger UL listed to both 1741 and 2202 for grid-interaction and car charging respectively.
“Team OC’s entry into the Solar Decathlon is more than just a forward-looking technology demonstration,” stated Darren Hammell, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Princeton Power Systems. “By partnering with companies that are leading the deployment of electric vehicles, solar energy, and charging infrastructure, the team is showing what is possible today when industry and academia collaborate.”
“NRG EVgo is a leader in deploying electric vehicle infrastructure across the US,” stated Scott Fisher, Director, Alternative Energy at NRG EVgo. “Our collaboration with Princeton Power Systems and Team OC allows us to better understand how next-generation charging stations can benefit our customers.”