ABB launches automated fast charging system for electric buses; inverted pantograph
15 October 2015
ABB is introducing an automated fast charging system which allows electric city buses to drive 24/7. With its automated rooftop connection and a typical charge time of 4–6 minutes, the system can easily be integrated in existing bus lines by installing fast chargers at end points, terminals, depots and/or intermediate stops. The modular design offering 150 kW, 300 kW or 450 kW of charging power provides any city bus with enough energy in only a few minutes to run its inner-city route continuously throughout the day.
The robust automated connection is based on a pantograph: a proven system used commonly on trains, trams and metro’s, but mounted in inverted position on a stylish infrastructure pole. When a bus arrives at the charging stop, wireless communication will be established between bus and charger and the pantograph will come down automatically. After all safety checks are performed the system will provide the bus with a powerful fast recharge. (A Combo 2 connector can also serve to link bus with charger.)
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| Rendering of a 300 kW power unit (two cabinets) and the automated connection system. Click to enlarge. |
ABB’s automated solution can be used with any electric bus provided it has the correct rooftop interface. The inverted pantograph connection makes it possible to use a low-cost and low weight interface on the roof of the bus, consisting of 4 simple contact bars with a weight of around 10 kg.
This allows manufacturers of electric buses to reduce the weight of their vehicle, improve the energy efficiency, and design a lower cost electric bus.
In July 2014 ABB announced that it signed a global cooperation with Volvo bus to jointly market fast chargers and buses.
The automated fast charger will be offered together with ABB’s proven suite of connectivity features including remote diagnostics, remote management and over-the-air software upgradeability. With more than 3,000 web-connected DC fast chargers installed globally, ABB has shown that its suite of connectivity features enable industry-leading uptimes and fast service response.
ABB’s automatic DC charging system is based on IEC 61851-23, the international standard for fast charging electric vehicles. This ensures the appropriate safety systems are in place, the electrical design is in accordance with regulations, and the systems architecture and working principle are supported by the wider automotive community in the future.
ABB will show its fast charging system to the public for the first time in Kortrijk, Belgium at the Busworld 2015 show, where ABB will showcase multiple innovative technologies for public transport.
Hope that Volvo-Nova Canada will use this very practical ABB ultra quick charge system, for 3,000+ e- buses, instead of trying to re-invent the wheel, to avoid all potential delays.
Electrovaya's, 9,000+ cycles, (smaller energy capacity battery pack), would become a strong possibility, when recharged at routes ends.
Posted by: HarveyD | 15 October 2015 at 07:00 PM
This is an excellent idea especially for cold winters and cheap hydro like Quebec.
Posted by: Mannstein | 18 October 2015 at 09:33 AM
Yes Mannstein...but we and Volvo-Nova Canada have been dragging our feet for 4+ years on the development and mass production of city e-buses and electrified school buses.
The political will to do it is not there yet, but we have a huge surplus of low cost clean Hydro-Wind electricity, for the next 10+ years or so.
The first 6 privately own, e-school buses, were produced and are in use in Saint-Jerome area, North of Montreal. Many more are coming in the next few months.
Posted by: HarveyD | 23 October 2015 at 09:38 AM