More Charging Power Than the Grid Connection Can Provide: Battery-Buffered Microgrid Unlocks New Potential for Fast Charging
More Charging Power Than the Grid Connection Can Provide: Battery-Buffered Microgrid Unlocks New Potential for Fast Charging
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Key Terms
microgridtechnical
A microgrid is a small, local electricity system that combines power sources (like solar panels, small generators) and storage (batteries) with controls so it can run either connected to the main utility grid or on its own during outages. For investors, microgrids matter because they reduce outage risk, can lower energy costs, enable new revenue streams (selling excess power or grid services), and reflect growing demand for resilient, decentralized energy infrastructure.
battery-bufferedtechnical
A battery‑buffered system uses a rechargeable battery to smooth, store, or supply power between a source and a load, acting like a temporary holding tank that absorbs surges or fills dips in electricity. For investors, this matters because the battery can improve reliability, reduce peak energy costs, enable new revenue streams (like demand response or ancillary services), and change capital and operating costs compared with relying solely on generation or the grid.
peak shavingtechnical
Peak shaving is the practice of reducing or shifting electricity use during the times when demand and prices are highest, often by using stored energy, temporary cutbacks, or shifting tasks to off-peak hours. For investors, it matters because lowering those costly peak charges can improve a company’s profit margins, reduce the need for expensive grid upgrades, and create new revenue opportunities from programs that pay for load reductions—like smoothing out rush-hour traffic to avoid toll spikes.
energy managementtechnical
Energy management is the set of practices and systems a business uses to monitor, control and reduce its use of electricity, fuel and heat, much like a household budget that tracks and cuts waste to lower bills. For investors it matters because effective energy management reduces operating costs, lowers exposure to price swings and regulations, and can signal efficient capital allocation and lower long-term risk—factors that influence profitability and valuation.
grid connectiontechnical
Grid connection is the physical and regulatory link that lets a power source or facility feed electricity into, or draw electricity from, the regional electrical network. For investors it matters because having a reliable, approved connection determines whether a project can deliver power, earn revenue, meet contractual obligations, and incur additional costs or delays — much like connecting a new home to a municipal water and sewer system before it can be lived in.
building management systemstechnical
A building management system is the network of sensors, controllers and software that monitors and controls a building’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning, lighting, security and other operational systems—think of a smart thermostat and security hub scaled up to an entire office or apartment tower. Investors care because these systems drive energy costs, tenant comfort, maintenance needs and regulatory compliance, so better controls can increase asset value, reduce operating expenses and lower risk.
peak loadstechnical
Peak loads are the times when demand for a service or product—most commonly electricity, water, or network capacity—reaches its highest level, like rush-hour traffic for power. For investors, peak loads matter because they drive revenue opportunities from higher prices, influence costs for extra capacity or backup systems, and signal where infrastructure upgrades or regulatory changes may be needed, affecting a company’s profitability and risk profile.
ADS-TEC Energy ChargePost
High charging power on a 125 kW grid connection thanks to integrated battery storage
Multiple charging points supplied through intelligent interaction between storage and energy management
Operating costs reduced by several thousand euros per year through peak shaving and optimized energy procurement
REGENSBURG, Germany & NÜRTINGEN, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
How can ultra-fast charging be realized where grid connections reach their limits? A microgrid implemented by energielösung GmbH demonstrates how battery-buffered technology from ADS-TEC Energy can provide significantly more charging power than the available grid connection would normally allow.
As part of a master’s thesis at the Technical University of Applied Sciences Ingolstadt, a public fast-charging site at Bayernwerk’s headquarters in Regensburg was analyzed over several weeks under real operating conditions. The results provide practical insights for the expansion and operation of modern charging infrastructure.
The setup included three fast-charging systems: two conventional hyperchargers with 150 kW and 50 kW charging power, as well as one ChargePost from ADS-TEC Energy featuring an integrated 201 kWh battery storage system and up to 300 kW charging power. The entire site operates on a grid connection of just 125 kW.
For conventional fast chargers, this would represent a clear bottleneck, as their charging power directly depends on available grid power. The ChargePost, by contrast, decouples charging power from the grid connection: despite requiring only 22 to 87 kW of input power, the system can deliver up to 300 kW charging power. The additional energy is supplied by the integrated battery storage system.
Within the microgrid, the ChargePost takes on a dual role: it not only charges connected vehicles, but also supports the additional charging points during periods of high demand and compensates for peak loads. This allows multiple vehicles to charge simultaneously despite the limited grid connection.
System integration is another key factor. The ChargePost can be integrated into existing energy and building management systems and centrally controlled. This makes it possible to combine high charging performance, cost efficiency, and grid-friendly operation.
This creates clear economic benefits for operators. The need for costly grid expansion can be significantly reduced or even avoided entirely. At the same time, the system enables high vehicle throughput even at locations with limited grid capacity.
The field test showed particularly strong results in the economic optimization scenario: by reducing peak loads and purchasing electricity at favorable times, operating costs in the analyzed case were reduced by several thousand euros per year.
