AllCell Technologies and Windfree install EV charging station with energy storage in Illinois, US

AllCell Technologies and Windfree have installed the Chicago area’s first lithium-ion energy storage system connected to a solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging station.

The Windfree-managed project in Evanston, Illinois, 12 miles from downtown Chicago, comprises a 10kw solar canopy, 40kw-hour battery system and two Level II charging stations, one of which is used exclusively by car-sharing firm I-GO, while the other is available to the public.

The new battery system enables buffering of the electrical grid from the uneven power demands of EV charging and provides the necessary capacity to charge two vehicles during power outage.

With the help of AllCell’s thermal management technology, the battery is constantly protected from overheating for safety and prolonged battery life.

Alternative Transportation for Chicagoland owns the installation, while other project partners include architects Farr Associates and Continental Electric Construction Company.

AllCell CEO Said Al-Hallaj said: "The combination of on-site generation and on-site storage co-located with EV charging stations will be a critical part of ensuring that continued growth in the EV market doesn’t disrupt the normal operation of the electrical grid."

WindFree president Doug Snower said: "We look forward to sharing open-source data through a web-based monitoring portal that will demonstrate utility infrastructure benefits and energy savings."

AllCell Technologies designs and manufactures lithium-ion battery packs for transportation and renewable energy applications.

WindFree collaborates with educational institutions, businesses, government agencies, non-profits and homeowners to create awareness about alternate sources of energy.

Image: The new project comprises a 10kw solar canopy, 40kw-hour battery system, and two Level II charging stations. Photo: courtesy of AllCell Technologies.