Project Deliverables
Complete Project Report
Comprehensive documentation of the GICS project including research methods, results, and technical specifications
Download ReportTaurean EV Level 3 Charger Summary
Technical summary of the Level 3 charging system designed for Taurean EV Charging Solutions
Download SummaryProject Overview
The Grid Independent Charging Station (GICS) project addresses a critical challenge in EV adoption: providing charging infrastructure in areas with limited grid access. This initiative enables electric vehicles to extend their range throughout Canada, reducing 'range anxiety' and supporting wider EV adoption.
Our research team designed a comprehensive solution that harnesses renewable energy sources to power Level 3 DC fast charging stations in remote locations, allowing EV users to travel with confidence even in areas without robust electrical infrastructure.
Level 3 Charging
DC fast charging capability of 45kW per point, charging EVs within 30 minutes
Solar Powered
480 solar panels generating 289,920W daily, exceeding the 235,000W requirement
Energy Storage
Advanced battery system with 26.5kW rated power to ensure consistent charging availability
Strategic Location
Optimally positioned in Blenheim, Ontario to serve areas without existing Level 3 charging infrastructure
Research Process
Location Selection
Strategic analysis of Ontario regions with no Level 3 charging stations within 50km radius and moderate to high traffic volume. Blenheim was selected as the optimal location due to its proximity to St. Clair College and TaureanEV headquarters, allowing for efficient maintenance and monitoring.
Dynamic Design Tool
Development of a comprehensive Excel-based tool for analyzing battery specifications, solar and wind energy configurations, land size requirements, and budget optimization. This dynamic tool allowed for informed decision-making based on environmental site conditions.
Station Design
Creation of detailed CAD models for the charging station, including solar panel arrays, control room placement, and overall system layout. Multiple configuration options were developed to accommodate different site conditions.
Power System Engineering
Comprehensive electrical system design including battery specifications, charging capabilities, and renewable energy integration. The solar solution provides excess capacity, ensuring reliable operation even in challenging environmental conditions.
Station Design Options
The project includes multiple design configurations to adapt to different site requirements and constraints:
Land Space Configuration
Grid-Based Solar Array - 46.0m × 53.6m
Road Cover Configuration
Roadside Solar Array - 7.9m × 22.0m
Parking Cover Configuration
Solar Canopy Design For Parking Integration
Technical Specifications
Solar Array
- 480 solar panels with 400W power rating each
- 12 panels in series (486V, 9.88A) with 5 rows in parallel
- Total generation: 289,920W per day
- Panel efficiency: 20% with optimal spacing to prevent shading
Battery System
- 26.5kW rated power batteries
- Cell nominal voltage: 50V
- Continuous charging current: 50A
- Charging at 600V and 50A
- Charge time: 2.2-2.5 hours from 10% state of charge
Charging Capability
- Level 3 DC fast charging
- 45kW per charging point
- Charge time: ~30 minutes (20-80% battery range)
- Designed for 8 vehicles over two days in unfavorable conditions
- 424kW total available capacity
Control System
- MPPT controllers for maximum solar power extraction
- Master controller for power stabilization
- Battery Management System (BMS) for optimal performance
- Thermal management system for all-weather operation
Research Team
Edwin Bolivar
Department of Research and Innovation
St. Clair College
Hemal Gohel
Department of Research and Innovation
St. Clair College
Eric Ellis
Department of Research and Innovation
St. Clair College
Project Participants
Brian Gernon
Jhon Magliaro
Funders and Partners
Funder
FedDev Ontario
Industry Partner
Taurean EV Charging Solutions
For More Information
To learn more about this innovative project or to explore collaboration opportunities, please contact:
Department of Research and Innovation
St. Clair College
research@stclaircollege.ca