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Written by: Lao Minyi
2021-04-06 00:00
Last update date: 2021-04-06 00:00
Electric vehicles are becoming more and more popular, but vehicle batteries have a lifespan of only 6 to 8 years. For the time being, a large number of "retired" batteries can only be solved by exporting and recycling.
The Hongkong Electric recently successfully developed the use of retired electric vehicle batteries to convert them into independent backup power supplies for substations. Once the voltage dips due to external factors or malfunctions, it can still ensure that the more sensitive electrical installations in the building, such as elevators, will not activate the protection devices And suspend the operation to avoid "sleepiness".
Hongkong Electric has also developed a portable mobile power supply suitable for construction sites. The second-generation finished product weighs only about 20 kilograms. The power supply is like carrying 40 10,000mAh "urine bags", which can meet the daily needs of the construction site and replace diesel generators. .
The Environment Bureau announced the roadmap for the popularization of electric vehicles last month. It will study the secondary application of electric vehicle batteries and strive to implement producer responsibility plan legislation on retired electric vehicle batteries in the next few years.
Offset the impact of voltage dips
Currently, retired vehicle batteries in Hong Kong are mainly processed for export. The HEC engineering team has spent nearly two years successfully researching the conversion of retired vehicle batteries into independent backup power supplies and installing them in the electrical switch room of the building as a backup system.
The team conducted a field test at one of the substations in Ap Lei Chau Industrial Village last year. After screening, the team reassembled the retired batteries of Mitsubishi iMiEV electric vehicles and turned the batteries into 16 battery components as the backup power supply for the substation.
During the test period, the backup power successfully offset the impact of the only voltage sag caused by external factors last summer, maintaining the stability of the distribution station system voltage and power supply.
Voltage dips occur infrequently and are mainly affected by weather and external factors.
The head of HK Electric’s technical services, David Kwok, explained that a sudden voltage drop does not mean a power outage. The voltage suddenly drops by more than 10% in a short period of time, usually less than 0.1 second, and the public may find that the lights dim or flicker for a short time.
He said that electrical installations that are more sensitive to voltage changes, such as elevators, may activate the protective device to trip when the voltage drops sharply; after installing the backup system, avoid "sleepy" situations.
The engineering department also develops its own "battery management and monitoring system" to monitor battery operating conditions, including voltage, current, and temperature, 24 hours a day. Once the battery is operating abnormally, the system will issue an alarm so that engineers can deal with the problem as soon as possible.
The "Battery Management and Monitoring System" monitors battery operating conditions, including voltage, current, and temperature, 24 hours a day.
(Photo by Li Zetong)
Retired batteries become mobile "big urine bags" for another 5 years
In addition, Hongkong Electric has also developed the use of retired electric vehicle batteries for construction sites as a "portable mobile power source".
The first-generation "back-up power supply" weighed about 120 kg, which was extremely inconvenient to carry and use.
The team is developing the second generation, which has been significantly reduced to about 20 kilograms in weight. It is expected to replace mobile diesel generators in the future to provide power for electric drills and other portable tools on construction sites, and also reduce environmental pollution.
Based on the more commonly used 10,000mAh "urine bag", the second-generation mobile power supply can meet the needs of the site for a day. The power supply of this "removable mobile power supply" is equivalent to 40 "urine bags"; it is used as a backup power supply for the building The version of the device is equivalent to 640 "urine bags".
Zhong Weiguang, Chief Technical Service Engineer of Hongkong Electric, said that electric vehicle rechargeable batteries are often "charged" and "discharged". After a period of use, they need to be decommissioned due to reduced endurance, but it does not mean that they can no longer be used. Use five more years.
David Kwok also revealed that the pilot plan invested about 500,000 yuan, hoping to "spread bricks and attract jade" to promote that retired batteries can also have a second life, and stimulate the industry to explore more possibilities.
HK Electric does not intend to apply for a patent for this research and development, and is willing to share it with the industry to encourage customers to install and enjoy uninterrupted power supply.
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