Barcelona. Smart City Expo World Congress. As the electric vehicle (EV) revolution accelerates, the need for diverse charging solutions becomes increasingly apparent. Omniflow, a pioneering Portuguese startup, has positioned itself at sustainable street-level charging with its innovative lamppost-based solutions. Omniflow’s approach complements the evolving landscape of smart cities and contributes significantly to sustainability goals.
At the recent Smart City Expo World Congress, Omniflow showcased its new solution, the sustainable smart lamppost with a built-in EV charging station, which drew attention for its seamless integration of renewable energy sources—wind and solar power. The technology allows for easy deployment using existing standard poles and power cables, eliminating the need for additional infrastructure investments.
In Barcelona, Omniflow displayed the two versions of the smart pole with EV charging: the Omni Smart Charger 07 can charge two EVs with up to 22 kW each, and the smaller Omni Smart Charger 035 could feature a 7.2 kW charger. Both units could be fitter with Type 1 or Type 2 EV chargers.
Omniflow’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its street-level charging solutions. The incorporation of solar power serves as an eco-friendly illumination source for urban areas during nighttime or power failures. This dual-purpose infrastructure contributes to reducing carbon footprints and dependence on traditional power grids, aligning with the sustainability goals of modern cities.
User-friendly and cost-effective charging
Omniflow’s charging stations prioritize user convenience. The activation and payment process is simplified through QR code scanning, making it a user-friendly experience. Colored lights indicate charger availability from a distance, streamlining the charging process for EV users. Moreover, the inclusion of an AI computer vision module adds an extra layer of functionality by detecting parking violations and emitting automatic alerts, enhancing the overall user experience.
Ready for deployment in parking lots, large urban areas, and streets requiring new lampposts, Omniflow’s solutions will not replace fast-charging stations. Instead, they cater to the growing need for occasional, low-power charging—ideal for short and overnight charging and suited for hybrid vehicles.
The cost-effective nature of Omniflow’s Smart Poles with integrated EV Chargers positions them as an efficient solution for municipalities and operators looking to expand their charging networks without substantial infrastructure investments.
Power Electronics: Fast-charging solutions for large-scale EV infrastructure
While Omniflow addresses the need for occasional, low-power charging at street level, Power Electronics steps into the spotlight with its NB Station series —a turn-key solution designed for large-scale EV charging stations. Power Electronics NB Stations’ fast-charging solution could meet the demands of an ever-growing EV market, providing a comprehensive and high-powered infrastructure that aligns with the ambitions of smart cities.
Power Electronics charging solutions (Courtesy of Power Electronics)
The Smart Power Balance functionality intelligently allocates power between outputs, considering the varying demands of connected vehicles. This feature enhances efficiency and contributes to cost savings by minimizing grid interconnect requirements.
Power Electronics takes high-power charging to new heights with the NBi 360. Capable of delivering maximum charging speed, this solution can be combined with a Cooled dispenser or pantograph for an unparalleled charging experience. Alternatively, users can opt for Slim or Depot dispensers, serving multiple vehicles simultaneously. The NBi 360, equipped with Smart Power Balance, optimizes power distribution based on individual vehicle demand.
Scalability and fleet management
Power Electronics’ NB Stations offer scalability to support the growth of EV fleets. The Smart Fleet Management functionality optimizes power distribution among connected vehicles, reducing total power requirements and associated costs. The inclusion of satellite dispensers, such as Cooled or Slim dispensers, expands the charging station’s capacity, allowing for efficient allocation of power modules based on individual vehicle power requirements.
A sustainable approach to Smart City charging
With Omniflow’s street-level charging solutions and Power Electronics’ high-powered charging infrastructure, cities can establish a synergistic and comprehensive approach to EV charging. Omniflow addresses the need for sustainable, low-power charging in urban settings, promoting accessibility and convenience for everyday users. Simultaneously, Power Electronics offers the fast-charging solutions required for large-scale EV infrastructure, catering to the rapid growth of electric mobility.
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This post originally appeared on TechToday.