Ampher Controller Technology

Project Information

ACT

Grant agreement ID: 190136402

DOI

10.3030/190136402

Project closed

EC signature date 17 June 2022

Start date 1 January 2022

End date 31 October 2023

Funded under

• The European Innovation Council (EIC)

Total cost

€ 2 428 492,13

EU contribution

€ 1 686 300,00

Coordinated by

MULTICHARGE OU
Estonia

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - ACT (Ampher Controller Technology)

Reporting period: 2023-01-01 to 2023-10-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Uptake of electric vehicles (EVs) depends on the availability of charging points. If charging the EVs is not possible, people will stop buying them. In some regions, the available grid capacity is already setting limits to how many EVs can be charged simultaneously.

Current charging station controller technologies do not enable using the full available grid capacity. As much as 2/3 of it may remain unused. With such technologies, the only solution to grid congestion is to increase grid capacity, but this would cost billions and take decades.

VOOL has a solution how to use the existing power grid up to 3x more efficiently and with the same grid connection to charge up to 6x more EVs simultaneously. This is achieved with breakthrough uninterrupted load switching technology instead of high investments into infrastructure.

It is imperative that we use our existing resources more efficiently so the EU green goals and carbon neutrality will be met.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

VOOL has developed a novel charge controller and charger with uninterrupted load switching capabilities. First pilot units are manufactured and used by various customers for charging their EVs.

Unique feature of uninterrupted load switching enables to use existing grid up to 3x more efficiently and charge up to 6x more EVs with the same grid connection.

Another unique solution for VOOL is the multi-point load management, meaning within same installation loads can be measured at several locations simultaneously and charging currents adjusted based on local and global maximums. Load management works also in standalone mode without any outside connectivity to VOOL servers and super fast load limiting can be done (under 10ms).

Installation of chargers is made easy, because VOOL devices communicate between each-other wirelessly. Traditionally for between devices wired communication is used. We have alternatively developed wireless and powerline communication (PLC). This makes installation of chargers much easier and more cost effective as no separate communication cable is needed.

VOOL load management creates IP based network between devices and works as a plug and play system with VOOL chargers.

For outside communication, industry standard protocols of OCPP 1.6 and 2.0 are supported.

Development and refinement of the solution will continue throughout the life-time of the devices, with new features added and bugfixes provided.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Piloting of VOOL solution has been completed and commertzialication phase started. We closed additional financing round of 1.3m euros during the summer 2023 and are putting together bigger 3-4m euro financing round for early next year.

We see good traction among larger installations where load management for multiple chargers is needed. Together with the phase-switching technology, VOOL has a unique value proposition. The same grid connection can be used up to 3x more efficiently.

We are currently in the Baltic markets and Finland. Strategic goals for next year is to enter Nordics and CEE markets by finding good distribution partners.