A connected, flexible and green public electric bicycle (E-Bike) battery charging/swapping station system for on-grid and off-grid deployment

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E-biking is considered a healthy and sustainable alternative transportation choice for short trips. Hybrid e-bikes can reduce the effort required from the rider, allowing greater travel distances and easier riding over hilly terrains. To promote this healthy lifestyle while protecting the environment, a network of charging/swapping stations, powered by renewable energy sources, have to be in place. The research proposed by the applicant aims to develop a working prototype of an e-bike public charging/swapping station system, in collaboration with the industry partner. The station uses the solar energy captured through PV panels as the main source of energy. Connection to the grid is also considered as an option. E-bike batteries of different types can be swapped with charged batteries of the same type at the station. The users subscribe to the service online. The station identifies battery type and owner and allows swapping and charges the costs to the owner's account. As a proof of principle, the prototype station is sized to provide five slots to house five 48V e-bike battery packs of 3 different types, each with a maximum capacity of 11Ah. The station is equipped with an energy storage system capable of storing enough energy to operate for two successive days without sun. The central IT infrastructure and communication channels will provide central control and monitoring capabilities as well as extensive client servicing and data analysis. The station will also be equipped with USB wall-plug chargers for customers' personal devices. The research will involve electrical and mechanical design, integration of system components and development of control and power/energy management systems. The future commercial units will be sized according to a survey on the potential traffic at the target locations and will be capable of accommodating a wider variety of battery packs to address the needs of customers, now that a unified standard for e-bike battery packs and chargers is still not in place.