Under the leadership of Professor Przemyslaw Komarnicki from the Institute of Electrical Engineering at Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences, a so-called ‘Energy Hub’ has been developed. The new hub is a decentralised, self-sufficient solution for charging devices at grid locations that are difficult to access.

It combines renewable power generation from photovoltaic cells with suitable energy converters and a battery storage system to bridge periods of low sunlight. Twelve solar modules, with a total output of 5.3 kilowatt peak, a hydrogen fuel cell with an output power of 125 watts, and a storage unit with a capacity of around 10 kilowatt hours were installed on the Magdeburg campus. E-bikes, e-scooters and mobile devices can be charged via four sockets and eight USB ports.

The potential applications go far beyond charging e-bikes. As a solution for a self-sufficient, climate-friendly power supply, the Energy Hub concept can be used in many places around the world with poor electricity connections. The E-Hub will continue to be scientifically supported during its use and will also form part of practical courses at the university.  The project was funded with around 103,000 euros by the Ministry of Science, Energy, Climate Protection and the Environment.

Photo credit: Matthias Piekaczhe. The Energy Hub was officially inaugurated on 19 February. From now on, e-bikes or notebooks can be charged near the cafeteria. The electricity comes from the photovoltaic panels on the roof.