Test Project C - Indoor System Copy

Van Houten faced a number of specific challenges that were becoming increasingly urgent:

• Peak Load: The simultaneous charging of electric vehicles and operation of cooling systems caused significant spikes in energy consumption, which led to high grid costs.
• Solar Energy Surplus: During the day, the 1,200 solar panels generated more electricity than the company could consume immediately. The surplus was fed back into the grid at low rates.
• Grid congestion: The grid operator was unable to provide a higher-capacity connection. As a result, the expansion of the charging infrastructure was blocked.

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In collaboration with the installer ElektroVolt B.V., Frax installed a 20-foot container-based solution with a capacity of 645 kWh and a power output of 300 kW. The system was delivered as a fully plug-and-play solution and was operational within one day.

The Frax Energy Management System (EMS) automatically controls the battery based on real-time consumption data, solar energy production, and grid load. The main applications:

• Peak Shaving: The EMS automatically smooths out peak demand, eliminating the need to increase contracted capacity.
• Self-consumption: Solar energy is stored during the day and used in the evening to charge vehicles and power cooling systems.
• Grid Discharge: Smart charging and discharging ensure optimal use of the grid connection without exceeding limits.

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Measurable impact from day one

Within the first six months after installation, Van Houten achieved the following results:

• €38,000 in annual savings on energy costs through peak shaving and optimal self-consumption
• 92% of the solar energy generated is consumed on-site (previously 54%)
• No grid upgrades needed — charging infrastructure expanded from 4 to 12 charging points within the existing connection
• Payback period: estimated at 4.5 years

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