University of Évora and the Portugese Red Cross successfully test 2nd life batteries in a catastrophe scenario
The University of Évora, the Portuguese Red Cross (PRC) and betteries AMPS GmbH have successfully tested on 27 October 22 a new 2nd life lithium-ion battery system in an emergency scenario, at the Foz do Tejo Delegation (PRC), to promote the energy transition and increased resilience of the equipment used at disaster scenarios.
The Portuguese Red Cross emergency exercise took place at the Delegation of Foz do Tejo, Seixal (Portugal), and included a Triage Post, Mobile Clinic (MC), two Ambulances, Campaign Canteen and Command and Communication Post. In this scenario, a 2nd life battery system was tested, which supplied the entire installed infrastructure with electricity.
2nd life batteries are systems that have reached the end of their useful life in electric cars, but still retain a useful capacity of 70-80%. They can have a 2nd life in new portable or stationary applications, be combined with photovoltaic systems, and supply electricity to the grid or to off-grid systems.
The tested batteries represent an innovative product, in a mobile and modular solution, robust, prepared for outdoor use and simple to use – “click and go”. The testing of this battery system allowed to validate it in a real use case and demonstrate its capabilities in disaster scenarios.
During the test day, it was possible to rehearse all aspects from inflating field tents to the usage of emergency medical equipment by the PRC team, replacing the usual use of gasoline generators with 2nd life batteries. This new equipment allows the use of electricity from a renewable source, e.g. solar energy, and eliminates logistical difficulties associated with supplying fuel to generators in emergency or catastrophe scenarios.
The Renewable Energies Chair of the University of Évora collaborates with betteries AMPS GmbH, within the scope of the POCITYF project, in the testing of this product, both in disaster scenarios and in residential applications, for the development of technological solutions for the decarbonization of different sectors of the economy.
POCITYF is a project funded by the H2020 program – Research & Innovation Program, which aims to make cities greener, smarter and more sustainable by promoting the energy transition. It is coordinated by EDP Labelec and includes over 46 organizations from 13 countries, including the University of Évora and betteries AMPS GmbH.
