April 23, 2013 - Phoenix Contact unveiled its solar charging port for electric vehicles (EVs) at its headquarters at 586 Fulling Mill Rd., Middletown, Pa. The unveiling took place as part of the company’s Earth Day activities. Almost entirely student-designed and built, the charging port includes 12 south-facing solar panels, Apollo Solar inverter and Concorde AGM batteries that collect sunlight during the day. The design of the control panel cabinet, however, uses almost all Phoenix Contact products.
The placement of the solar panels allows for optimal light collection, with an additional 4kW of battery reserve for the electric vehicle. The advantage of a solar-powered charging station over conventional charging station is that it does not rely on power from a utility company, and therefore puts no additional demand on the grid. As the number of electric cars on the road grows, this will put a strain on the electrical utilities’ capacities. The use of a solar-powered charging station eliminates that long-term issue and saves the consumer money over time. “We are excited about the innovation of our summer interns, and Phoenix Contact’s capabilities that address a vital issue for the future of e-mobility,” said Jack Nehlig, President of Phoenix Contact USA.
The complete charging station takes up no more than a regular car parking space. Engineering student-interns from Elizabethtown College, Shippensburg University and Penn State–Harrisburg designed and created the charging port. Arnold Offner, Industry Standards Manager, supervised the students during the two-year project. Other Earth Day activities at Phoenix Contact included a lunch-and-learn for employees to discover “green” steps they can take in their personal and professional lives. Displays in the lobby focused on how the company’s products play a role in the growing alternative energy business.
About Phoenix Contact
Phoenix Contact develops and manufactures industrial electrical and electronic technology products that power, protect, connect and automate systems and equipment for a wide range of industries. Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG, Blomberg, Germany, operates 50 international subsidiaries, including Phoenix Contact USA in Middletown, Pa.