Innovative MuLi Charging Infrastructure in Cologne put into Operation

The project partners Kölner Verkehrs-Betriebe (KVB), RheinEnergie and Ford have put the MuLI project – (Multimodal Charging Module Integration) – into operation in the Bocklemünd district in Cologne.

SBRS GmbH supplied essential components, including a 500 kW fast-charging station based on SEB technology and provided the connection to the 750 V DC tram network using EVA750-Straba technology.

The charging infrastructure consists of a charging station, a charging mast for e-buses and two charging columns with two charging points each for electric vehicles.

The energy recovered during the braking process of the tram is either used to charge electric vehicles via the charging station or stored in battery stacks. This intermediate storage in batteries compensates, among other things, for the voltage peaks that are common in the tram network.

The aim of the MuLI project is to demonstrate a charging system with integrated charging modules for different classes of vehicle. At the same time, the multimodal charging system is connected to different voltage levels of both alternating and direct current (10 kV AC, 750 V DC). The project aims to demonstrate technical interoperability.

In addition, a scalable storage solution was implemented. The energy storage units are based on high-voltage vehicle batteries whose storage capacity is no longer sufficient for mobile applications, but which can be used in stationary applications in “a second lease of life”.

At SBRS GmbH, we are pleased to be involved in the successful implementation of this piece of innovative charging infrastructure!

Photo credit: Christoph Seelbach