Shared power bank stations – power consumption and cost estimate
Here, we will delve into one of the most common questions: the cost of operating a shared power bank station. We will provide a detailed breakdown of the expenses and calculations involved, let's explore the cost analysis together!
How does a Brick station work
The station has two stages that define its consumption level: standby or charging.
Standby mode
The standby mode refers to the state when the power bank station is not charging the powerbank. During this phase, the station consumes power at two levels:
- Communication with our server
Once the station is powered on, it establishes a connection with our servers using a SIM card. This allows the station to maintain constant communication and be prepared to release a power bank when a customer requests one. - Communication with the end user
Each power bank slot is equipped with an LED light that indicates the status of the slot. When a rental is initiated, the corresponding LED light will blink to indicate which power bank has been released.
For both small and medium stations, the standby power consumption is 5W.
Brick station energy consumption while charging
When an uncharged power bank is inserted into the station, it immediately begins the recharging process. During this time, the station's power consumption increases by 7.5W until the power bank is fully charged.
If the station holds more than four uncharged power banks, it prioritizes charging the first four power banks. Once any of these four power banks are fully charged, the station proceeds to charge the fifth power bank.
Once all the power banks in the station are fully charged and reach 100% capacity, the station reverts back to standby mode. In standby mode, the station operates at its regular power consumption level, as mentioned earlier.
Example:
A small station with 4 uncharged powerbanks consumes 35W per hour (35Wh). The powerbanks are fully charged after one hour, let's say for this example that it would run at 35W for 24h, the power consumption would then be 35*24 = 840W (0.84kW).
How long time does it take to charge a power bank?
It takes approximately 1 hour for a station to charge a Brick power bank from 0 to 100%.
Can't the stations charge faster?
Our focus is to maximize the usage of products and resources. This includes maximizing the lifetime while optimizing the uptime. The charging technology is designed to protect the battery and prolong its lifetime.
A quick formula for calculating energy consumption
The following formula summarizes the yearly power consumption of both our small and medium stations and their cost estimate:
45kW + 2,7kW * how many rentals on average per day during a year.
Example: a Small station that, on average, has 4 rentals/day. The consumption is then calculated as 45kW + 2,7kW * 4 = 56kW / year.
To calculate the cost, you simply multiply the venue’s price per kW by the kW. Let’s say the venue you talk to pays €0.3 per kW. The yearly cost would then be 56*0,3 = €16,8.
Become a Brick Partner
Becoming a Brick partner can get you started with €4000 as an initial investment. 20 stations will be the perfect launching pad for your network, giving you the boost you need to kickstart your network. It might be enough for you, but why not seize the opportunity to expand and grow? The possibilities are endless, and we’re here to support you every step of the way!
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