The Secret to Smart Communication

Published on Wednesday 29 January 2025

When mobile batteries, charging infrastructure, and machines speak different languages.

With the increasing use of electric machines at construction sites and in infrastructure, it’s becoming more important to be able to charge these machines on-site. Mobile batteries often provide a practical solution, but during the charging process, they don’t always “speak the same language,” especially when different brands of machines and battery systems are used.

Communication Problems

A good example of this is the contracting and construction company Van der Poel. For over ten years, 850 solar panels have been installed on their barn roofs, fully aligning with the vision of owner Dammie van der Poel. The company has a wide range of electric machines, a requirement from many key clients.

“For several years now, you can get a discount when registering for a tender, depending on how much emissions you save,” says Van der Poel. “This motivated us to invest in the necessary machines and infrastructure for nearly zero-emission operations.”

From Battery on the Yard to Charging on Site

Last summer, Van der Poel acquired a 725 kWh Powerhub mobile battery system, from Dutch manufacturer DENS. This battery stores the energy generated by the solar panels on the yard. But how do you get this electricity from the Powerhub to the machines in the field? Often, different brands of machines and battery systems are combined, but “battery, charger, and plug” don’t always communicate with each other due to differences in charging protocols.

Take, for example, an electric car. It almost always communicates with a charging station, regardless of the brand. However, this is a different story for construction machines. Different manufacturers use varying protocols, meaning battery systems, chargers, and vehicles don’t always “speak” the same language. While the automotive industry has standardized protocols, the construction sector is still lagging behind.

The DENS Powerhub has been tested with a wide range of systems and protocols but recommends checking in advance which protocol the battery, charging station, and machine use. This prevents disappointments and downtime on-site.

Purchase or Long-Term Rental?

While purchasing a mobile battery may feel like a big investment for some companies, experience shows that buying a battery is a smart choice in the long term. The demand for sustainable energy solutions is growing, and laws and regulations are placing stricter requirements on reducing emissions and limiting noise pollution. In urban areas, strict noise regulations often make traditional generators no longer sufficient.

Furthermore, the use of battery systems is increasingly being required in tenders. Projects that use sustainable energy solutions, like the DENS Powerhub, are becoming more favored by clients. This makes the Powerhub not only a practical solution but also a strategic choice for companies that want to remain competitive in a changing market.

Long-term rental of batteries can be a good option for short-term projects, but investing in your own Powerhub is often more financially attractive – especially with available subsidies.

Additionally, owning a Powerhub gives complete control over usage and maintenance, without being dependent on rental periods or availability. With proper planning, companies can not only reduce their ecological footprint but also achieve significant long-term savings.

A Future-Proof Solution

With the DENS Powerhub, companies are opting for an innovative and flexible solution that seamlessly meets the increasingly stringent sustainability requirements. By adapting systems to specific needs and making them adaptable to technological developments, the Powerhub remains a future-proof choice for businesses in the construction and infrastructure sectors.