Subsequent projects
Analyzing the Potential of Bidirectional Electric Vehicle Charging Strategies Based on Real-World Data
Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg, Modeling and Simulation Lab
University of California, Berkeley, Transportation Sustainability Research Center
The increasing number of electric vehicles in global vehicle markets is presenting challenges for regional power grids, especially when vehicles are charged at home in the evening hours. Smart charging algorithms help use electric vehicles' flexibility potential by shifting the charging process to hours with a higher share of renewables in the energy mix. In this project, we are planning to evaluate the potential of bidirectional charging and vehicle-2-grid applications. The idea is to assess the potential of shifting energy between time and space and to leverage vehicle-2-grid for critical backup power applications at local and regional levels. We will utilize data of a UC Berkeley project and develop optimization and simulation models. Results will show the value of bidirectional charging strategies and novel price signals developed by partners of the UC Berkeley and potentials for further ancillary services, such as frequency control.
Primary project: Data-driven Charging Strategies for Electric Vehicle Grid Integration
Final Report
The Bavarian Californian Technology Center (BaCaTeC) funded the exchange between the Modeling and Simulation Lab at the University of Würzburg and the Transportation Sustainability Research Center (TSRC) at UC Berkeley.
The grant enabled the Ph.D. student Leo Strobel to visit the TSRC at UC Berkeley in December of 2023. This visit led to a productive exchange with Dr. Timothy Lipman (Co-Director, TSRC) and Dr. Soomin Woo (now: Assistant Professor, Smart Vehicle Engineering, Konkuk University) that resulted in a publication in cooperation with BMW of North America about cost and emissions reduction potentials for intelligent bidirectional electric vehicle charging. This publication is currently under revision [1].
The contact with Dr. Soomin Woo led to the successful joint application for an international research grant, "Paradigm Shifting of our Traditional Working Environment for a Smart and Sustainable Work Culture (SSWC) through Connectivity and Sharing," co-funded by the Driving Urban Transformation Partnership (DUT).
Together with Dr. Lipman and BMW of North America, we analyzed the results of the ChargeForward project, where the potential of smart charging to reduce carbon emissions is evaluated in the field. We aim to publish a paper about the insights gained from this data analysis [2].
Additionally, the grant enabled a research visit by the Ph.D. student Jonas Schiller.
During this visit, we built upon our joint research in the field of intelligent electric vehicle charging and developed new ideas for publications that will be realized based on the availability of the required data [3]. This relates to the CalFlexHub project, funded by the California Energy Commission and led by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory with UC Berkeley and other partners, that is examining load flexibility to help aid the efficient operations of electrical grids.
The project is examining an expected future regime of dynamic (hourly and daily changing) prices for utility grid power and how EV charging at the household level might best minimize charging costs and aid in grid operations.
Furthermore, the visit by Mr. Schiller facilitated productive technical exchange with the researchers of the TSRC about car sharing, survey design, and cost-sensitive traffic control. Mr. Schiller participated in several lectures and workshops about EV implementation, urban air mobility and traffic accident research using intelligent sensors, amongst other topics.
[1] Soomin Woo, Leo Strobel, Yuhao Yuana, Marco Pruckner, Timothy E. Lipman: Exploring Bidirectional Charging Strategies for an Electric Vehicle Population, Applied Energy, *in revision*
[2] Leo Strobel, Marco Pruckner, Timothy E. Lipman: Real World Emissions Savings Potentials of Intelligent EV Charging: A Case Study, *in progress*
[3] Jonas Schiller, Leo Strobel, Marco Pruckner, Timothy E. Lipman, Evaluation of different dynamic price signals for incentivizing intelligent EV charging *in progress*