The increasing population of EVs will place a heavy demand on the traditional electrical grid system. Accelerated charging during peak load periods, in particular, will negatively impact grid operations. Additionally, current grid systems cannot support an increasing number of EVs in residential areas with current charging strategies.
While homeowner investments in solar panels and home battery systems may reduce some grid demand, there must be a system to enable smart integration with the power grid. A widespread and universal infrastructure of DC fast charging (DCFC) stations must be strategically deployed and operated dependent on grid loading to mitigate range anxiety. Finally, in a longer time frame, when EVs reach their end-of-life, the battery systems need to be either recycled or re-purposed to augment the grid as a storage option.
Based on these challenges, the Grid Integration and Operation group will conduct research and educational activities in the areas of analysis and quantification of the impact of EV charging on power distribution system operations, upgrading distribution system operations to include utility managed smart charging control and infrastructure measures, the design and operation of charging infrastructure both on vehicle and station to include G2V, V2G, V2V charging capabilities, the use of refurbished battery packs as a service tool for grid load management, battery charging control, and grid interface hardware/software while taking into consideration the known SOH.