Bidirectional EVSE Aggregation for Grid Resilience
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies do not effectively leverage aggregated electric vehicles for providing comprehensive grid services such as backup power, energy arbitrage, demand response, and regulation services due to limitations in bidirectional power capabilities and control systems, leading to inefficiencies in energy utilization and increased demand charges.
Innovation Solution
A remotely controllable Electric Vehicle Service Equipment (EVSE) and switch system that enables bidirectional power flow between electric vehicles and the grid, allowing for remote control of charging rates and AC power output, facilitating backup power, energy cost minimization, and participation in ancillary grid services by aggregating EVs for coordinated energy management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electric vehicles are individually recharged at home with basic charging control, then charging simplicity is maintained, but grid service capabilities and energy utilization efficiency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple EVs into an aggregated system where individual vehicles with basic chargers work together through a central controller to provide comprehensive grid services including backup power, energy arbitrage, and demand response, enabling complex functionality without requiring each individual vehicle to have sophisticated control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The aggregated EV charging system is designed to perform multiple functions including charging vehicles, providing backup power to critical loads, enabling energy arbitrage, and participating in demand response programs, allowing the same infrastructure to serve diverse purposes across different operating conditions
2Productivity
If bidirectional power flow and remote control capabilities are implemented, then energy utilization efficiency and grid service participation are improved, but system complexity and control infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a central controller as an intermediary that manages bidirectional power flow coordination, remote control operations, and communication between EVs, chargers, and grid operators, enabling sophisticated energy management while keeping individual vehicle and charger systems relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the central controller continuously monitors charging status, power flow directions, and grid conditions to dynamically adjust charging rates and coordinate V2G operations, optimizing energy utilization based on real-time system state
3Reliability
If aggregated EVs provide comprehensive grid services including backup power and regulation services, then grid resilience and stability are enhanced, but coordination requirements and control infrastructure demands increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments grid service functions into distinct operational modes including backup power provision, energy arbitrage, and demand response, allowing the aggregated EV system to provide comprehensive services through coordinated execution of separate, well-defined functional segments rather than requiring a monolithic complex control system
Data Source
AI summary
This invention is based on the availability of Electric Vehicles with onboard inverters and receptacles to supply significant amounts of AC power from the main propulsion batteries of the vehicles. It embodies a system comprising an apparatus and methods for bidirectionally connecting one or more electric vehicles at a workplace or multifamily residence to one or more distribution panels supplying critical loads and one or more panels supplying interruptible loads such that the vehicle(s) can supply back up power to critical loads during a grid outage. The bidirectional connection also enables V2G operation to enable energy arbitrage, demand response, and ancillary services to the grid.