Carbon-Aware V2H Power Control for Lower-Emission Homes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) systems do not consider the carbon footprint of the electrical transmission grid, failing to reduce the overall carbon emissions associated with grid power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A carbon footprint aware V2H system that characterizes the carbon footprint of the electrical transmission grid and operates the EV to supply power to the household power system when the footprint exceeds a threshold, prioritizing power distribution to essential devices and reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If V2H systems supply power from EV to household without considering grid carbon footprint, then power distribution capability is improved, but carbon emissions reduction is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors grid carbon footprint data and uses this feedback to dynamically control power flow direction. When grid carbon intensity exceeds a threshold, the system automatically switches to V2H mode, creating a closed-loop control system that responds to environmental conditions and optimizes emissions reduction while maintaining power supply capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of power flow direction based on grid carbon footprint conditions. By monitoring carbon intensity as a variable parameter and switching between grid-to-home and vehicle-to-home power flow modes, the system adapts its operation to minimize carbon emissions while ensuring continuous power availability to the household.
2Loss of information
If V2H systems continuously monitor grid carbon footprint data, then carbon footprint awareness is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses an intermediary communication interface to receive grid carbon footprint data from external sources rather than implementing complex sensing and measurement systems within the V2H unit itself. This mediator approach allows the system to obtain necessary environmental information through standardized communication protocols, reducing internal system complexity while maintaining carbon footprint awareness.
3Productivity
If V2H systems prioritize power to essential devices based on carbon footprint, then emissions reduction efficiency is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different power supply strategies to different household devices based on their essentiality and carbon footprint considerations. Rather than uniformly controlling all devices, the system selectively manages power distribution to essential devices when grid carbon intensity is high, allowing non-essential devices to continue drawing from the grid. This localized control approach reduces overall emissions while minimizing the complexity of system-wide control.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Reduces carbon emissions by leveraging EV power to offset grid emissions, providing proactive and passive carbon footprint reductions, and optimizing power distribution based on real-time and predictive grid data.
Implementation Method 1
an inverter configured for bi-directional energy transfer between the one or more batteries and the one or more vehicle subsystems
Implementation Method 2
one or more batteries configured to supply electrical power to one or more vehicle subsystems
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for a carbon footprint aware V2H system that supplies power from a vehicle to a household based on a carbon footprint of an electrical transmission grid connected to the household. Examples herein electrically connect a vehicle power system to a household power system that is connected to an electrical transmission grid and characterize the carbon footprint of the electrical transmission grid. based on the characterization, electrical power from the vehicle power system can be supplied to the household power system. For example, when the carbon footprint satisfies certain criteria, the vehicle power system can be used to supply power to the household power system.