Exploring the potential of a cross-sector integration of electric vehicles in residential buildings as a possible energy supply source

Abstract

Climate change requires the different energy sectors to move towards sustainable systems, which is expected to lead to increasing coupling between previously separate sectors. One possible application of this sector coupling in the context of the transport and buildings sector could be the use of electric vehicles as an energy supply source. While electric coupling is already the subject of current research, it can be taken further as today’s electric vehicles often include heat pumps in addition to air conditioning. This could allow them to provide not only electricity, but also heating and cooling.In this paper, the basic potential of this concept is investigated using a MILP optimization modelthat includes a building with a photovoltaic system and either a battery electric vehicle or a fuel cell electric vehicle. The total costs and the autarky are evaluated. Despite limited availability, the vehicle in combination with a storage could provide part of the building’s energy demand. While the fuel cell is not used for power generation due to the assumed ageing costs, the use of the battery depends on the ageing costs and availability. The battery electric vehicle would be used for heating and coolingif the electricity price fell to 18.54 ct/kWh and 3.7 ct/kWh respectively. The hydrogen price would have to fall to 1.4 EUR/kg for the fuel cell vehicle to provide significant heating, while cooling is not provided. These results do not necessarily limit the basic concept if self-produced and therefore cheaper photovoltaic electricity is available. Furthermore, it makes a significant difference how the heat pump and air conditioning system are powered.