Abstract
This paper describes “smart charging” systems for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). The principal design feature is that the system uses gathered information to adaptively control PHEV charging, and does so in a way that allows customer PHEVs to still be charged at a preferred rate (cost). This paper reviews the drivers for smart charging, including electric grid readiness for large adoption rates of PHEVs, and considers national, regional and local distribution level issues. At the distribution level, the effect of increased PHEV charging loads on transformers is considered. The current state of standardization is reviewed with emphasis on communication messages and use cases that reflect smart charging attributes. Centralized system approaches are described, such as integrating electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), i.e. chargers, into Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) networks, and treating EVSEs as controllable loads for Demand Response programs. Metering and monitoring the transformers that feed EVSEs can drive a control scheme that is either centralized or distributed. Alternatives to AMI-integration for centralized networks are also reviewed, including commercially available systems. Additionally, smart charging is considered from the billing perspective, where system approaches are described that allow for identification and association between connected PHEVs, EVSEs, premise meters and other smart devices.
Highlights
The effect of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) on the electric grid infrastructure has been the subject of a number of studies
Smart charging is covered in the standards specification [8] that deals with communications between electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), i.e. chargers and the electric power grid
This paper reviewed the need for smart charging in order to prevent additional peak loading problems with the existing electricity grid
Summary
The effect of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) on the electric grid infrastructure has been the subject of a number of studies. Government entities, automobile manufacturers and consumers are interested to know if the existing grid can handle a large amount of PHEVs, and if PHEVs can reduce overall emissions. If large numbers of PHEVs cannot be charged with existing generation capacity, the results could be slower adoption of PHEVs, higher costs to charge batteries, consumer and environmentalist backlash, and more emissions. Studies have shown that PHEVs could replace a large number of the existing vehicle fleet, and be adequately charged by existing excess generation capacity [1, 2]. Other studies have looked at electric utility capabilities further downstream from aggregate generation, i.e. the distribution networks [3, 4]. Level 1 and 2 charging [9] are considered. [6] looks at distribution transformers in the 15kVA and 25kVA range
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