Since 2012, there has been a steady rise in the sale of electric vehicles (EVs), leading to heavy investments in this industry. Manufacturers from all parts of the world have sped up their R&D activities to come up with improved versions of their EV prototypes. The high penetration of EVS has also changed the very outlook on power, transportation, as well as the use of fossil fuels. The only challenge which several countries are facing now is with regards to the lack of proper infrastructure which can support the increased use of electric vehicles. Especially, charging stations, certified service centers and such.
What are Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Systems?
The vehicle-to-grid system is used to facilitate the flow of power between a grid and electrically driven vehicles like FCVs, BEVs, and PHEVs. Based on the demand- response configuration, the V2G technology enhances the overall efficiency of the system during heavy loads. Another advantage of this system is that it provides a network through which the owner of the vehicle can easily communicate with the power grid. A typical V2G system requires:
1) Power connection
The EV is typically connected to the charging station and the onboard power electronics so that bidirectional flow can be facilitated.
2) Communication
Real-time communication must be established between the vehicle and the operator for better control and management of power. The most popular technology currently used is telematics for enhanced communications process.
3) Metering
A critical aspect of V2G technology is the requirement for a precise and tamper-free metering system that accurately measures the power or the services which are provided from the grid to the EV.
One major advantage of V2G technology is that it facilitates the use of EVs as distributed storage devices as well. The power stored here can be utilized to feed electrical systems during bouts of huge power demand – both for residential or commercial establishments. Load leveling is another essential function of V2G technology. Thus the system is highly critical in balancing loads between periods of high and low power demand.
Of late, apart from V2G systems, electric vehicle motor (EVM) controller have also gained a lot of traction in the global market. Industry experts at Technavio expect the global market for EVM controller to record a double digit CAGR by 2021. Stringent regulations like the Euro norms have made it essential for countries to switch to a more fuel-efficient means of transport and energy generation. With the popularity of V2G systems, the demand for EVM controllers is also set to rise.
