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Taking Charge of EVs
Electric Vehicles (EVs), with their potential for gas savings and emissions reductions, are generating significant consumer interest. However, given the high power load they require for charging, they’re also generating significant concern – among utilities worried about managing how and when that power demand hits the grid.
Pike Research, June 7, 2011
Just as widespread adoption of air conditioning hugely impacted the power grid, even a modest uptake in EVs, including plug-in hybrid EVs (PHEVs), could compromise the grid’s ever-fragile stability. And with the growing number of automakers launching new EV models, the impact is close at hand.
The risk to the grid comes in many locations. Within the distribution network, increased peak loads and overloaded transformers threaten the very operation of those devices. Utilities will need to understand where consumers have EVs and distribute the charging load to prevent transformer damage or loss.
EVs also have the potential to increase the utility’s requirements for total peak load capacity. The scenario where drivers plug in their EVs between 5 and 6 pm after returning home from work would significantly increase peak demand.
Silver Spring is working with EV suppliers such as charging station (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment or EVSE) manufacturers to integrate its Direct-to-Grid™ communications technology along with revenue-grade metering into those devices. This kind of two-way communications and data is essential for utilities to understand where EVs are in their service territory, adjust charging schedules, and protect valuable grid infrastructure. To date, Silver Spring has completed integration with the ClipperCreek Silver Spring-enabled CS-40 commercial EVSE.
Silver Spring provides its utility clients with a rich Demand Response platform in its UtilityIQ Demand Response Manager application. The application enables utilities to manage grid-connected EVSEs, schedule charging for off-peak times, drop or reduce load to ensure grid reliably, and collect EV-specific consumption data for billing.
