How to use cellular IoT to create vehicle-to-grid (V2G) in a smart EV cluster

The gradual shift towards cleaner and green energy sources has opened doors to the rise and growth of electric vehicles (EVs). The International Energy Agency (IEA) in 2022 claims that the public awareness of TVs has significantly contributed to the increase in the global stocks of EVs. This has also led to a reduction in running costs between 2015 and 2021. The advent of IoT also has significantly impacted the EV industry as Smart EVs entered the market.

Regulations governing the EV segment

ISO 15118 specifies the communication between Electric Vehicles (EV), including Battery Electric Vehicles, Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles, and Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE). ISO 15118 is specifically focused on the communication protocol between electric vehicles and charging stations and is often called the "Vehicle-to-Grid" (V2G) protocol. ISO 15118-2 is a key component in enabling smart charging and V2G functionality, which allows electric vehicles to not only consume energy from the grid but also give back excess energy when needed, supporting grid stability and energy management. It's important for interoperability between different EVs and charging stations, making it easier for EV owners to access charging infrastructure and participate in grid services.

Elements or skeleton of a Smart EV cluster

Smart EV clusters are the cornerstone for transitioning to sustainable, intelligent transportation systems. They offer opportunities to reduce carbon emissions, support grid stability, and provide convenient and cost-effective mobility solutions. A Smart EV cluster's specific components and features may vary based on the cluster's operators' and stakeholders' goals and objectives.

Broadly, a Smart EV cluster has:

• Electric Vehicles (EVs):

  The primary component of a Smart EV cluster is the electric vehicles themselves. These vehicles may include battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs), or other electric transportation options.

• Charging Infrastructure:

  Charging stations are essential to a Smart EV cluster. Advanced features such as monitoring and fast charging connectivity have recently been implemented.

• Smart Charging Management:

  Smart charging management systems enable optimal charging schedules and load balancing. These systems consider grid demand, electricity prices, and user preferences to ensure efficient charging.

• IoT Connectivity:

  Internet of Things (IoT) technology connects and manages EVs, charging infrastructure, and other components. IoT enables real-time data exchange, remote control, and monitoring

• Renewable Energy Integration:

  Smart EV clusters have the ability to use renewable energy sources, including solar panels and wind turbines. This feature ensures only sustainable and clean energy is used for EV charging.

• Energy Storage:

  Energy storage solutions, such as battery storage systems, can be integrated into the cluster to store excess energy and provide grid support or power EVs during peak demand.

• V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) Capabilities:

  V2G technology allows EVs to send energy back into the grid as and when needed. Smart EV clusters may use V2G for grid stabilization and revenue generation.

• Centralized Management System:

  A central management system or software platform oversees the operation of the Smart EV cluster. It manages charging, energy flow, user access, and data analytics.

• Data Analytics and Monitoring:

  Advanced data analytics tools and monitoring systems collect and analyze energy consumption, charging behavior, and system performance data. This data is used for optimization and decision-making.

• User Interfaces:

  User-friendly interfaces, often in mobile apps or web portals, allow EV owners to monitor charging status, manage schedules, and access real-time information.

• Smart Grid Integration:

  Integration with the local electrical grid allows for grid balancing and support and the potential for demand response and participation in grid services.

• Electric Mobility Services:

  Some Smart EV clusters may offer mobility services, including ride-sharing, car-sharing, and other EV-related services, to enhance accessibility and reduce the overall environmental impact.

• Regulatory Compliance:

  Smart EV clusters should adhere to relevant regulatory standards and requirements, ensuring safety, data privacy, and compliance with energy regulations.

• Security Measures:

  Robust cybersecurity measures are essential to protect the cluster's infrastructure, data, and communication systems from potential threats and vulnerabilities.

• Research and Development Initiatives:

  Some Smart EV clusters may be part of research and development projects to test and implement new technologies and innovative solutions for sustainable transportation.

How does vehicle-to-grid (V2G) work?

Vehicle-to-grid, or V2G, facilitates energy transfer from an electric vehicle's (EV) battery back to the power grid. V2G technology allows for the strategic discharge of an EV's battery in response to various signals, such as local energy supply and demand. It harnesses high-capacity EV batteries to power the vehicles and serve as backup energy reservoirs for the electrical grid.

V2G technology introduces bi-directional charging, enabling the EV battery to receive power and return stored energy to the grid. Although bi-directional charging and V2G are often used interchangeably, there exists a subtle distinction between the two. Bi-directional charging refers to two-way power exchange, encompassing charging and discharging capabilities. On the other hand, V2G technology focuses on energy flow from the EV's battery to the grid. In essence, V2G operates on a principle akin to regular smart charging. Smart charging, also called V1G charging, provides the means to control EV charging to optimize power delivery and reduce it when necessary.

Vehicle-to-grid takes this further by temporarily redirecting charged power from the car batteries back into the grid to stabilize energy production and consumption fluctuations. In practical usage, the primary concern with V2G is ensuring that EV drivers maintain sufficient energy levels in their vehicle's batteries when needed, such as for daily commutes. This requirement applies to V2G as well as other charging technologies. The EV driver must be able to communicate their intended charging and discharging schedules and specify the desired battery charge level for various times, thereby guaranteeing energy availability for their transportation needs.

Steps to implement cellular IoT to create vehicle-to-grid (V2G) in a smart EV cluster

Creating a Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) system using cellular IoT in a smart electric vehicle (EV) cluster involves several key steps and components. V2G technology allows EVs to consume energy and return excess energy to the grid, contributing to grid stability and supporting smart energy management. Creating a V2G system in a smart EV cluster is a complex endeavor that requires careful planning, technical expertise, and collaboration with stakeholders, including EV manufacturers, charging infrastructure providers, and local utility companies. It can provide numerous benefits, including grid support, load balancing, and potential revenue generation for EV owners.

Here's a high-level overview of how to implement V2G in a smart EV cluster using cellular IoT:

• Select Suitable EVs:

  Ensure that the EVs in your cluster are equipped with the necessary V2G-capable hardware and software. This may include bidirectional chargers and V2G communication protocols compliant with standards like ISO 15118.

• Install V2G-Enabled Charging Stations:

  Deploy V2G-capable charging infrastructure at your charging points. These charging stations should support bidirectional power flow and be capable of communicating with the EVs using cellular IoT technology.

• Implement Cellular IoT Connectivity:

  1. Select Cellular IoT Technology:

     Choose a suitable cellular IoT technology for communication between the EVs, charging stations, and the central control system. Depending on your specific requirements, common options include 4G LTE, 5G, or even Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) technologies like NB-IoT or LTE-M.

  2. SIM Cards:

     Install cellular IoT SIM cards in EVs and charging stations to enable data communication.

  3. Network Coverage:

     Ensure that the chosen cellular network provides adequate coverage in the areas where your smart EV cluster operates.

• Develop V2G Control Software:

  1. Central Control System:

     Create a central control system or software platform that manages the V2G operations. This system should be capable of communicating with each EV and charging station using cellular IoT.

  2. V2G Communication Protocols:

     Implement V2G communication protocols compliant with standards like ISO 15118 to facilitate secure and standardized communication between EVs and charging stations.

• Authentication and Authorization:

  Create a robust authentication and authorization system with the rule that the V2G functionality is accessible only by authorized users. This includes verifying the EVs' identity and ensuring they can discharge power into the grid.

• Energy Management and Grid Integration:

  1. Smart Grid Integration:

     Integrate your V2G system with the local electric grid to enable the bidirectional flow of electricity. Ensure compatibility with grid management systems.

  2. Energy Management Algorithms:

     Develop energy management algorithms to optimize when and how much energy is supplied to or retrieved from the grid. This includes considering grid demand, electricity prices, and EV owner preferences.

• Data Security and Privacy:

  Implement robust security measures to protect the cellular IoT communication and the data exchanged between the EVs, charging stations, and the central control system. Focus on user privacy and data protection.

• User Interface and Monitoring:

  Create user-friendly interfaces for EV owners and system operators. These interfaces should allow users to monitor and control V2G operations and view energy flow and billing data.

• Testing and Validation:

  Test the V2G system thoroughly to ensure it operates reliably and efficiently. This includes testing communication, security, and energy management features.

• Compliance and Regulations:

  Ensure your V2G system complies with relevant regulations and standards, including safety and grid interconnection standards.

• Deployment and Scaling:

  Deploy the V2G system in your smart EV cluster and monitor its performance. If successful, consider upgrading the system to support more EVs and charging stations.

• Maintenance and Upgrades:

  Regularly maintain the system, perform updates, and stay informed about the latest technological advancements in V2G and cellular IoT.

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Reference/source

• https://www.virta.global/vehicle-to-grid-v2g#three
• https://yocharge.com/ev/components/
• https://www.mdpi.com/2032-6653/14/7/176
• https://www.evconnect.com/blog/what-is-vehicle-to-grid-for-electric-vehicles
• https://www.researchgate.net/publication/321237450_The_neglected_social_dimensions_to_a_vehicle-to- grid_V2G_transition_A_critical_and_systematic_review
• https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/14/21/13856
• https://www.ijert.org/economics-of-vehicle-to-grid-v2g-technology#:~:text=
• https://yocharge.com/ev/components/