Whole system modelling of V2G power network control, communications and management

This paper presents an investigation into the potential benefits of the provision of V2G (Vehicle to Grid) ancillary services, from the aggregated utilisation of a number of grid connected electric vehicles (EV) batteries, through the use of a bi-directional converter between the EV and the electricity grid. Further, the V2G charger must be capable of remote control from a central V2G management centre facilitated by an on-board GPRS enabled communications interface. The authors have developed, and will discuss, the design, integration, simulation and operation of a whole system V2G model through exploration of 4 key areas of research: Power system integration, covering the development of an on-board bi-directional charger; V2G Communications, focusing on streamlining the network communications needed by a truly mobile charging unit; System management, the software and control techniques to manage a large number of V2G enabled vehicles enabling automation of service provision to be investigated; Power network simulation, discussing development of a software simulation package designed to provide realistic grid data to the management software to facilitate more accurate development of control algorithms within the management suite.