Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants

Several powerful forces are gathering to make fundamental and irrevocable changes to the century-old grid. The next-generation grid, often called the `smart grid,' will feature distributed energy production, vastly more storage, tens of millions of stochastic renewable-energy sources, and the use of communication technologies both to allow precise matching of supply to demand and to incentivize appropriate consumer behavior. These changes will have the effect of reducing energy waste and reducing the carbon footprint of the grid, making it smarter and greener. Our proposal focuses on one aspect of the smart grid: the integration of electric vehicles (EVs). This is an important technical challenge because the introduction of EVs will greatly affect the distribution network but, if properly controlled, can serve to mitigate other elements of the smart grid. The collaborative research project proposed here has three thrusts: modelling, control, and prototyping. First, we will use advanced modeling techniques, such as exact simulation of distribution networks using both proprietary and open-source simulators, to study the effect of EVs on distribution networks. Our modeling approach, unlike past efforts, will take into account the stochastic nature of EV loads. We will also use advanced telemetry technique to construct mobility models for EVs. Finally, we will model the effect of advanced Lithium-air batteries on the EV ecosystem. Second, we will study techniques to control the charging current delivered to each EV in a fleet. In doing so, we hope to simultaneously meet the needs of the grid and the EV fleet owner. Our second project in the area of control is to use game theory to study control techniques for EVs in residences. We will also design control mechanisms for EV billing and to prevent unauthorized EV charging. Third, we will design a smart charger that could control the charge current and also communicate with the grid to decide whether to allow charging, at what rate to charge, and whom to bill for the electricity. These issues are clearly inter-related and hence can only be addressed together. The commercial and economic reasons for this research are compelling. This is reflected by a strong commitment from our industrial partners, Hydro One and IBM.