Vehicle to grid

The University of Delaware recently demonstrated how an electric plug-in vehicle can be used to store power and provide it to the electric grid when needed. Vehicle to grid technology.

Grid reliability is something many see as threatened as renewable sources get mapped in. This is because of the variable nature of the ‘infirm’ energy they provide, dependent on natural conditions.

With incorporation of renewable energy like wind and solar, there is a need for storage facility. These help smooth power output fluctuations. At present batteries that store solar energy are bulky and take up large space.

By using electric vehicles with their batteries as a storage option, utilities can store wind energy, which often peaks at night, and draw the power when the car is not in use. Taking into account a fleet of such cars, the storage potential becomes huge. This is what the Delaware team plans. Right now, a single car can power 7-8 homes when charged for 30 minutes!

The more EVs you have, the better is your ability to ensure a smooth grid flow of power. But when one looks at where the power comes to run your EV, then it is a problem to advocate too many.

Generally, electricity comes from two basic types of power plants: the efficient base load plants that need to run at a steady pace, and the less efficient peaking plants, which supply bursts of power when needed, but produce more nitrogen oxides. When not sure of demand, operators shut down base load plants and use the 'dirtier' peaking power plants.

That is where plug-in EVs can help. There will be no need to shut down base load plants because the demand will be there, thanks to the EVs.

Going a step ahead, will be EVs running on solar PVs, whose power can be collectively harnessed by the grid from the parking lot. A further step is where individual homes harnessing renewable energy also supplying excess into the grid. This has been tried out in some cities in the US already.

So it all boils down to using available equipment that have storage capabilities! No more is it running one way but a story of give and take.

What do you think? Can we look at these options seriously?