Field Testing and Economic Analysis of Residential Vehicle to Grid Deployment

Abstract

The development of Electric Vehicles (EVs) has surged in recent years, positioning them as direct replacements for fossil fuel-dependent internal combustion engines. However, the rise in EVs will place considerable strain on the grid, necessitating transmission and distribution infrastructure upgrades. In this regard, EVs equipped with bidirectional charging can act as independent energy storage, managing energy at home during normal and emergency conditions, feeding excess energy back into the grid to reduce its strain, and potentially generating revenue for their owners. However, the high cost of Residential Bidirectional Chargers (RBC) and the limited availability of EVs that support bidirectional charging, particularly Vehicle-to-Home/Grid (V2H/G), remain significant barriers. Despite extensive theoretical research on bidirectional charging of EVs, there is a lack of real-world testing and comprehensive techno-economic analysis to assess the feasibility of the wide deployment of these technologies in residential areas. This thesis aims to investigate the techno-economic viability for the wide deployment of RBC throughout the following: 1. Field Testing for RBCs: Conducting practical evaluations of RBCs to gather empirical data on their performance, efficiency, and reliability under real-world conditions. 2. Identification of Policy and Regulatory Barriers: Analyzing the legislative and regulatory frameworks in Ontario to identify obstacles that hinder the deployment of RBCs, and proposing solutions to overcome these barriers. 3. Development of a Mathematical Model: Creating a model to perform a regional-wide cost-benefit analysis for RBC deployment programs, considering three main stakeholders: local distribution companies, EV owners, and ratepayers. By addressing these aspects, this research will provide a comprehensive understanding of the practical and economic implications of implementing RBC technologies, paving the way for its broader adoption and integration into the energy infrastructure.