Issue link: https://read.utilityweek.co.uk/i/808182
NETWORK / 11 / APRIL 2017 u Electric Avenue set out to create the network conditions created by local clusters of EV users u EA Technology's Esprit application was used to stop EV charging at times of high network demand u The project revealed that EV penetration of 40-70% would cause demand for reinforcements on a third of networks u Electric Nation is testing a range of electric vehicles and two charging systems u More subtle control of the charging process will be exercised by network operators Launched in 2014, the My Electric Avenue project, conducted by EA Technology on behalf of Scottish and Southern Energy Net- works and funded by the Ofgem Low Carbon Networks Fund, was designed to create the likely circumstances of high EV penetration in localised areas. These so-called clusters are seen as a critical factor in electricity networks' ability to manage the extra demand placed on local networks by increased adoption of EVs. In particular, widespread charging of electric vehicles during the peak evening pe- riod could create the potential for overloads within the network, resulting in the need to invest heavily in reinforcing the networks so they can operate properly. To test an alternative approach, EA Technology installed its Esprit application onto each participant's charging system so that in periods of high stress, charg- ing would be curtailed and delayed until enough free capacity was available for it to continue. Through the course of the trial, it was found that although EV penetration of between 40 and 70% would cause demand for reinforcements on a third of networks if no other action was taken, the effectiveness of Esprit succeeded in shifting the required demand, while not upsetting the drivers tak- ing part in the project. Building on from these findings, Electric Nation, again conducted by EA Technology but this time in partnership with Western Power Distribution, will take the testing for- ward a step and trial a full range of vehicles and two different charging systems available on the market. With the growth of the range of vehicles bringing different demand profiles, and charging systems now available rated at 7kV – double those used in My Electric Avenue – understanding how these would affect the network is considered critical. As well as measuring a wider range of vehicles and systems, the project will also look more deeply into the potential of shifting participant's charging demands. Instead of simply curtailing the charging process, Electric Nation will give network operators the ability to reduce the charging rate to ease demand as well as pausing it when required. Furthermore, a proportion of participants will be given the opportunity to record their preferred times for charging the car, and this information will be used alongside network condition data to ensure it is done at a time that fits the needs of both. From results of Electric Nation, a network-modeling tool will be produced that will enable networks to calculate the amount of EV penetration that would cause issues on a specific network. USE CASE From ElECtriC AvEnUE to ElECtriC nAtion