SmartGridNews.com The insider's guide to the modernization and automation of electric power
TVA and Partners to Test Solar-Assisted EV Charging Stations By SGN Staff Jan 15, 2010 - 2:06:39 PM
A solar-assisted EV charging station test project by the Tennessee Valley Authority and partners will include research on how EV charging will affect the power grid. To avoid any unwelcome surprises in the future, now is the perfect time to find out what that impact might be.
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) will build and test two prototype solar-assisted electric vehicle charging stations, then deploy additional stations in other locations in the state.
The solar-assisted EV stations will use solar energy to provide the electricity needed to offset vehicle charging during periods of peak power demand. As the vehicles charge, stationary batteries and Smart Grid controls will reduce impact on the electric grid.
TVA CEO Tom Kilgore announced the test project during a Knoxville event held to introduce the Nissan LEAF, the new sub-compact EV. TVA is working with Nissan on the charging station test project, as well as with the state, the city of Knoxville, the Knoxville Utilities Board and distributors of TVA power.
TVA, EPRI and regional partners are collaborating on station design with an end goal of sharing what they learn to begin development of a nationwide charging network for EVs.
The first prototype solar-assisted charging station will be tested at EPRI's Knoxville laboratory. The second prototype will be built by ORNL in Oak Ridge. After three to six months of testing, the project will expand, adding stations in Chattanooga, Nashville and Knoxville.
The first station will have between four and six charging spaces, but in the future a modular base design is expected to accommodate 10 spaces. The solar-assisted stations will supplement home, commercial, public and fast-charging facilities.
And while they're at it, TVA and partners will use the opportunity to research the impact of EV charging on the electric grid.
From the source ...
Related SGN resources ...
Stay connected with SGN …
Subscribe to our FREE eMail News Alert!
Smart Grid Newsletter (SGN) is the insider's guide to the Smart Grid revolution. It consists of a FREE bi-monthly email summary, along with a companion Web site that contains the full stories and other helpful materials. Benefits of subscribing: SGN is the only central source for all of the news, trends, research and marketplace information relevant to grid automation. In it, you will read about cutting edge technologies; successful pioneers and how they got ahead; regulatory changes that could unleash new markets; the latest research; and new opportunities for sales of grid-related products and services. © Copyright 2009 SmartGridNews.com |