Automotive Engineering - April 2023 - 25

EV CHARGING FEATURE
" With demand for electricity set to soar, the energy and automotive
sectors must collaborate and operate in lockstep. "
Testing the converters and
inverters (shown) in the power
grid, their interoperability with
each other and utilities and
energy management systems is
essential to ensure safety and
performance across complex
DER networks.
ecosystem can function in unison. For example, EVs
and charging stations must meet new and evolving
standards for DER interconnection and interoperability
with the power grid.
Regulatory hurdles will need to be overcome to support
V2G for vehicles to actively participate in the
health of the grid rather than simply being a drain.
Once this is in place, utility operators can manage
DERs as a resource to accommodate the diverse energy
mix and shifting demands.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
and North American Electric Reliability Corporation
(NERC) are working to clear a path for DERs to play a
more prominent role in the energy ecosystem. The
NERC is a not-for-profit international regulatory authority.
Its mission is to assure the effective and efficient
reduction of risks to the reliability and security of
the grid across the U.S., Canada, and northern Baja
California. It is subject to oversight by the FERC and
governmental authorities in Canada.
For example, FERC 2222 enables DERs to be part of
the wholesale energy markets run by regional grid
operators. This will incentivize DER adoption and lower
costs, adding flexibility and resiliency to support
more innovation.
Visibility & grid-edge testing
Utility organizations need to digitize their infrastructure
to have the necessary visibility to deploy energy resources
dynamically. With DERs, managing the distribution
AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING
network is much more complex. In addition, fast-charging networks will
result in unpredictable load surges, making more granularity vital.
Over time AI and machine learning will be incorporated to provide
the intelligence to predict, plan and manage EV charging to ensure
the required resiliency and support dynamic load management.
Utility operators need detailed insights to manage power generators
and distribution.
As the modern grid evolves, it will become increasingly digitized to
manage and optimize energy distribution. DERs will be incorporated,
supported by advanced power converters and inverters to enable the
flow of power both ways. Battery energy storage systems (BESS) will
store excess energy that can flow back to the grid during demand
peaks. Testing the converters and inverters in the power grid, their
interoperability with each other and utilities and energy management
systems is essential to ensure safety and performance across complex
DER networks.
Off-peak rates and demand
Utility companies are starting to adopt flexible rate structures to better
balance demand and alleviate pressure on the grid. Time-of-day electricity
pricing has lower rates during off-peak times. These programs
and others such as EV and solar tax rebates, are important tools for
providers to encourage participation and build social acceptance.
Achieving mass adoption of EVs is complex and smart energy management
is a foundational part of making this a reality.
With demand for electricity set to soar, the energy and
automotive sectors must collaborate and operate in lockstep
if the electric transformation is to become a reality.
Thomas Goetzl is VP & GM Automotive & Energy Solutions
at Keysight Technologies.
April 2023 25
KEYSIGHT
Automotive Engineering - April 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Automotive Engineering - April 2023
