PhD Defense Kristian Sevdari - Control and clustering of electric vehicle chargers for the provision of grid services

#ElectricVehicles #phddefense

The transportation and power sectors are experiencing a paradigm shift. On the one hand, the transition away from fossil fuels in the transportation sector is paving the way for the emergence of electric mobility.

On the other hand, the shift towards a sustainable power system necessitates novel approaches to power system operation and planning. Consequently, synergy between electric mobility and renewable energy sources (RESs) can contribute significantly to the progress of both industries.

In this context, the charging infrastructure serves as the link between the transportation and power sectors, encompassing both electrical and communication aspects. The prospects and challenges of electrifying transportation largely hinge on factors such as positioning, variety, utilization, and functionalities of the charging infrastructure. To date, slow charging is by far the most widely utilized type of charging infrastructure for public and private charging sessions.

This thesis delves into the investigation of controlling electric vehicles (EVs) and AC
chargers to provide grid services, benefiting both power and transport sectors. The research focuses specifically on the AC charging infrastructure, which consists of electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) and the vehicle on-board charger (OBC). The coordination and optimization of these technologies are of paramount importance in facilitating the delivery of grid services, particularly in the context of a RES dominated power system. To provide a structured approach, the thesis is divided into three parts. The first part systematically addresses the transport-power sector coupling challenge. The second part transitions from theoretical discussions to practical applications, focusing on EVSEs and OBC control capabilities. The third part centers on the exploration of flexibility through residential smart charging applications in Denmark and Norway.

This thesis uncovers and greatly improves the control and clustering of AC smart chargers by bridging theory and practice.