In a workshop during a conference of Archimedes, Partners of FEN and the partners of Archimedes discussed about vehicle to grid applications (V2G) for the future.
Within the European Project Archimedes FEN GmbH has the task to exchange information on vehicle to grid applications (V2G) between the partners of Archimedes and the partners of the Research Campus Flexible Electrical Networks (FEN). Archimedes aims at extending lifetime by digitalization, thereby accelerating the energy transition and provide safety and security for the future society 5.0 (see archimedesproject.eu). Among others, new wide bandgap power semiconductors are being investigated with respect to lifetime in applications that exceed 120.000 operating hours. Such a long lifetime is required, for example, in bi-directional onboard battery chargers (OBC) for V2G applications. The role of FEN is to share information about the on-going developments of the electrical distribution grid with respect to distributed generation and sector coupling, in particular the mobility sector. At the start of the workshop, which took place on 2024-03-21 in Toulouse, Prof. De Doncker presented FEN. For the two the World Café sessions that were scheduled he gave impulse statements, based on experience gained over the past 20 years with the power electronic automotive projects at ISEA, as well as grid connected converter projects at E.ON ERC|PGS. The first World Café focussed on OBC and V2G requirements and charging efficiency. Alternative solutions, such as off-board DC charging, integrated propulsion inverter charger and modular batteries were part of the discussion. The 60 participants were divided in three groups, i.e. OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers and electronic component manufacturers. The second World Café focussed on off-board DC chargers that are connected to DC distribution grids. At the end of the day, the groups gave a briefing of their discussions. Most importantly was the need to improve charging efficiency, extending lifetime and reducing cost. Off-board DC charging in homes and buildings is seen as the future best practice. Furthermore, the need of a white paper that looks at a broader strategic development of V2G markets and focusses on circularity of charging infrastructure was suggested. It was perceived by the attendees that the workshop was successful and provided a starting point for such a strategic report.
