Intelligent infrastructure paves the way for Electric Vehicles
The ETI, a partnership between industrial companies and the UK government, is tasked with developing technologies to help the UK meet its 2050 carbon reduction targets. In 2010, the ETI turned its efforts to transport and launched three major research projects to develop pathways to a self-sustaining mass market for electric powered vehicles.
Choosing the right partner for the right project
Imperial Consultants provide expertise on the second of these projects: Electricity Distribution & Intelligent Infrastructure. Offering a team of Imperial College academics working at the forefront of innovation in low carbon electricity networks, The ETI chose Imperial Consultants to join a consortium composed of IBM (leader), UK Power Networks, EDF Energy and E.On Engineering.
The project aims to assess the impact of Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) and Battery electric vehicles (BEV) on the UK distribution network, as well as identify the type of recharging infrastructure that might be needed. Ultimately, consortium partners will develop new intelligent systems architecture able to meet recharging requirements and a massive increase in demand for electricity.
With transport accountable for nearly a quarter of the total carbon emissions in the UK, electric vehicles have the potential to make a highly significant contribution to the reduction of emissions.
Intelligent analysis
“We provide modelling and analysis of the impact of PHEVs on the operation and design of the UK electricity distribution network,” says Professor Goran Strbac of Imperial College.
Professor Strbac leads the Imperial team that will also identify the benefits of an intelligent charging infrastructure within a smart grid concept – a form of network that delivers electricity from suppliers to consumers using two-way digital communications.
Once completed, the findings will feed into research carried out by the other two projects: Consumers and Vehicles, and Economics and Carbon Benefits. The achievement of these projects will mark a major milestone in the ETI’s £11million low carbon vehicle plan to roll-out plug-in vehicles across the UK.
IBM was shortlisted for a consultancy award for leading this consortium.
Building for the future
Working through Imperial Consultants, Professor Strbac and his team have been involved in a number of consultancy projects advising government and industry on sustainable power networks for the future. It is a global challenge to incorporate the increasing number of alternative energy sources into existing infrastructure, but one that Imperial Consultants are ready to be involved in.
To find out how you can access expertise in the area of smart grids and power networks, please contact us.
