Methodology

The below section explains step by step procedures that we have adopted to achieve the objectives.

1. Analysing Electric Vehicle Specifications

The team initially, through research, obtained information of the top 10 Electric Vehicles used in the UK. Through this, we were also able to determine the specifications of each vehicle: The battery Capacity (kWh), Maximum Charging Rate (kW), as well as being able to determine which chargers they are compatible with.   

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2. Analysing the EV demand Tool developed by the ESRU

Through the use of EV demand Tool developed by ESRU, the team was able to determine the specifications of each vehicle used as well as, going through each line of code to determine what each function was responsible for. As a result we were able to determine where we could input code, to ensure our constraints work.

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3.Obtain all relevant data for modelling

We then began obtaining the relevant data so that we could implement the constraints into the model. For time constraints, we contacted a representative from the McCance building at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, who provided us with data of when vehicles entered and left their car park. Then using Carbonintensity.org.uk which is a website ran by the national grid were able to determine the typical grid carbon trends over a period of a year.

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4.Determining new code algorithms and implement code for different modelling scenarios

The team worked on understanding and modifying pre-developed code by ESRU to produce number of simulations and scenarios. One of two main scenarios is time constraint: in which the allocation of EV charging times are shifted to avoid times of peak demand in the grid. For example, shifting the morning-time charging demand to times of reduced demand The other scenario is carbon constraint in which we aimed for green charging of EVs sourced from clean renewable energy systems and avoid using carbon-rich energy sources.

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5. Create time and carbon constrained models for EV charging

We then modified the basic charging model to restrict the charging time between the hours of 8am – 6pm. This constraint was added to try and manage the energy demand profile to mitigate peak demand on the grid from charging. Once the time constraints were added to the model we proceeded to add in grid carbon constraints. This was added so that the car would charge at times where the grid carbon content was relatively low. Therefore, the cars would all be charging from the energy produced by renewables.

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6. Analyse Simulated Results

After producing our time and carbon constrained models, we generated new demand profiles for charging. This then allows us to determine the carbon emissions associated with charging for each scenario, as well as the impacts it could have on the grid.

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