Introduction to the smart grid using PEVs

The smart grid, regarded as the next generation of power grid, uses two-way flows of electricity and information to create a widely distributed automated resilient energy delivery network. The smart grid will meet environmental targets to accommodate a greater emphasis on demand response, and to support plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) as well as distributed generation and storage capabilities. The PEVs including all-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) will play a significant role in the electric power system. The connection of PEVs can have serious impact on the future smart grid. Although PEVs can provide a new opportunity to reduce oil consumption by drawing on power from the electric power grid, they can be used as energy storage to provide the energy into power grid. The power flow between PEVs and the grid can be bidirectional if PEVs have the function of vehicle-to-grid (V2G), which can be either as flexible loads (charging mode) or storage sources (discharging mode). To maximize the benefits of V2G, the emerging PEV infrastructure must provide access to electricity from the smart grid, satisfy driver expectations, and ensure safety. This chapter introduces a basic concept of the smart grid and its "building blocks,"microgrids, and impact of PEVs on distributed energy resources in the smart grid and V2G technology and PEVs charging infrastructures.