How EV charging impacts the grid – AI-base study evaluates

A new study from the University of Michigan is making use of AI-based smart grid chips installed on EV charging stations to evaluate the impact of EV charging on the electrical grid.

Utilidata, a grid-edge tech company, is partnering up with University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) researchers to study the relationship between EV driving and charging behaviours, to understand its impact on the electric grid.

Researchers installed Utilidata’s smart grid chips, what the company calls a ‘first of its kind’ distributed Artificial Intelligence (AI) platform, on different EV charging stations across the University of Michigan’s (U-M) campus to collect data on the impact of EV charging on the grid.

Utilidata’s smart grid chips collect real-time voltage, current, and power data at the edge of the grid, allowing researchers to analyse and detect EV charging patterns at each location.

This data will be analysed alongside vehicle data from a group of participants within the research study who have a vehicle monitoring device installed on their EVs.

Data from the monitoring device includes start and stop time for charging, location of charging, trips taken, and acceleration/deceleration.

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Closely analysing driving and charging behaviour, stated Utilidata, will lead to a better understanding of how to manage EV demand on the grid and help utilities develop customer smart charging programmes.

As UMTRI researchers continue to collect and analyze data, they’ll have access to the recently announced U-M Electric Vehicle Center for further collaboration. Results from the UMTRI study are anticipated later this year.

Josh Brumberger, Utilidata’s chief executive officer, commented on the study, stating that as EV investments continue to increase, the grid needs to be ready to support increased electric demand.

He added, “Access to real-time insights of when EVs are charging will help utilities identify charging locations and design better EV programmes for customers.”

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According to Utilidata, EVs are projected to make up almost 50% of all car sales by 2030, and Michigan’s goal is to build the infrastructure necessary to support two million EVs on its roads by that time.

Understanding the potential impact of these new technologies on the grid will be crucial.

Also commenting on the research and its potential was Jim Sayer, UMTRI director, who said that “partnering with Utilidata allows us to combine their energy and grid expertise with our decades of experience in conducting large scale research projects, data collection and deployments that lead to a safer, more efficient and equitable transportation and mobility future.”