Interest in and demand for electric vehicles (EVs) is currently growing. One of the majorchallenges associated with this development is to provide proper charging infrastructure. In this context, different approaches (e.g. private-, public charging, charging at work, etc.) are possible. Whereas for single-family buildings and small company applications, many projects have already been conducted, research on how to provide optimal infrastructure in multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs) and the organization of optimal load management (LM) has been scarce. This is the major motivation to carry out this study.
A specific challenge is the management and operation of optimal charging strategies by minimizing the costs for users and the system. In respect to customer convenience, this also implies guidelines and standards for the legal aspects in MURBs.
The major goal of this proposal is to identify the requirements of such an optimal, costminimal infrastructure and to provide a methodological approach. In this matter, the corresponding integrated LM solution, as well as the link between central and local LM are of particular interest. Additionally, we will analyse the effect of decentral battery storage on the economic aspects and the technical performance of the charging system. Moreover, it is obvious that EVs only make sense if the electricity is generated from renewable energy sources. Hence, we intend to model how own power generation through a rooftop PV-system at the building may affect overall system performance, with the special focus on an analysis of the supply - demand balance of the system.
In addition to a static analysis, we will develop a dynamic model to derive scenarios up to 2050 for overall electricity demand, electricity needed for EVs, electricity generation by source and related CO2-emissions.
The project consists of two major parts: (a) A scientific conceptual modelling approach led by TU Wien and (b) an empirical field analysis, with evaluation of charging processes of 50 EVs led by Linz AG in a MURB in Linz.
The major expected findings are: (i) an approach and modelling tool for the development of optimal, cost-efficient charging infrastructure in MURBs; (ii) cost efficient LM strategies for this use case; (iii) scenarios up to 2050 how electricity demand, electricity generation, CO2 emissions and the demand for charging infrastructure could develop and the effects on the electricity system (iv) enhanced existing LM functions to increased scale and develop solutions for the handling of peak demand and thus avoid grid capacity expansion as long as possible; (v) analysis of customer requirements to improve acceptance of e-mobility and support transition from conventional combustion engine vehicles to e-vehicles; (v) conversion of results into business models that offer exploitation potential for project partners and can be adapted to other applications within Austria and internationally.
