Implementing a Demand Response Pilot Program

Eways, a prominent Charge Point Operator based in the Nordics, sought to pioneer a sustainable energy initiative through the implementation of a demand response program. This program was to be launched in collaboration with a local municipal utility, aiming to optimize energy consumption and reduce the strain on the grid during peak times.

Challenge

The primary challenges faced by our client were twofold. Firstly, there was the technical hurdle of receiving a real-time signal from the utility side whenever there was a need for demand response activation. This required a seamless integration of systems to facilitate instant communication and action. Secondly, the program needed to specifically target and reduce electric vehicle charging demand in a designated geographical area during DR events, ensuring minimal disruption to the overall charging infrastructure and customer experience. In addition, the current Charge Station Management System did not have smart charging capabilities to support this use case.

Solution

To address these challenges, a comprehensive Demand Response system was developed to operate alongside a newly developed “smart charging” capable OCPP Server that had all of the components needed to service the Demand Response solution. The solution comprised several key components:

Integration with Utility Signals: We established communication between the municipal utility’s demand response management system and our client’s CSMS. The integration enables communication where Eways, serving as a Virtual End Node (VEN), shares details about its chargers and connectors, including their physical locations. This allows for interaction with the utility, enabling precise targeting of individual charging stations based on their known locations. This setup ensures that responses to grid demands are prompt and accurately directed.

Smart Charging Profiles: The core of the solution involved the creation of dynamic smart charging profiles. These profiles were designed to automatically adjust charging rates or temporarily halt charging sessions in response to demand response events. By manipulating the charging behavior of the EV chargers in the specified geographical area, we could significantly reduce the electrical load during peak periods.

To address these challenges, a comprehensive Demand Response system was Feedback, Monitoring and Analytics: The system was equipped with advanced monitoring tools to track the effectiveness of demand response events. A feedback loop was established between the VEN and utility Virtual Top Node (VTN) in order to validate the event outcomes. Analytics capabilities allowed for the assessment of load reduction achieved, customer participation rates, and overall impact on the grid. This data was invaluable for refining DR strategies and proving the program’s value to stakeholders.

Outcome

The Demand Response solution developed for Eways exemplifies the transformative potential of smart energy solutions. The initiative represented a significant step towards smart energy management, demonstrating the potential of demand response programs in the world of EV charging. Further, the project also laid the groundwork for a completely new CPO platform architecture, incorporating innovative features and the latest advancements in EV charging infrastructure technology.

By working on both a conceptual and practical level throughout the full system stack, from understanding the utility side, down to implementing the protocol controlling the chargers, we were able to help Eways to successfully launch their Demand Response pilot in Scandinavia.