V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) technology is one of those concepts that make a fundamental difference in the interaction between electric vehicles and the power grid. Electric vehicles may consume electricity from the power grid, but they are also capable of feeding the surplus electricity back to the same power grid, which allows them to stabilize supply and demand, absorb renewable energies, and reinforce the resiliency of the power grid. The communication infrastructure is an important aspect of V2G functionality that ensures easy communication between EVs, chargers, and grid operators. The article further details the main communication protocols defining V2G systems and the dynamic operating envelopes for optimizing energy flows.

Why V2G Communications Are Important

• Charger-to-Grid Communication: V2G chargers need to communicate with the grid to effectively manage energy flow. This interaction involves the real-time exchange of information regarding energy supply, demand, and pricing signals. Standard protocols such as Open Charge Point Protocol facilitate such communication, allowing V2G chargers to dynamically respond to the grid’s conditions.
• Car Battery-to-Charger Communication: Exporting energy from the battery of an EV requires that the vehicle and charger develop a bidirectional communication link. The current market communication standards are ChaDeMo and CCS, of which the first one is ChaDeMo, which supports V2G functionalities. V2G support will be added to the CCS protocol from 2025.
• Integration with Other Smart Systems: V2G technology should also integrate home energy management systems, solar inverters, and other DERs. The Australian CSIP-Aus has set standards that enable a device to communicate with one another, thereby facilitating coordinated energy management.
• Interoperability Standards: Different devices and systems need to be fully compatible with each other. Interoperability standards do not allow faults in the products and ensure efficient use of energy, meaning creation of an integrated energy system.

Dynamic Operating Envelopes

What are Dynamic Operating Envelopes?

Advantages of DOEs in V2G

• Better Grid Stability: DOEs also regulate peak loads in the grids since V2G-enabled EVs feed back energy into the grid whenever the demand is high.
• Optimization of Resource Utilization: Energy produced by household-based generation usually exceeds the amount that is consumed by the house since most houses have installed solar-based installations. DOEs allow more export from the EVs and do not waste energy but optimize the use of renewable resources.
• Therefore, the level of increased economic incentives increases when dynamic tariffs are harnessed on the dynamics of DOEs, implying that consumers are capable of reaping some form of economic benefits since they could export energy in a different high price scale.
• Real-time responsiveness: DOEs can respond to real-time circumstances such as grid congestion or availability of renewable resources. This responsiveness, in turn, encourages more efficient supply of energy and enables more integration of variable renewable energy.

Dynamic Operating Envelopes Implementation

• Regulatory Framework: There is a need to establish clear regulations that support the use of dynamic tariffs and operating envelopes. DNSPs must develop and adopt these frameworks for widespread adoption.
• Technological Infrastructure: Robust communication infrastructure must be in place to facilitate real-time data exchange between EVs, chargers, and grid operators. Investment in advanced metering and communication technologies will be critical.
• It means educating consumers on the possible saving and environmental benefits of involvement in V2G schemes and how DOEs would work. The more education, the better the knowledge, which would drive acceptance.
• Stakeholder Coalition: Collaboration between manufacturers, utilities, regulators, and consumers will be necessary. A collaborative approach will assist all parties to realize benefits from V2G.