Microgrid Frequency Regulation Using Vehicle to Grid (V2G) Simulation

System Overview

What is Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G)?

Vehicle to grid technology allows electric vehicles not only to consume energy from the grid but also to discharge stored electricity back into it. This bidirectional flow of power requires three components:

• V2G-compatible EVs with battery management systems allowing controlled discharge.
• Bidirectional chargers (EVSE) enabling power reversal.
• Communication protocols (e.g., ISO 15118-20) coordinating energy exchange securely and in real time.

The Vehicle to Grid Concept

The vehicle to grid concept reframes EVs as mobile energy storage assets that support the grid. Instead of functioning as passive consumers, EVs can:

• Inject power during peak demand, stabilizing frequency.
• Absorb surplus renewable generation, preventing overvoltage conditions.
• Serve as backup during outages, improving resilience.

This transition in perspective is vital for viewing EVs as active participants in smart grids and microgrid operations rather than as isolated vehicles.

How V2G Works in EVs That Support It

When integrated properly, the process is straightforward:

1. Charging Phase – EVs charge during off-peak times or when renewable energy is abundant.
2. Grid-Interactive Phase – Through software-controlled signals, EVs discharge a portion of their battery to support frequency regulation or respond to demand spikes.
3. Energy Compensation – Grid operators apply tariffs or credits to financially reward participation.

Most V2G systems maintain shallow cycling (low depth of discharge, typically 5–10%) to minimize battery wear while delivering significant grid benefits.

V2G Simulation and Microgrid Frequency Regulation

Vehicle to grid simulation provides a controlled environment to test and validate strategies before deploying them in hardware. It allows examination of:

• Frequency Regulation Dynamics – How quickly EV fleets can respond to deviations.
• Control Strategies – From droop control algorithms to SOC-aware participation.
• Grid Resilience – The impact of V2G under high renewable penetration.

Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and power-hardware-in-the-loop (PHIL) platforms such as Impedyme’s offer real-time emulation of microgrid conditions, ensuring theoretical models align with actual grid behavior.

Simulation Objectives

This simulation helps evaluate:

• Microgrid frequency stability with V2G integration.
• Optimal control strategies for V2G-enabled EV fleets.
• Impact of high EV penetration on power quality and grid resilience.

➡️ HIL/PHIL Benefit: Real-time testing ensures that theoretical models align with actual grid behavior.

Technical Description

System Configuration

• Input: Microgrid with renewable energy sources (solar, wind) and EV charging stations.
• Control System: Dynamic frequency controllers managing EV charging and discharging.
• Power Flow: EVs supply power during peak demand and charge during off-peak hours.

Control Methodology

• Droop Control for Frequency Regulation: Adjusts EV power output based on grid frequency deviations.
• State-of-Charge (SOC)-Aware Charging: Ensures EV batteries are optimally charged while maintaining grid stability.
• Real-Time Demand Response: Adjusts V2G participation based on grid needs.

➡️ HIL/PHIL Benefit: Control strategies can be refined in real-time simulation environments before deployment.

Advantages of V2G for Microgrid Regulation

• Enhanced Grid Stability: EVs provide fast response to frequency deviations.
• Efficient Renewable Energy Utilization: V2G smooths out variability in solar and wind power generation.
• Reduced Need for Costly Grid Infrastructure Upgrades: V2G enables decentralized energy management.

➡️ HIL/PHIL Benefit: Testing these advantages in a simulated environment ensures reliable real-world implementation.

Applications of Vehicle to Grid (V2G) Technology in Microgrids

1. Renewable Energy Integration

• Balancing Intermittent Sources: V2G helps smooth out variability from solar and wind power by storing excess energy in EV batteries and releasing it during demand peaks.
  
• Mobile Energy Storage: EVs act as flexible, on-the-go energy reservoirs, improving microgrid reliability.
   HIL/PHIL Benefit: Enables tailored strategies for renewable-heavy microgrids, enhancing frequency stability.

2. Industrial Microgrid 

• Manufacturing Plants: Grid emulator validates V2G integration by simulating peak demand scenarios, enabling smart energy management that reduces demand charges and boosts efficiency.
• Data Centers: Ensures stable power supply and frequency control, critical for uninterrupted operations.

3. Commercial and Residential Microgrids

• Office Complexes: Utilize V2G to cut energy costs by optimizing EV usage for frequency regulation and load management.
• Residential Communities: Provide backup power and enhance energy resilience during grid outages via V2G-enabled EVs.

4. Island and Remote Microgrids

• Island Grids: V2G reduces dependence on diesel generators by balancing supply and demand with EV energy storage.
• Remote Mining Sites: Improves power reliability and reduces energy expenses through effective V2G integration.

5. Transportation Hubs

• Electric Bus Depots: Manage electric fleet charging and frequency support simultaneously, improving grid stability and reducing costs.
• Airports & Seaports: Enhance operational reliability with V2G-backed frequency regulation and emergency backup power.

6. Emergency and Disaster Response

• Emergency Shelters: V2G-powered microgrids ensure dependable energy supply during disasters, supporting critical operations.
• Disaster Recovery Efforts: Stabilize affected microgrids quickly using EVs as mobile power sources.

7. Urban Smart Grids

• Integrates EVs as flexible, decentralized energy storage assets, enabling smarter load management and grid optimization.