Smart Power Integrated Node (SPIN), Vehicle-to-Grid Integration with Local Distributed Energy Resources Enabling Zero Net Energy, Resiliency, and Distribution Grid Services

California’s transportation electrification policy goals require rapid and widespread deployment of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) and charging infrastructure. Technologies to manage charging and discharging of PEVs can help increase use of renewable electricity, improve site resilience, and provide distribution system benefits. This requires both hardware and software advances on the vehicle and charger using methods that are scalable, safe, and compliant with applicable codes and standards. This project developed and demonstrated the Smart Power Integrated Node (SPIN) to meet these needs and increase customer and electric system benefits from PEV adoption. 

The SPIN system allows customers to simultaneously balance and optimize multiple connected distributed energy resources such as solar photovoltaic, battery energy storage, and bidirectional PEVs. Through the application of open standards-based interfaces, the project achieved the goals of interoperability, cybersecurity, and compliance with California Public Utilities Commission Rule 21 smart inverter interconnection requirements. The project demonstrated the SPIN system as one of the first vehicle-to-grid capable direct current chargers based on the combined charging system standard. Building upon previous work sponsored by the US Department of Energy, this project also evaluated the impact of bidirectional power flow on vehicle battery degradation. 

This project built, integrated, and demonstrated the capabilities of the design-intent SPIN system with Fiat City PEV and a production 2020 Chevrolet Bolt. Testing validated the ability of the SPIN system to support islanded loads (referred to as vehicle-to-building). The battery testing revealed the significant potential to use the PEV battery for electric services with limited but quantifiable degradation from bidirectional charging. The project modeled potential customer value across a variety of scenarios of grid services, ranging from approximately $450/year to $1,000/year per PEV. The report concludes with discussing technology transfer plans for continued product development, certification, and commercialization.