Frequently Asked Questions
Does the R2M2 microgrid integrate with EV charging?
Yes. EVs configured in a microgrid can act as either loads or DERs. EV chargers will draw power from the microgrid like the way any other load behaves but has more flexibility in the timing of when this occurs. Combining EV chargers with managed charging software and DERs allows the fleet to optimize the charge schedule of their fleet with the cost of electricity. \In fact, microgrids paired with EV chargers can contribute to significantly lower charging costs than without a microgrid.
How does managed charging and OCPP communication protocols work within the microgrid?
Scale leverages our managed charging partners to provide the right software needed to integrate within the system and communicate with the chargers via OCPP. Our partners have thousands of chargers under management, yet previously were not able to achieve the optimum outcome for their clients because they were missing on-site generation and storage. Energy management and charging management together improve the overall operations of the microgrid.
Does the R2M2 microgrid limit the type of vehicles or chargers we can use?
The microgrid platform has been designed to be technology agnostic with respect to traditional DERs as well as the charging infrastructure and vehicles. We will work with you to identify the vehicle you need for your fleet and match them with the right charging infrastructure of your choice. There are many different options available in the market and we have worked to deploy chargers with several industry leading charger OEMs. We work with the vehicle and charger OEM’s directly to ensure proper integration into the microgrid.
Is Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) possible with the R2M2 microgrid and how could that be utilized?
Vehicle-to-Grid is a promising technology that allows the bidirectional flow of energy from the vehicle back into the grid/building/other loads. However, V2G has some practical limitations. To provide value for the fleet, it must have stored energy available, be parked or out of service, and plugged in to allow for the backflow of power. Adding bidirectional charging to the microgrid allows the flexibility to actualize this potential value. The vehicle’s stored energy can be discharged into the stationary microgrid battery for use at another time. This allows the decoupling of a vehicle’s ability to provide energy via V2G and the immediate consumption of that same energy. The additional value that V2G in a microgrid provides is the ability to use V2G during “island mode” operations. V2G during an outage allows stored energy in an unused vehicle to be transferred into other vehicles or used as additional backup power for the broader system.
If we are phasing in EVs over time, how does that affect the R2M2 microgrid design and long-term operations?
Building on the R2M2 modular platform allows the phasing of EV’s over time to occur in a more cost-effective manner. We can utilize the same construction period to “pre-install” electrical infrastructure for future charging infrastructure as well as plan out the optimal times to increase the amount of solar and/or stationary battery storage on site. Because the microgrid can adjust to new loads and new generation assets easily, the system will always operate at its most optimal even as vehicles are being transitioned to electric. Having an idea of the end goal of vehicle electrification in mind upfront allows Scale to plan out the future infrastructure deployments in a more cost-effective way when compared to installing chargers on an as needed basis.
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