A socio-technical exploration of the Car as Power Plant

In the transition towards low-carbon energy systems, the growth of variable renewable energy sources (V-RES) like solar and wind in the electricity systems is calling for more flexibility measures. These are needed to cope with the increased uncertainty and variability that affects the residual demand. Flexibility can be offered by traditional...

A hydrogen-based integrated energy and transport system: The design and analysis of the Car as Power Plant Concept

In recent years, the European Union (EU) has set ambitious targets toward a carbon-free energy transition. Many studies show that a drastic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions-at least 90% by 2050-is required. In the transition toward a sustainable energy system, solar (or green) hydrogen plays many important roles, as it is a clean and safe...

Conceptualization of Vehicle-to-Grid Contract Types and Their Formalization in Agent-Based Models

Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) have the potential to be used as flexible power plants in future energy systems. To integrate FCEVs through vehicle-to-grid (V2G), agreements are needed between the FCEV owners and the actor that coordinates V2G on behalf of them, usually considered the aggregator. In this paper, we argue that, depending on...

Exploring the potential of the vehicle-to-grid service in a sustainable smart city

The vehicle-to-grid (V2G) service is slowly gaining momentum in its capacity to engage as a means of distributed generation. An aggregator's role is pivotal in the need to coordinate vehicles for V2G and maintain the security of supply of its customer base. The paper focuses on comparing the performance of the energy system when an aggregator...

Fuel cell cars in a microgrid for synergies between hydrogen and electricity networks

Fuel cell electric vehicles convert chemical energy of hydrogen into electricity to power their motor. Since cars are used for transport only during a small part of the time, energy stored in the on-board hydrogen tanks of fuel cell vehicles can be used to provide power when cars are parked. In this paper, we present a community microgrid...

Complex Systems Engineering: Designing in sociotechnical systems for the energy transition

The EU has set ambitious targets for an energy transition. While research often focuses on technology, institutions or actors, a transition requires complex coordination and comprehensive analysis and design. We propose a framework accounting for technology, institutions and actors' perspective to design in socio-technical systems. We present...