Abstract:Distributed generation, battery electric vehicles (EVs), information technology and consumer engagement are key factors in migrating toward the smart grid. Electric vehicles play a major role where V2G, G2V, V2H and VXG all are elements of a vision where the electric vehicle will store energy from, or supply energy to the grid when demand is needed.   A key factor to increase the market penetration of EVs and support the electrification of transportation at scale is to advance research and development for new charging methods such as inductive power transfer.  Current tools to aid in this increase include increasing the number and output capabilities of current Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVSE) deployed in public spaces; in other words, an adequate public charging infrastructure is needed to effectively extend EVs’ battery ranges when it is away from home charging access.  As technology advances to make EVs more convenient, as technology such as inductive power transfer and DC fast charging becomes more available, and as production costs continue to decrease, the improved economic and environmental benefits will make it more practical for consumers to purchase electric vehicles.  The market share of electrified vehicle sales is expected to reach eight percent in the USA by 2020. Nationwide, 116,099 EVs were sold in 2015, while globally, approximately 550,297 cars were sold in 2015.

This tutorial will provide an insight into EV, information technology and the smart grid, and research opportunities and current tools to increase EV and infrastructure penetration.   Furthermore, modeling and simulation tools to locate EVSE in a given geographical area will be introduced and results from an ongoing research in this area by the presenter will be shared with the conference participants.  

Mahmoud Alahmad is an associate professor in the Durham school of Architectural Engineering and Construction (DSAEC) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL). He holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering. He is a registered Professional Engineer (PE) with over 10 years of industry experience in electrical distribution system design for the built environment.  Dr. Alahmad is currently investigating Battery Electric Vehicles and Charging infrastructure benefits and deployment strategies, the Smart Grid, remote energy monitoring, and renewable energy sources. Dr. Alahmad has organized multiple tutorials, workshops and short courses.  He organized and presented a one week course on renewable energy and the smart grid to undergraduate students at Biberach University of Applied Sciences, Biberach, Germany in May 2014, 2015 and 2016.  Dr. Alahmad has published over 65 refereed research articles in national and international conferences and journals and has been the recipient of multiple funded research projects from NSF, EPA, national industries and State agencies.