Researchers at UCLA have developed a smart EV charging and grid integration system that uses real-time control, state estimation, and bidirectional energy flows to manage EV charging and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) operations. The system optimizes charging schedules based on grid constraints, user preferences, and energy market signals while ensuring grid stability and battery health.
As EV adoption increases, uncontrolled charging at peak times can overload distribution infrastructure, cause transformer stress, and destabilize power networks. Utilities generally mitigate this by limiting charging or upgrading infrastructure—both costly approaches. A system that allows intelligent control of EV charging and enables EVs to act as distributed energy resources (e.g. discharging to grid when needed) can improve grid flexibility, reduce costs, and enhance grid reliability.
An expert system / control algorithm monitors and controls EV charging stations and connected vehicles, coordinating charging, discharging, and power flow in response to grid conditions, user charging demands, and preferences.
The system aggregates State of Charge (SOC) data, battery current/voltage sensors, and uses an Open Circuit Voltage (OCV) – SOC mapping to estimate battery SOC reliably under varying load profiles.
The system supports bidirectional power flow (V2G), enabling vehicles to supply energy back to the grid during high-demand periods.
It integrates user preferences, cost signals, and power grid constraints, so that charging/discharging schedules are optimized (e.g. charging when rates are low, discharging when needed).
The invention includes hardware and software components in EVs and charging stations (e.g. controllers, communication, sensors) to support these smart behaviors.
Mitigates grid overload by intelligently scheduling EV charging and discharging.
Uses EV batteries as distributed energy storage (buffer) for grid demand response.
Enhances utility flexibility without wholesale infrastructure upgrades.
Better battery SOC estimation ensures safer, optimized charging/discharging.
Improves cost efficiency for EV owners by leveraging low-cost energy periods.
Increases integration of renewable energy (by time-shifting charging).
Enhances grid reliability, voltage regulation, and stability by leveraging aggregated EV capacity.
Utility-scale deployment of smart EV charging in residential neighborhoods, workplace fleets, or public charging networks.
V2G services to supply energy during peak demand or emergencies.
Demand response programs where EVs participate in grid balancing.
Microgrids or distributed energy systems that incorporate EVs as storage assets.
EV fleet management (e.g. ride sharing, delivery) where charging patterns can be optimized to reduce grid impact.
Renewable energy integration, where EVs buffer excess solar or wind generation.
US 9,026,347 B2 — Smart Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging and Grid Integration Apparatus and Methods Smart EV Charging & Grid Integration (US9026347B2) Google Patents