Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials IFAM
Assess the charging needs of electric vehicles early on
Planning charging infrastructure for electric vehicles presents complex challenges for companies, municipalities, and energy providers. Future energy demand is difficult to predict with precision, while grid capacities, investment costs, and peak loads must be taken into account early on. Simulating charging infrastructure allows these issues to be analyzed as early as the planning phase. Different scenarios can be calculated and evaluated in terms of energy demand, grid load, and economic efficiency. To this end, Fraunhofer IFAM is developing methods that enable the realistic modeling and optimization of charging and energy systems. The goal is to provide a sound basis for decision-making regarding the development and operation of charging infrastructure.
Effects of electromobility on existing (energy) systems
On the one hand, the development of charging infrastructure and the charging of electric vehicles increases the demand for electricity for operators. On the other hand, the peak power demand also increases, which is usually accompanied by a significant increase in grid charges or even an overload of the grid connection. Operators are therefore often concerned that the installation of charging infrastructure will lead to an increase in operating costs. This is often associated with great uncertainties, as the future charging needs and thus also the increases in electricity and power requirements cannot be foreseen in advance. The complexity of the decision-making process increases even further if, in addition to the installation of charging stations, other changes to the existing system - such as the installation of PV systems or stationary electricity storage systems - are taken into consideration.
Analysis of future needs
The impact of the installation of charging infrastructure on the energy system of the building depends in particular on the status quo as well as the future utilisation of the charging points. For this reason, the individual conditions such as the electricity load profile of the existing buildings, the mobility requirements and many other aspects are analysed and taken into account in the simulation and optimisation calculations. In this way, the effects associated with the construction and operation of the charging infrastructure as well as the constant conversion to electric vehicles can be analysed and the uncertainties associated with this change can be reduced.
Optimisation of the energy system
In addition - and in particular - the simulation results provide important information and insights to consider a wide range of options for minimising the (negative) impacts or optimising the overall system. Whether an expansion of the grid is necessary, whether the installation of battery storage or the limitation of charging power are sensible alternatives and whether PV systems are worthwhile depends on the future utilisation of the charging stations as well as on the objectives of the operators. The simulation and optimisation calculations carried out provide the basis for the demand-oriented selection and dimensioning of the various system components, whereby the focus can be on both economic and ecological objectives.