- Government backing fuels 3ti’s demonstration of EV batteries as grid assets
- Consortium led by 3ti secures £1,344,552 for pioneering UK energy innovation
- ‘V2X FastHub’ project, built on Papilio3, seeks to transform energy with swift deployment and DC microgrid design
3ti-led consortium secures funding for EV batteries and grid innovation in the UK
The groundbreaking project led by 3ti will showcase the potential of EV batteries in grid balancing. The consortium, including 3ti, Turbo Power Systems (TPS), GridBeyond, and Cenex, secured £1,344,552 in government funding.
The ‘V2X FastHub’ is based on 3ti’s Papilio3 pop-up solar car park and EV charging hub, stands out due to its swift deployment – under 24 hours, thanks to the adaptable Papilio3. The final phase involves a six-month real-world trial, deploying over 10 EVs as grid assets. The project’s focus on a DC microgrid design proves to be a cost- and energy-efficient alternative to traditional AC systems. That makes vehicle-to-everything (V2X) energy management commercially viable.
3ti is customizing the Papilio3 to host smart grid controls and a powerful 280 kWh DC battery. TPS takes charge of the bi-directional charging technology through CCS and CHAdeMO EV charge points. GridBeyond manages energy management and aggregation services using its flexible Energy Management System (EMS). Cenex oversees the real-world trial, including vehicle procurement and data analysis.
Papilio3, uniquely adapted as a V2X FastHub unit, becomes a smart grid ‘in-a-box’ hosting up to 12 EVs. Its rapid deployment, housed within a shipping container, makes it an ideal solution for diverse applications.
Mark Potter, CTO at 3ti, commented:
“Everybody wants more EVs on the grid. They represent a massive scale, distributed energy resource that can be used to balance real-time supply and demand. This project will prove that bi-directional EV charging can work in the real world. Connected EVs will be teamed together to act as virtual power and energy storage facilities, with each car releasing and replenishing its stored energy according to user preferences and grid demand. This generates income and cost savings, which can be passed on to our customers.”
This venture supports a sustainable energy transition, contributing to Net Zero and Energy Security targets. The trial of a 12 charge point DC Smart Microgrid for CCS V2X, a world-first, promises faster charging speeds and higher efficiency, marking a milestone in the evolution of EV technology.
As the V2X FastHub project unfolds under the V2X Innovation Programme, funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, it propels the UK toward a future where EVs play a pivotal role. The initiative represents a crucial step in shaping a resilient and eco-friendly energy landscape. The project is a key driver in advancing the integration of electric vehicles into the nation’s energy strategy.
Dr. Matthew Knight, Principal Technical Specialist at Cenex, said,
“With almost a decade of experience in developing V2X technology, Cenex is excited to bring a novel concept to life in this space. We’re creating pre-fabricated hub solutions that integrate renewable generation, energy storage, and the latest bidirectional EV charging technology to maximise energy use and value while reducing emissions.“
