CSIRO hybrid plugs into the future

Peter Dinham
Tuesday, 27 October 2009 12:46

Science - Energy

“When not needed, the parked car in the driveway could potentially become a large battery store and energy source for the house, running appliances or storing off-peak or surplus electricity generated from on-site renewable generators, such as solar panels.”

And according to SP AusNet spokesperson, Sean Sampson, the trial will also allow thorough analysis of what the electricity demands are likely to be when PHEVs are connected to the network for charging.

“The introduction of electric vehicles into the mainstream market could have a significant impact on the electricity network. They may also dramatically affect the output at residential and retail outlets and the forecasted growth of peak and base demands.”

According to the CSIRO and SP AusNet, Australia’s transport sector accounts for 14 per cent of Australia’s total greenhouse gas emissions, and it says the PHEVs have the potential to “reduce our emissions and may also provide a way to manage peak demand on the electricity grid.

They also say that, by controlling when PHEVs are recharging from the electricity network the burden of demand can be shifted, and Dr Paevere says that, furthermore, the car battery can be drawn upon to provide “power during peak periods of demand, prevent blackouts when there is a network supply interruption and assist in maintaining the overall stability of the network.”

Dr Paevere says the road trial is the first phase in understanding the potential for using PHEVs in Australian homes, and for now the PHEV technology will also be used in the home energy system of CSIRO’s Zero Emission House (AusZEH) project, with the demonstration home open to the public in summer this year.