Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) power systems allow the electricity contained in a vehicle's batteries to be reinjected into the power grid when the vehicle is parked, using an electronic interface. Solarcamp uses this technology to allow a fleet of electric vehicles to balance local “microgrids” at Aix-TGV train station and thecamp.
This project is designed to reduce carbon footprint, and encourages virtuous behavior via digital “tokens” by leveraging blockchain technology.
What’s the context?
SNCF Gares & Connexions is building next-generation train stations throughout France, with Aix-TGV station as a leading innovation showroom. The station offers interactive experiences and a number of innovative services.
Clean energy and clean transportation are key areas of development: a number of distributed energy resources were installed, such as solar panels, electric vehicle charging stations and energy storage. As the station evolves towards 100% renewable energy, key challenges have emerged: one of them is to become autonomous in energy production thanks to photovoltaics and hydrogen.
How does it work?
As part of the Solarcamp experiment, V2G-compatible cars parked at the station will serve as storage units for energy that will be used by the station. Using a mobile phone application, travelers who leave their vehicles in the parking lot will provide their return date and the level of battery charge they will require upon their return. Then, as compensation for having their vehicle used to store and provide energy, the traveler will receive “tokens” that can pay for parking, car rental in Paris, or other services. The train station aims to become a reference for self-sustainable energy.
The experiment will be extended to thecamp’s microgrid, linking energy transition to electric mobility use-cases. For example, an employee at thecamp could use an electric vehicle charged with renewable energy, then go to the train station, where the car would be used as an energy resource, and receive digital tokens as a compensation.
