The mobility house of tomorrow: system modelling and experiments with focus on technical and sociotechnical aspects

Purpose and goal

The purpose of the project was to develop solutions for a charging infrastructure of electric vehicles (EVs), as well as incentives and strategies aimed at electric car owners to achieve increased flexibility when charging EVs. The goal was to obtain modeling and experiments, both from technical and socio-technical perspectives. The project results increase knowledge about the interplay between energy subsystems in a smart parking garage to minimize the extra load on the local power grid and about charging incentives and preferences among electric car owners.

Expected results and effects

The project led to simulation models for peak shaving and load shifting, the installation in the parking garage of measurement and communication systems for data collection and data analyses, as well as a research twin at the university lab, the development of an App for smart charging. The project led to publications in scientific journals, new partnerships with the automotive industry and research institutes, and a follow-up project. The work affects the parking garages that UPAB builds and the experiences from this project are of value to other researchers and students.

Planned approach and implementation

The 3-year project was carried out by UU, STUNS and UPAB in collaboration with the Uppsala Smart Energy Research group. The activities are divided into four work packages (WP): WP1, Project management and communication; WP2, Modeling of the energy system; WP3, Installation and experiment; WP4, Incentive models and engagement strategies. Continuous feedback has been provided during the parties´ regular meetings as well as the internal meetings within and between work packages.