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Use Cases for Plug-In Vehicle Communication as a Distributed Energy Resource (J2836/3)
As electric vehicles become a larger part of the energy ecosystem, the need for standardized communication between vehicles, chargers, and the grid grows. SAE J2836/3 (revised 2024) provides an information report that outlines use cases for plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) acting as distributed energy resources (DERs). This document covers vehicle-to-grid (V2G) and other reverse power flow scenarios, emphasizing modular communication and alignment with established inverter and grid standards. 🛠️
Understanding the Scope of SAE J2836/3
The standard’s rationale highlights updates driven by IEEE 1547-2018, UL 1741 Supplement C, and recent California regulatory developments. J2836/3 describes reverse power flow types—where energy flows from the vehicle to the grid, home, load, or another vehicle—and the communication requirements for each.
| Reverse Power Flow Type | Description | Application Example |
|---|---|---|
| V2G-AC | Vehicle-to-grid using an onboard inverter (AC output) | PEV supplies power to the utility grid through an AC EVSE |
| V2G-DC | Vehicle-to-grid using DC reverse power flow | PEV exports DC power to a bidirectional DC-capable EVSE |
| V2G-WPT / V2H-WPT | Wireless power transfer for grid or home supply | Inductive charging with reverse flow |
| V2H-AC / V2H-DC | Vehicle-to-home (AC or DC) | PEV powers household loads during an outage |
| V2L-AC / V2L-DC | Vehicle-to-load | PEV supplies a construction tool or event |
| V2V-AC / V2V-DC | Vehicle-to-vehicle | PEV charges another PEV |
| V2M-AC / V2M-DC | Vehicle-to-microgrid | PEV supports a local microgrid |
| V2D-DC | Vehicle to DC microgrid | PEV integrates with a DC building network |
Each type requires specific signaling and control. J2836/3 references companion standards like J2847/2, J2847/3, and J2847/5 for detailed communication protocols.
Engineering Design Insights for V2G Communication
The standard emphasizes that successful V2G integration depends on robust, secure communication between the PEV and the EVSE. Key design insights include:
- Modular communication: The EVSE should handle grid-side interactions, while the PEV handles battery and inverter control. Clear separation simplifies upgrades.
- Alignment with grid standards: The document aligns with IEEE 1547-2018 (for interconnection) and UL 1741 Supplement C (for inverter safety). Smart inverter functions—such as volt/VAR control, frequency-watt, and ride-through—are incorporated.
- Data exchange: Recommended information includes state of charge, maximum charge/discharge limits, and time of reference. Energy management systems (EMS) use this to schedule power flow.
🛠️ Engineering Design Insight: When designing a V2G system, plan for target setpoints versus limit setpoints. The standard clarifies that the PEV may receive a target power level or a limit not to exceed—the difference affects control strategies and required response time.
⚠️ Common Mistake: Neglecting security in communication links. J2836/3 does not detail encryption, but any implementation should ensure that reverse power flow commands are authenticated and protected against tampering.
Key Use Cases and Integration as Distributed Energy Resources
J2836/3 organizes V2G applications into balancing area (bulk power) applications, distribution system applications, and customer applications. Use case U6 (Basic DER) and U7 (Advanced DER) describe functions like maximum forward/reverse power, direct charge/discharge, and reactive power control. The standard provides examples such as facility demand charge management, where a PEV discharges during peak load to reduce utility bills.
For a PEV to behave as a DER, the EVSE must communicate with both the vehicle and the utility or aggregator. The document recommends levels of EMS engagement, from simple manual control to fully automated optimization.
FAQs
Q: What are the main types of reverse power flow covered in J2836/3?
A: The standard covers V2G-AC, V2G-DC, V2G-WPT, V2H (AC, DC, WPT), V2L (AC, DC), V2V (AC, DC), V2M (AC, DC), and V2D-DC. Each has distinct communication and hardware requirements.
Q: How does J2836/3 address interoperability between different V2G implementations?
A: It promotes modularity by separating PEV and EVSE roles, references SAE J2847/2, /3, and /5 for protocol details, and aligns with IEEE 1547-2018 and UL 1741 to ensure consistent grid interface behavior.
Q: What communication protocols are required for reverse power flow?
A: The document does not mandate a single protocol but points to existing SAE and industry standards. For example, V2G-AC often uses IEEE 2030.5 (via SunSpec) and J2847/3; V2G-DC uses J2847/2. The actual PHY/MAC is typically Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or powerline communication.
Q: How can plug-in electric vehicles be integrated as distributed energy resources?
A: By equipping the EVSE with smart inverter functions and bidirectional power capability, and implementing the communication use cases in J2836/3. Applications include demand charge management, frequency regulation, and backup power. The vehicle must expose charging/discharging schedules, state of charge, and limits to the EMS or aggregator.
Originally published in 2013 and revised in 2024, SAE J2836/3 remains a critical reference for engineers working on V2G communication and DER integration.
