In Hybrid and Electrical Mechanic Training? Everything you Should Know About Bidirectional EV Charging
Hybrid and electric vehicles have seen significant progress over the last several years–both in terms of vehicle technology and how EVs are charged. In fact, through bidirectional charging, EVs may become power sources for homes or may even provide power back into the grid.
If you’re considering hybrid and electrical mechanic training, read on to learn more about bidirectional charging and how it has the potential to change the EV game.
Bidirectional Charging: An Overview
During hybrid and electrical mechanical training, you will learn how EVs are currently powered and charged. Alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) power are both concepts that will be extensively covered during your training. Currently, most EVs are being charged by a unidirectional charger which takes AC and converts it to DC to charge the batteries. This limits the capabilities of the charger to only taking electricity from the power grid. A bidirectional charger does what a unidirectional charger does but can also take DC power from the EV’s batteries and convert it back to AC power. There are several different types of bidirectional charging, and each can provide a different form of utility.
Different Types of Bidirectional EV Charging
Bidirectional charging comes in 3 main forms. These being vehicle-to-grid (V2G), vehicle-to-home (V2H), and vehicle-to-load (V2L). Here are the differences:
- V2G utilizes the batteries in the EV to send power into the electricity grid when there is a peak in demand. This helps support the power grid.
- V2H is where an EV is utilized more as a battery system for a home. Through the bidirectional charger, a home will draw power from the EV when there is a blackout or power outage from the grid.
- V2L is where the bidirectional charger is built into the vehicle but comes in the form of standardized AC power outlets. This allows household appliances, such as a fridge or computer, to be plugged into the EV. However, it cannot connect to the main power box of a home unless specific equipment, such as an AC transfer switch, is attached to the main power board.
Benefits of Bidirectional EV Charging
There are several benefits to having bidirectional charging instead of unidirectional charging. For instance, in the case of V2G, contributing electricity to the main power grid can reduce electricity bills.
V2H can provide several benefits, especially when combined with other renewable energy sources, such as solar power. The most prominent benefit is that this can provide power even if there is a power grid failure or maintenance. If the grid fails, you will still be able to use the EV battery to power a home for several days, depending on the severity of power usage. This can be extended when using a renewable energy source alongside the EV.
V2L is unique in that it does not need an actual bidirectional charger. The bidirectional charger is incorporated into the vehicle as an inverter. The inverter outputs AC power so appliances and household items can be powered through sockets. In the case of a power grid failure or maintenance, V2L EVs can still be effective in maintaining power to certain household items via an extension cord. They are also great for people who want to explore, as they can power appliances as needed.
How Automotive Training Prepares You For Bidirectional EV Charging
During your hybrid and electric vehicle mechanic training, you will learn about energy storage systems and the design of battery packs in EVs. You will also learn about the charging systems on EVs and how they specifically transfer power. This will help you understand bidirectional charging and its advantages over unidirectional charging. Other aspects of EV technology and systems you will be taught about include the transmission and drive train modules, the control systems, and electric motors operations.
Are you ready to begin your automotive training?
Contact ATC Surrey to learn how you can get started.
