5 September 2022

Description

This project will focus on demonstrating the value of future grid-integrated electric vehicle ecosystems. In particular, managed charging, and bidirectional charging through vehicle-to-home (V2H), vehicle-to-grid (V2G) and vehicle-to-premises (V2P), which are collectively referred to as V2X.

Specifically, the project will:

• review different managed and bi-directional charging technology configurations for commercial buildings to assess the practical feasibility and different value propositions for customers and other stakeholders;
• select the most promising technologies and configurations to impement in real-world trials at commercial premises on CSIRO sites, and measuring real-world contribution to net-zero sustainability goals; and
• utilise the findings to assess a business case for the roll-out of V2X technology across all of CSIRO’s 52 sites around Australia.

Research results from this project will make real-world difference by helping to:

1. Demonstrate a bi-directional charging on CSIRO’s Newcastle site that maximises customer and system‐wide net-zero sustainability benefits.
2. Identify the value proposition for commercial building owners (i.e. CSIRO) and customers to participate in V2X charging.
3. Quantify impacts of the underlying sources of value and benefits such as direct costs, electricity pricing structures, and technical and vehicle warranty challenges.
4. Assess practical implications from key policy, regulatory and technical barriers, and solutions, such as:
   1. Customer adoption, costs, technology availability and installation issues for EVs with managed and bi-directional charging; and
   2. Bi‐directional charger regulation, installation and grid connection standards for V2X.
5. Understand consumer expectations around how managed and bi-directional charging will work in the real world.
6. Improve understanding for building owners, the electricity industry and policymakers to build confidence in technology and market solutions to integrate EVs into the grid.

Applicants

Applicants will need expertise in a relevant field, such as electrical, mechatronic, mechanical engineering, physics, techno-economic analysis, or systems modelling. Experience with modelling energy systems, coding in Python or Matlab, and prior experience in renewable energy systems analysis is an advantage, as is experienced in working in diverse teams.

Research Schools

The Australian National University (ANU) is one of the top universities in Australia and was ranked amongst the top 50 in the QS World University Rankings in terms of research quality. The School of Engineering (SoEN) in the College of Engineering and Computer Science at the ANU has an extremely strong research culture with outstanding performance in a wide range of fields, including renewable energy, energy storage and systems engineering.

The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) is an Australian Government agency responsible for scientific research. CSIRO works with leading organisations around the world. At CSIRO, we solve Australia’s most significant challenges through innovative science and technology.

Eligibility

Applications are open to domestic and international students. Applicants must hold a first-class Honours degree or Master’s degree in Engineering, Physics or related field or have relevant research experience. Women and Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply and reach out to Dr Sturmberg for any queries or concerns. Applicants are advised to undertake a self-assessment before applying.

To apply, please send a 1 page cover letter and CV (including results for relevant degrees) to Dr Bjorn Sturmberg before 31 October to allow time for a full application.