Question
When electric cars are not being driven, energy stored in their batteries could be used to meet sudden peaks in electricity demand. Suggest how. [2 marks]
Answer
4
(213 Votes)
Howard
Elite · Tutor for 8 years
Answer
The energy stored in the batteries of electric vehicles can be used to meet sudden peaks in electricity demand when these cars are not being driven through the method called 'Vehicle to Grid' or simply 'V2G'. This method enables unused electric vehicles to contribute back their stored energy to the electric grid during periods of high demand, thereby helping to balance power supply and demand efficiently.
Explanation
The stored energy in the batteries of electric cars can be utilized during peak load time by using a technique known as 'Vehicle to grid' (V2G). 'Vehicle to grid' is a system where the electric vehicles communicate with the power grid to sell demand response services by returning the electricity back to the grid during peak demand.Now let's clarify this idea step-by-step:__Step 1:__During periods when the electric cars are not being used, they would often be plugged into a charging station, charging the batteries and preparing for their next use.__Step 2:__In a Vehicle-to-grid system, this relationship is a two way street. The electric cars, while plugged in, are also connected to the grid.__Step 3:__During periods of extremely high electricity demand which are known as peak load periods, instead of continuing to charge, the electric cars can actually contribute electricity back to the grid, discharging their batteries to a degree.__Step 4:__As a result, the Vehicle-to-grid system helps to smooth the peaks of electricity demand and provide extra energy to the grid when it's needed most. Once the peak demand reduces, the cars can then resume charging as normal.It's noteworthy to keep in mind that in order for this to work as effectively as possible, individual electric cars would need to be smart enough to understand when to best charge and discharge their batteries, or to be managed by software on the grid side,Therefore, the idea revolving the question pertains to the technique of 'Vehicle to grid'.To sum up, if unoccupied electric cars-- connected to a grid system-- switch to giving their excess energy to the electrical grid during instances of high power demand. Then electric cars can equivocally supply electricity during periods of peak power demand. Once the power demand levels return back to normal, they would then resume charging their batteries.