Communication between PHEV’s and Smart Grid using Zigbee Protocol

Abstract

Plug-in-hybrid electric vehicles commonly known as PHEV’s are hybrid electric vehicles that use rechargeable batteries for operation. Since PHEV’s run on electric batteries, they require charging after the charge reaches a certain minimum level. The batteries can be charged using external sources usually a smart grid. This requires a wireless technology that can be used to send the information of the battery charge to the smart grid so that it can be charged. This paper is a detailed description of how this communication can be achieved using the ZigBee wireless technology. The battery level information can be sent to the smart grid using this technology and the smart grid operator can then decide whether the PHEV needs charging or not. If not, the battery can be used to provide Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) services i.e. the charge from the vehicle can be sent back to the grid depending on the will of the vehicle owner. Thus, in this way a system can be developed where in both the PHEV driver and the grid operator can benefit.