Three-pronged program to address grid constraints and fleet electrification
TMH and Itron specifically list interconnection delays and infrastructure constraints. The cooperation sees the companies combine Itron’s ‘Grid Edge Intelligence’ solutions, including distributed intelligence capabilities and The Mobility House’s charging and energy management system, ChargePilot, and simulations.
“By integrating Itron’s Grid Edge Intelligence solutions with The Mobility House’s ChargePilot in a complete package, we enable site-level control with utility infrastructure,” says Don Reeves, senior VP of Outcomes at Itron.
With the FIX program deployed, EV charging can safely exceed the capacity of an electric panel board and utility infrastructure limitations within specific parameters, allowing utilities to plan and install components while accommodating charging requests with more flexibility, explains Itron.
Since use cases vary widely, the FIX program takes three approaches: passive, active, and dynamic.
In the passive option, utility companies can provide pre-determined grid constraints and use load forecasting to meet the needs of fleet operators and distribution grid operators. Combined with ChargePilot, utilities avoid straining the grid by setting a fixed usage limit and adapting charging schedules to respect that limit, write the partners.
This is what the active approach entails: utilities combine firm capacity, which refers to a reliable electrical supply, with flexibility capacity, allowing them to adapt and adjust the amount of additional electricity available for use based on real-time data from the distribution grid.
The dynamic approach offers an adaptive solution for charging electric vehicle fleets, focusing on grid awareness, optimization and flexibility for fleet operators and utilities. With Itron’s EV Optimizer solution, constraints are discovered, load limits are measured, and load capacity is forecasted in real-time.
“Our combined solution gives utilities the power to turn electric vehicles into grid assets,” said Greg Hintler, CEO of North America at The Mobility House. “With our programmatic approach to addressing distribution constraints, we can create EV infrastructure abundance and ensure a quicker transition to zero emissions transportation for all.”
Starting now, the FIX program is available to utilities and grid operators in North America. Itron will exhibit at the Distributech International show from 27-29 February in Orlando, Florida.
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