Pilot project determines around 50 percent degree of self-sufficiency through bidirectional charging

The German »Bi-ClEVer« pilot project, which has been investigating the combined use of photovoltaic systems and electric cars via bidirectional charging in private households since fall 2022, has presented an analysis of practical operation. For the project, data on usage behavior of »pilot users« was analyzed, the operation of the components used was controlled automatically.
According to a statement by E.ON Energie Deutschland, the energy supplier involved in the project, a »degree of self-sufficiency« (i.e., a share of self-generated electricity in total demand) of 51 percent on an annual average is possible with a photovoltaic system (no information was provided on its output) and an e-car with a 42-kilowatt-hour battery in bidirectional charging. With conventional operation, i.e. when the e-car only takes in solar (or grid) power but does not feed power back into the household, the figure is only 24 percent. If bidirectional charging is supplemented by a home storage system, the degree of self-sufficiency increases only relatively slightly to 59 percent.
A second phase of the project is to follow and, among other things, the algorithm used is to be further improved »for example through weather forecasts or by analyzing the individual usage and mobility behavior of the house residents.«
»Bi-ClEVer« was announced in September 2022 as a joint project between car manufacturer BMW, energy company E.ON, distribution system operator Bayernwerk and other partners. According to E.ON, it is based on the »Bidirectional Charge Management« research project, which ran from May 2019 to October 2022.
© PHOTON