We at DNV GL, committed to a safer, smarter and greener future, do research on wasted batteries to see if and how they can have a ‘second life’. On the one hand we do everything possible to avoid waste and on the other hand to explore technical, reliable and profitable storage solutions that can help us in the energytransition.
So, what is being tested in that VW Golf Variant?
The Volkswagen, which DNV GL acquired in January 2015, used to have a combustion engine but was converted to an electrical vehicle (EV) in 2008. The car is now being used and the second life batteries are tested on the public road to monitor the ageing of the battery with realistic, normal use of the car. Aging behaviour of batteries is highly difficult to determine, but for the success of EVs and for the potential of second life of their batteries it is a very important aspect to know.
Furthermore, the car is used to research how the power electronics could be adapted in order to let the car provide services to the electricity grid. The car now simply starts to charge as soon as it is connected to the charger. However, the number of EVs in our society is increasing fast and therefore also the load on the grid increases rapidly when cars are charged (and often they are charged at the same time). To prevent overloading of the electricity grid, EVs can be charged according to the network capacity but still ensuring that the EVs are charged in time, i.e. smart charging (or grid-to-vehicle service). However, the power electronics have to be made suitable in order to be able to smartly charge the car. Another service that an EV can deliver to the grid is by providing storage of abundant electricity due to for example high penetration of solar panels (a vehicle-to-grid service). Also for the latter application the power electronics have to be customized accordingly. The extent to which the power electronics of our EV can be adjusted and how they should be adjusted is researched.
Soon, we will publish some test results of the car’s batteries. In the meantime, please take a look at our other Battery capabilities and project we are doing.