The new device called ‘Powerlimit’, allows V2G technology to work alongside domestic solar or batteries. It was designed for households that took part in Octopus’s ‘Powerloop’ project and will for the first time enable homes with V2G technology, alongside other technologies like solar panels and batteries, to connect and export power back to the grid.
Powerloop is the UK’s first large-scale V2G trial which looked into how electric vehicles of households could be used to help balance the grid, make the most of green electrons when they are abundant and save people money on their energy bills. The trial is run by Octopus Energy Group’s electric car specialist business, Octopus Electric Vehicles, as part of an energy industry consortium and funded by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) 1 .
Almost one million homes have adopted solar power in the UK
Powerlimit, a small device that sits between the charger, energy asset and smart meter, can be used to make sure network capacity is maximised and the network is used in the most efficient way possible. Almost a million homes in the UK have already adopted solar power and there is an increasing demand for consumer V2G2. With a Powerlimit device, consumers have the option to add a range of energy exporting technologies to their homes and play a part in helping the UK to reach its net-zero targets, while saving money on their bills3.
Claire Miller, director of technology and innovation from Octopus Electric Vehicles, said: “Not only is this a first for the UK consumer market, it paves the way for homes to help balance the grid faster than ever before. Solutions are needed for homes that need additional capacity to export solar, battery and V2G energy to the local grid.
“As part of a range of approaches, these Powerlimit devices will enable customers to export energy from their homes even where there are restrictions to help develop a more balanced and greener grid.”
Ian Cameron, head of customer services and Innovation at UK Power Networks, commented: “Collaboration with Octopus Electric Vehicles and Innovate UK is allowing us to develop a solution that allows more customers to adopt low carbon technologies.”
Mark Thomas and Steven Cook, directors of G99 Professional Services commented: “Powerlimit answers the need for a compact and cost-effective export-limitation device to provide a solution to single premise multiple export systems for EV systems where the total export is limited.
“Drawing on our experience of demand side response and large battery systems we have developed a range of devices that can be used everywhere from people’s homes all the way up to small to medium-sized commercial industrial premises.”