Vessel to grid: V2X

Providing flexibility services to the grid by electric vehicles (EVs) is commonly referred to as Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X). This is when electricity stored in an EV battery can be transferred to the grid, buildings, houses, and other energy-consuming destinations. The Future Energy Systems team are exploring how this could be applied to boats.

Dry stacks
When boats are not in use, they can be stored in dry stacks. As boats become electrified, these dry stacks could evolve into something similar to grid-scale batteries, providing flexibility services to the grid. The project ‘Virtual Bunkering for Electric Vessels Demo’ is taking steps towards making this a reality by adapting Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) to maritime applications. It’s funded by Innovate UK, through the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition. The goal is to demonstrate bi-directional power transfer from vessel to shore.

Demonstration 
The demonstration will take place at the Marine Station of the University of Plymouth, a research and diving centre regularly used by the university. A 20kW V2X charger will be used to power two boats alternately: a 125kWh leisure boat and a 46kWh workboat. The equipment will be provided by key members of the consortium such as Aqua superpower and RS Electric Boats.

Project focus 
The project primarily focuses on overcoming technological challenges such as making the equipment suitable for boats and adapting communication protocols from the EV sector. The consortium will also explore the potential benefits of V2X in the maritime sector, both for customers and for the grid. Results are expected in early 2025. 

Find out more: Mathilde Hamon