Energy: smart grids for managing quick charging of electric vehicles

The VELCRI project (Véhicule Electrique à Charge Rapide Intégrée) has tested a smart global quick charging infrastructure in order to optimally integrate our future electric cars into the charge and electricity grid. Hossam Afifi, a researcher at Télécom SudParis, took part in the design of the smart grid, which collects data and regulates electricity consumption at the charging stations.

The smart grid connects the car and energy provider through data-collecting sensors, which poses problems of ‘digital intimacy’. Due to the need for an anonymity intermediary, Hossam Afifi and his team have developed an Android application that guarantees secure communication between the user’s car, the charging station and the grid. Customers identify themselves via personalized profiles and connect to a remote server that contains the types of electric recharge corresponding to the vehicle, as well as other services. The application also manages the charging process and verifies the energy transmitted to the battery. Lastly, it collects real-tie information for the user on the condition of the vehicle’s battery.

Supported by ADEME as part of the Investissements d’Avenir framework, the project is led by Renault and involves Schneider Electric, Saft, EDF, VALEO, Radiall, CEA-Ines, CNRS-Pprime, Eurecom, Apojée, CNRS and Télécom SudParis, which is a member of the Télécom & Société Numérique Carnot Institute.