The TVA SMART Station

TVA and a broad array of partners, including the Electric Power Research Institute, Oak Ridge National Laboratory and local power distributors, is working to set up solar-assisted charging stations for electric vehicles in the TVA region.

The technical design is available to use at no charge by TVA and the Electric Power Research Institute. It is hoped that the best practices created in this project will be replicated by others across the country.

The first prototype, known as the Smart Modal Area Recharge Terminal, or SMART station, will feature power generation by solar photovoltaic panels, stationary battery storage and key elements of smart grid technology.

The prototype will provide information on the operation of a charging station as well as the integration of the station into the operation of the smart grid.

What will the SMART station look like?

The station will use a modular design of solar panels (a canopy over the parking space) that incorporates stationary battery storage, the vehicle charging device, a communications and control system, data collection equipment, a dedicated transformer and connection to the local power grid.

What is modular design?

The charging stations will be designed in building blocks, or modules. The basic two-car charging station module can be scaled up to a station with spaces for 10 or more cars.

What does the stationary battery do?

Stationary battery storage will support the local power grid by lessening the effects of charging multiple cars in one location. It will also provide future opportunities to re-use automotive batteries that are no longer ideal for cars. These batteries may have 60 percent to 70 percent of life in them and can be used to support the power grid.

Where is the prototype located?

The prototype is located at the Electric Power Research Institute Laboratories for Electric Transportation Applications in Knoxville. A second prototype will be built at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Using best practices developed at the prototypes, other stations will be built at sites in Knoxville, Nashville and Chattanooga.

How long will the project last?

Deployment of charging stations in the TVA region is a multi-year project scheduled to end in 2012. The infrastructure to generate solar electricity and charge vehicles will be in place for many years to come.

What information will be collected about the smart grid?

The SMART station will provide data on integrating solar power onto the grid, using battery storage, the effect of local power generation on reliability, and the performance of advanced energy metering equipment that enables two-way exchange of information on energy supply and use.

Are the standards for this charging station the same as in other parts of the country?

Yes. The SMART station will follow safety and technical standards set by the Society of Automotive Engineers by using a standard plug, as well as National Electric Code standards and other best practices indentified by TVA, the Electric Power Research Institute and industry.

Who are TVA's other partners in this project?

Additional electric transportation infrastructure is being developed in conjunction with the EV Project, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy and managed by EDOtality North America. Other partners include, the state of Tennessee, Nissan, regional power distributors and other stakeholders in and around the cities of Knoxville, Chattanooga and Nashville.