The Project

Papilio3 fast Hub V2X Trial, funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, delivered by Innovate UK, is a cutting-edge project aimed at advancing energy flexibility and bi-directional charging technology for electric vehicles (EVs). The primary purpose of this trial is to design, develop, and demonstrate a DC micro-grid system using the Papilio3 platform. This involves the integration of solar photovoltaic (PV) energy, battery storage, and multiple bi-directional EV charging stations, all managed through a single grid-facing inverter. The goal is to create a real-world, functional system that can efficiently manage energy flows between the grid, vehicles, and storage systems.

Objectives

System Design and Development: Develop a DC micro-grid with the Papilio3 system, incorporating direct current (DC) connections for battery storage, solar PV, and up to 12 bi-directional EV charging stations, all interfacing with the grid through a single AC inverter.

Installation and Real-World Demonstration: Install the V2X-Papilio3 system at a trial site, with real end-users, to demonstrate the system's capabilities in a real-world setting.

Six-Month Trial: Conduct a six-month trial to gather critical operational data on vehicle-to-grid (V2G), vehicle-to-building (V2B), and vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) interactions, which will provide valuable insights for commercial applications.

Proof of Concept: Validate the system's functionality with supporting data to demonstrate the commercial viability of the technology.

OEM Collaboration: Offer a deployable "test" facility for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) developing CCS (Combined Charging System) V2X-capable vehicles.

Cost-Effective Solution: Develop a technically driven, cost-effective solution that leverages existing infrastructure to maximize the potential of bi-directional EV charging and energy transfer.

Behind-the-Meter Integration: Take steps toward creating integrated, customer-facing solutions that offer new revenue opportunities through grid balancing services using aggregated energy capacity.

Where are you running the trial and for how long?

We’re really excited to be able to announce that Millbrook is going to host the trial here in Bedford, so after the show we’re going to move the unit nearer to the main entrance and install it there ahead of our commissioning tests and trial start date 1st October.

The project will deliver a trial report at project-end, covering the following questions:

  • What type of energy flexibility did the project deliver?
  • To what extent was the project successful in increasing energy flexibility?
  • Has the trial met your commercial ambitions?
  • What were the experiences of participants in the trial?