Vehicle to Grid Electricity (V2G) – Will Cars Become 100 kW Power Plants?
March 24 2009 / by MarkGoldes
Category: Energy Year: 2010 Rating: 2 Hot
Revolutionary breakthroughs will make possible the elimination of the need for batteries of every variety. These generators are expected to replace the need to plug-in a plug-in hybrid. Two kW is all the power that can be taken from a typical wall socket. A 2 kW generator is on the horizon. It will eventually demonstrate a compact, inexpensive, capability to end the need to plug-in.
If the development of these generators is put on a 24/7 footing, it may be possible to provide 100 kW systems that will fit in the space of an engine and gas tank, on a prototype basis within two years. If that occurs, since no fuel or battery recharge is required, automobile manufacturers may conclude that engines are likely to become obsolete. Consumer purchasing patterns could begin to reflect a new reality, with the market deciding most future cars must be totally electric, since they will never need any variety of fuel.
The economics are likely to prove compelling. Until now, car ownership has been an expense. V2G has been explored in a modest way for hybrids. Plug-in hybrids, equipped with a two way plug, can feed power to the local utility while parked. This is 95% of the time for the average vehicle. Professor Willet Kempton, at the University of Delaware, has stated the car’s owner could earn up to $4,000 every year.
MagGen™ powered cars are expected to be capable of generating at least 75 kW and perhaps 100 kW in the volume of a typical fuel tank. In the case of luxury cars, trucks and buses, it seems 150 kW will prove practical. Technology already exists that can wirelessly couple up to 150 kW to the grid from parked vehicles. No plug connection will be required.
Today a large plug installed in a hybrid car can allow 240 volts to be accommodated. A 240 volt connection cord can probably provide a maximum of 19 kW to the utility. If that 19 kW can annually pay the vehicle owner $4,000, imagine what the income might be with a wirelessly coupled 75 kW or larger MagGen. If the price per kW is the same as that used in the University of Delaware analysis, we could be anticipating payments totaling $15,000, or more, per year.
When a substantial number of vehicles powered by magnetic generators fill a parking garage, it will have become a multi-megawatt power plant.
Doubtless, when millions of cars and trucks are selling power to the grid, the price per kilowatt paid will gradually decline. However, it still seems likely that the cost of many vehicles might be paid for by utilities, as they purchase power whenever needed. The parked cars, trucks and buses, each become decentralized power plants - a rapid, cost-effective alternative to the many tough and costly challenges of constructing new coal burning and nuclear power generation facilities.
Automotive manufacturers can be expected to have no trouble selling fuel free cars, that need no batteries or recharge, and can pay for themselves over a reasonable period of time.
Imagine the impact on the world economy.
Utilities and vehicle manufacturers have a unique opportunity to lead the nation and the world.
Comment Thread (3 Responses)
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I am a little confused about what powers these generators? The author seems to imply they are “magically” producing $4,000 of electricity a year but from what it does not say…
Posted by: CraigV March 25, 2009
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As he notes, the cost per kilowatt would drop (dramatically) if this hypothetical future became reality, making the possibility of earning much money back from your car (or those generators in your basement) unlikely in the long-term.
More importantly, what powers this new, tiny generator??
And if we can make a generator that effective at such a small size, imagine the effectiveness of the generators employed by the power companies! They very well may not even need power from our cars, as it wouldn’t be nearly as efficiently produced as their plants.
Admittedly, the transitional period as power companies are forced to convert to this new technology could be a time ripe to profit from our cars ‘giving back’.
Wirelessly transmitted power is also quite the interesting issue, especially in preventing significant loss over even small distances. But hey, if we’re assuming that these generators are a reality, perhaps the wireless equivalent of Alternating Current has been discovered as well that transmits well.
Posted by: MikeA March 26, 2009
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If this magic generator makes it profitable for individuals to sell electricity to the grid, it is kinda really stupid to house it in your car. We all should put a dozen or so of them in our basements and garages instead, quit our jobs and live like kings! It sure sounds too good to be true, so it must be true.
Posted by: johnfrink March 27, 2009
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