Innovative Charging Infrastructure for E-Mobility: Research and Development at AIT
The Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) is a leading European research institute and a key partner in the development of innovative technologies for e-mobility charging infrastructure planning.
As a partner, AIT plays a crucial role in the design, development, and simulation of charging infrastructures for electric vehicles. Collaborating closely with industry, operators, municipalities, and policymakers, AIT works on solutions to enable the deployment of efficient and intelligent charging infrastructures. This includes planning, optimizing, and integrating charging stations into existing energy grids.
Development Focus Areas
- Simulation Models and Planning Tools
AIT develops highly accurate simulation models to predict energy demand and utilization of charging stations under various scenarios. These models enable optimal planning of charging infrastructure locations and efficient grid expansion. - Intelligent Grid Integration
Another key research area is the integration of charging infrastructure into existing power grids. The focus lies on grid planning and stability, as well as avoiding overloads caused by the increasing number of electric vehicles. By implementing intelligent charging systems and utilizing renewable energy sources, the aim is to create grid-friendly and energy-efficient charging infrastructure. - Safe and Reliable Charging
AIT is developing fast and reliable charging systems while addressing the electrical safety requirements of charging points. This ensures that the use of charging stations is as safe and dependable as possible. - Sector Coupling and Load Management
Sector coupling between energy and mobility enables a holistic approach to charging infrastructure. This includes the development of load management systems that ensure even distribution of energy consumption and reduce peak loads.
Testing Infrastructure for E-Charging Stations & Charging Infrastructure
The AIT testing infrastructure provides ideal conditions for examining the interactions between electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, the electrical power system, and the ICT environment of a smart grid. All components of the technical ecosystem of "e-vehicle charging infrastructure" can be implemented either as real hardware or as real-time emulations in laboratory tests.
The main components include:
- Electric grid connection or the upstream grid.
- Vehicle charging equipment.
- IT systems for management and billing.
These components are available as fully developed software simulations, emulators, or real hardware components.
This testing infrastructure is integrated into the AIT SmartEST laboratory. Here, new components and control concepts, as well as their interaction with the electrical grid, can be tested under realistic and extreme conditions.
SERVICES FOR E-CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE COMPONENT TESTING
- Testing of communication protocols (e.g., IEC 61851, IEC 15118, OCPP)
- Testing of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) for compliance with national grid connection requirements up to 1 MVA
- Integration of real Electric Vehicles (EVs) and charging infrastructure (EVSE) into large-scale low-voltage grid simulations
- Analysis of charging characteristics
- Expertise and support in interoperability
OUR SERVICES FOR SYSTEM TESTING
- Interaction between vehicle and charging station within a smart grid
- Validation of smart charging algorithms in coordination with the grid
- Hardware-in-the-Loop environment for development and type testing
- Validation of business models