Master's thesis: Evaluation of Vehicle-to-Grid Operation Using Real-Time System Emulation

Description

Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) is a technology that allows electric vehicles (EVs) to not only draw power from the grid for charging but also feed stored energy back to the grid, supporting energy balance, grid stability, and renewable integration.

V2G promises valuable grid services, but the gap between theoretical control concepts and actual hardware performance is not fully explored. The main objective of this thesis is to experimentally evaluate a V2G system under realistic operating conditions.

An advanced real-time simulation hardware platform will be employed in this thesis project, serving as both the control system and the digital model of the grid and vehicle-side systems. Such a platform represents an intermediate step between offline simulation and real vehicle operation.

Execution

Step 1 – Experimental setup

• Set up and configure the real-time simulation hardware and software platform.

• Operate the system to demonstrate stable bidirectional charging in the lab.

• Perform experimental validation to confirm successful commissioning and reliable system operation.

Step 2 – Experimental operation

• Define and implement selected existing V2G bidirectional charging strategies.

• Evaluate the performance of these strategies by analyzing how the system tracks applied charge/discharge power commands (steps, ramps, and realistic profiles).

• Quantify system efficiency and losses, including round-trip efficiency, standby losses, and operational stability limits.

Expected outcome

The thesis will deliver a validated experimental setup along with quantitative evaluation of system capabilities and limitations.

Required skills

• Basic control systems and power electronics

• MATLAB/Simulink modeling

• Hands-on lab work and data analysis

• Interest in real-time systems and experimentation. Experience with dSpace is very meriting.

Personal interest in real-time control and energy system simulation is considered a merit. The work will be carried out in Gothenburg. The thesis is recommended for one or two students.

The application deadline is June 7th, 2026. A start in August 2026 is preferred but negotiable.

For questions, please contact:

Jonas Hellgren – RISE

jonas.hellgren@ri.se

Xiaoliang Huang – RISE

xiaoliang.huang@ri.se