Using OCPP for Data Collection in BC Hydro Time-of-Use Measurement Trial for Residential EV Charging

Abstract

Rapid adoption of electric vehicles has introduced new challenges to power utilities by increasing demand on distribution systems. To avoid costly system reinforcements, power utilities can reduce adverse grid impacts and excessive costs for the customers using time-of-use pricing or smart charging programs. Proper infrastructure and data acquisition methodology are the necessities of such program. The data acquisition methodology should be accurate, secure, and economically viable. Different methodologies have been introduced and utilized during the past few years that may not be economically viable or may not provide acceptable accuracy and security levels. In this paper, OCPP has been used to transfer measured data from onboard meters of OCPP-enabled AC Level 2 chargers used in a BC Hydro TOU measurement trial for residential EV charging. The accuracy of the collected data from different chargers has been verified against a utility-grade smart meter. It is shown that the measured data is within a reasonable accuracy range, and it is transferred and stored securely without loss of accuracy. Finally, the collected EV load data is assessed over a period of 24 hours to demonstrate the impact of TOU on the total household load and the importance of proper scheduling.