Topic of the Week - Wind energy and the Automobile Industry - A match for the future?

Wind power electric cars with lithium ion batteries could reduce Alberta's carbon footprint while we sleep. Wind turbines and a new generation of electric vehicless are both technologies designed to reduce hydrocarbon use and CO2 emissions. However, according to a paper released today by Mahdi Hajian, Monishaa Manickavasagam, William D. Rosehart and Hamid Zareipour for the University of Calgary's School of Public Policy, electric cars and wind turbines have a unique synergy that can increase both of their clean energy benefits.

Wind turbines create more power at night, when wind tends to be strongest in Alberta. At the same time, most commuters do not drive at night. So, if a commuter has chosen to invest in an electric or plug-in hybrid car, night time is when the charging will occur. The authors argue that if electrical grid operators in Alberta could divert more wind energy to the grid at night for use by electric cars that are recharging, that significant energy and emissions savings would result.

Dr. Zareipour points out additional benefits of such a system, "With a 'smart charging system', when a vehicle is plugged in, the grid operator has control over its charging. In fact, the battery can even be discharged to provide power back to the grid. So, car owners could realize some benefits in return for supplying power to the grid. Although a smart charging system requires an initial investment in communication infrastructure and incentive plans to encourage owners to participate, it would bring with it several advantages, including significant environmental benefits."

A copy of the paper entitled "Environmental Benefits Of Using Wind Generation To Power Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles" can be found by going to http://policyschool.ucalgary.ca/publications.

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