Fermata Energy collaborates with NSF-funded research team to strengthen American infrastructure through vehicle-grid integration (VGI)

Fermata Energy announced its advisory role in a prestigious three-year research initiative funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The project, Electric Vehicle Integration to power infrastructure by Behavioral, Economics, and Sociotechnical modeling (E-VIBES), is led by an interdisciplinary team at the University of Colorado-Denver, North Carolina State University, Gettysburg College, and Colorado Smart Cities Alliance. It aims to enhance the resilience and efficiency of America's infrastructure through Vehicle-Grid Integration (VGI) system development.

This NSF-funded research, under the Strengthening American Infrastructure (SAI) program, seeks to transform how energy and information flow between electric vehicles (EVs) and the electric grid. Addressing the pressing issues of frequent power outages and rising energy costs, this initiative leverages the potential of EVs as backup power sources, cost-saving tools, and supports grid stability and renewable energy integration.

Key Research Areas:

• Economic, Behavioral, and Technical Concepts: Developing a comprehensive VGI system.
• User-Friendly VGI Services: Identifying pricing mechanisms and institutional arrangements.
• Power Flow Studies: Ensuring the grid can handle VGI and optimizing EV charging and discharging.
• Socio-Economic Disparities: Understanding consumer willingness and equitable benefit distribution.
• Machine Learning and Data Analysis: Creating models to predict VGI adoption and usage patterns.

Fermata Energy will provide expert guidance on the development and implementation of VGI systems, ensuring that the project benefits from cutting-edge industry insights and practical experience. This collaboration enhances the potential for real-world application and impact.

“The integration of electric vehicles into our energy grid is poised to revolutionize energy management,” says Tony Posawatz, CEO of Fermata Energy. “Our role in this research will ensure that Vehicle-Grid Integration systems are not only innovative and efficient but also accessible and beneficial to all, bridging socio-economic gaps in energy access.”

This award, supported by the Directorate for Social, Behavioral, and Economic (SBE) Sciences, reflects NSF's commitment to advancing research with significant intellectual merit and broad societal impacts.

“Collaborating with Fermata Energy has provided a vital link between our research and real-world application,” says Serena Kim, project co-lead at North Carolina State University. “By leveraging insights from V2X system users, owners, and potential adopters, we are addressing critical challenges in energy pricing, EV ownership costs, and regulatory frameworks to support the wider deployment of V2X systems. This partnership allows us to develop solutions that are not only technologically advanced but also sustainable and equitable, ensuring a more resilient energy future for all communities.”