- Rhythmos’ rapid deployment with Knoxville Utilities Board is sponsored by Tennessee Valley Authority and the Electric Power Research Institute via the Incubatenergy® Labs program.
- Rhythmos will tap into data from 250,000 Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meters to provide KUB with energy network management to optimize EV charging capabilities.
- Rhythmos is one of just 16 companies selected to participate in this year’s Incubatenergy® Labs program, in which leading utilities engage with select early-stage clean energy companies to demonstrate cutting-edge solutions that advance decarbonization, electrification, grid modernization, and resilience.
BOULDER, Colo.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Without innovative electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions, the average utility will need to invest thousands of dollars in grid upgrades per EV. To support utilities and consumers with increased EV charging capabilities, Rhythmos has announced the commercial deployment of its mobility and utility network management platform in East Tennessee, which is sponsored by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB) will be the first utility system to implement Rhythmos’ innovative predictive analytics software solution to provide vital data such as EV detection, charging characterization, day-ahead forecasting, and transformer loading. Rhythmos’ data offers unprecedented visibility into the electric grid and will allow KUB to identify, quantify, forecast, and control EV charging needs to minimize grid impact. This data also informs operational planning, procurement and rate design. This project, made possible by EPRI’s Incubatenergy® Labs (IEL) program, marks a significant step towards enhancing EV infrastructure in the state.
“Today’s utilities are doing everything they can to support electric mobility and to meet charging demand in time to scale up in tune with the EV industry,” said James Linder, program manager of innovation scouting for TVA. “TVA’s commitment to working with local power companies to keep service steady and reliable means investing in technologies that support our customers’ evolving needs. We look forward to doing that in our hometown by sponsoring this smart charging deployment between KUB and Rhythmos.”
A key feature of the Rhythmos solution is its ability to provide comprehensive loading analysis on each distribution service transformer in KUB’s distribution system. This includes a meticulous assessment of the impact of EV loading on service transformers. By ingesting data from KUB’s 250,000 Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meters and Geographic Information System (GIS) data, Rhythmos will analyze meter intervals to precisely detect EV charging points within the distribution system. Rhythmos will also characterize EV charging behavior – such as frequency and time of day – based on historical meter data, which will provide KUB with unparalleled insight into EV charging load projections for the next day.
“KUB empowers electric vehicle adoption throughout our service territory by improving infrastructure, reducing demand charges for separately metered EV stations, providing residential customers with EV charging incentives, and supporting commercial fleet electrification,” said Mathew Stinnett, manager of electric engineering at KUB. “By deploying Rhythmos’ software, we gain powerful insight into our customers’ needs so that we are better prepared to manage EV charging loads. This deployment signifies a step towards a more intelligent and responsive energy grid.”
To earn this rapid deployment demonstration with KUB, Rhythmos was one of only 16 companies to earn a place in EPRI’s 2023 IEL Cohort. EPRI provides rigorous technical validation of Rhythmos’ energy management analytics and algorithm performance based on EPRI’s evaluation of the effectiveness of Rhythmos’ EV detection and day-ahead forecasting functionalities. The assessment of this demonstration will extend to exploring the potential impact on utility rates, resulting in a comprehensive report outlining the rate implications of the solutions presented. The results of this partnership will be presented on November 1st at EPRI’s Incubatenergy Demo Day.
“Our solution was designed by utility experts and with utilities in mind, recognizing the need to improve charging capacity within today’s existing infrastructure,” said Ken Munson, chief executive officer of Rhythmos. “We become the connective tissue addressing the complexities of the distribution network while enabling EVs and fleets to operate unconstrained. This deployment with KUB is a transformative step toward electric mobility, and we are thankful to TVA and EPRI for putting their faith in Rhythmos.”
Rhythmos brings an entirely modular and scalable solution to the utilities and EV charging management market, which allows the software to integrate with existing systems seamlessly. Rhythmos and Driivz recently announced a joint effort to accelerate fleet electrification by optimizing charging schedules via the Driivz platform, which already manages tens of thousands of existing charging points globally. To learn more about how Rhythmos supports utilities and fleets to enable electric mobility, visit rhythmos.io.
About Rhythmos
Rhythmos develops advanced software that optimizes electric mobility, enabling the transition to a decarbonized power grid. Designed with the belief that the answer to grid modernization lies in the end-to-end orchestration of systems and services, the company’s modern analytics platform uses machine learning to address the needs of fleet managers, operators, planners, and utility partners. With scalable and modular functionality, Rhythmos provides a comprehensive network solution that adapts and grows with customers, offering predictability, flexibility, and real-time transparency. Based in Boulder, CO, Rhythmos is at the forefront of solving a $2.1 trillion problem and facilitating a rapid and cost-efficient transition from fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy and decarbonized transportation. Visit rhythmos.io for more information.
About Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
The Tennessee Valley Authority is the nation’s largest public power supplier, delivering energy to 10 million people across seven southeastern states. TVA was established 90 years ago to serve this region and the nation by developing innovative solutions to solve complex challenges. TVA’s unique mission focuses on energy, environmental stewardship, and economic development. With one of the largest, most diverse, and cleanest energy systems – including nuclear, hydro, solar, gas, and advanced technologies – TVA is a leader in our nation’s drive toward a clean energy future.
TVA is a corporate agency of the United States, receiving no taxpayer funding, deriving virtually all of its revenues from sales of electricity. In addition to operating and investing its revenues in its electric system, TVA provides flood control, navigation, and land management for the Tennessee River system, and assists local power companies and state and local governments with economic development and job creation.
About Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)
Founded in 1972, EPRI is the world’s preeminent independent, non-profit energy research and development organization, with offices around the world. EPRI’s trusted experts collaborate with more than 450 companies in 45 countries, driving innovation to ensure the public has clean, safe, reliable, affordable, and equitable access to electricity across the globe. Together, we are shaping the future of energy.
About Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB)
KUB is a municipal utility serving Knoxville, Knox County, and parts of seven adjacent counties in East Tennessee with safe and reliable electric, fiber, natural gas, water, and wastewater services to more than 478,000 customers.
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