Cong Zhang

Dr. Cong Zhang

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

11Years (2016-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

View All Publications
17 February 2017 in Energies
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
TZTao Zhu
Tao Zhu
HMHaitao Min
Haitao Min
YYYuanbin Yu
Yuanbin Yu
ZZZhongmin Zhao
Zhongmin Zhao
TXTao Xu
Tao Xu
CZCong Zhang
Cong Zhang
This paper presents an optimized energy management strategy for Li-ion power batteries used on electric vehicles (EVs) at low temperatures. In low-temperature environments, EVs suffer a sharp driving range loss resulting from the energy and power capability reduction of the battery. Simultaneously, because of Li plating, battery degradation becomes an increasing concern as the temperature drops. All these factors could greatly increase the total vehicle operation cost. Prior to battery charging and vehicle operating, preheating the battery to a battery-friendly temperature is an approach to promote energy utilization and reduce total cost. Based on the proposed LiFePO4 battery model, the total vehicle operation cost under certain driving cycles is quantified in the present paper. Then, given a certain ambient temperature, a target preheating temperature is optimized under the principle of minimizing total cost. As for the preheating method, a liquid heating system is also implemented on an electric bus. Simulation results show that the preheating process becomes increasingly necessary with decreasing ambient temperature, however, the preheating demand declines as driving range grows. Vehicle tests verify that the preheating management strategy proposed in this paper is able to save on total vehicle operation costs.

3 January 2020 in Energies
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
CZCong Zhang
Cong Zhang
DWDai Wang
Dai Wang
BWBing Wang
Bing Wang
FTFan Tong
Fan Tong
A battery/supercapacitor hybrid energy storage system is developed to mitigate the battery degradation for electric vehicles. By coordinating the battery and supercapacitor, the proposed system avoids using the large bidirectional DC/DC. Through the improved topology and two added controlled switches, the battery current can be managed flexibly. Based on the battery and supercapacitor voltage, seven operation modes of battery and capacitor cooperation are designed. The control strategy is redesigned to match the modes, in which the key control parameters are calibrated based on three standard driving cycles. During driving, the proposed system calls the predefined parameter set by the cycle recognition technique. The objective of the cycle-related control is to maximize the harvest of the braking energy and minimize battery degradation in various driving styles. Taking the battery case solely as a benchmark and the infinite supercapacitors case as the largest battery degradation mitigation scenario, the battery degradation quantification of the proposed energy storage system shows more than 80% mitigation of the maximum theoretical battery degradation mitigation on urban dynamometer driving schedule (UDDS), highway fuel economy cycle (HWFET), and high-speed (US06) driving cycle, respectively. During the tested driving cycles, the simulation result indicates the battery degradation reduced by 30% more than the battery solely scenario, which proves the benefit of the proposed system.

18 June 2025 in Sustainability
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
CZCong Zhang
Cong Zhang
XWXinyu Wang
Xinyu Wang
YWYihan Wang
Yihan Wang
PTPingpeng Tang
Pingpeng Tang
This study presents a comprehensive life-cycle assessment of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) economic viability, explicitly integrating the costs of both battery cycling degradation and calendar aging. While V2G offers revenue through energy arbitrage, its net profitability is critically dependent on regional electricity price differentials and the associated battery degradation costs. We develop a dynamic cost–benefit model, validated over a 10-year horizon across five diverse regions (Shanghai, Chengdu, the U.S., the U.K., and Australia). The results reveal stark regional disparities: Chengdu (0.65 USD/kWh peak–valley gap) and Australia (0.53 USD/kWh) achieve substantial net revenues of up to USD 25,000 per vehicle, whereas Shanghai’s narrow price differential (0.03 USD/kWh) renders V2G unprofitable. Sensitivity analysis quantifies critical break-even price differentials, varying by EV model and annual mileage (e.g., 0.12 USD/kWh minimum for Tesla Model Y). Crucially, calendar aging emerged as the dominant degradation cost (67% at 10,000 km/year), indicating significant battery underutilization potential. Policy insights emphasize the necessity of targeted interventions, such as Chengdu’s discharge incentives (0.69 USD/kWh), to bridge profitability gaps. This research provides actionable guidance for policymakers, grid operators, and EV owners by quantifying the trade-offs between V2G revenue and battery longevity, enabling optimized deployment strategies.

2 November 2016 in Energies
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
CZCong Zhang
Cong Zhang
HMHaitao Min
Haitao Min
YYYuanbin Yu
Yuanbin Yu
DWDai Wang
Dai Wang
JLJustin Luke
Justin Luke
SSSamveg Saxena
Samveg Saxena
Range anxiety and battery cycle life are two major factors which restrict the development of electric vehicles. Battery degradation can be reduced by adding supercapacitors to create a Hybrid Energy Storage System. This paper proposes a systematic approach to configure the hybrid energy storage system and quantifies the battery degradation for electric vehicles when using supercapacitors. A continuous power-energy function is proposed to establish supercapacitor size based on national household travel survey statistics. By analyzing continuous driving action in standard driving cycles and special driving phases (start up and acceleration), the supercapacitor size is calculated to provide a compromise between the capacitor size and battery degradation. Estimating the battery degradation after 10 years, the battery capacity loss value decreases 17.55% and 21.6%, respectively, under the urban dynamometer driving schedule and the US06. Furthermore, the battery lifespan of the continuous power-energy configured system is prolonged 28.62% and 31.39%, respectively, compared with the battery alone system.

26 December 2024 in Sustainability
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
CZCong Zhang
Cong Zhang
JLJingchao Lian
Jingchao Lian
HMHaitao Min
Haitao Min
MLMing Li
Ming Li
As the world pivots to a greener paradigm, Shanghai emerges as an archetype in the sustainable urban transit narrative, particularly through the aggressive expansion and refinement of its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. This scholarly article provides a comprehensive examination of the current state of charging infrastructure in Shanghai, highlighting the challenges that the existing infrastructure may face in light of the burgeoning electric vehicle market. This paper delves into the strategic development approaches adopted by Shanghai to address these challenges, particularly emphasizing the expansion of high-power charging infrastructure to meet the anticipated increase in future electric vehicle charging demands. It also discusses the implementation of co-construction and sharing models, the enhancement of interconnectivity and standardized management of charging facilities, and the continuous improvement and strengthening of infrastructure construction and operations. Furthermore, this article explores the implementation of time-of-use electricity pricing policies and the ongoing conduct of demand response activities, which are instrumental in creating conditions for vehicle-to-grid interaction. The aim of our presentation is to foster a keen understanding among policymakers, industry stakeholders, and urban planners of the mechanisms necessary to effectively navigate the emerging electric vehicle market, thereby encouraging harmonious development between metropolises and transportation systems. Future research endeavors should delve into the realms of fast-charging technologies, intelligent operation and maintenance of charging infrastructure, and vehicle-to-grid interaction technologies. These areas of study are pivotal in fostering the harmonious development of electric vehicles (EVs) and their charging infrastructure, thereby aligning with the dual objectives of advancing urban transportation systems and sustainable green city development. The findings presented herein offer valuable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and industry leaders, guiding them in crafting informed strategies that not only address the immediate needs of the EV market but also lay the groundwork for a scalable and resilient charging infrastructure, poised to support the long-term vision of sustainable urban mobility.

30 January 2025 in Sustainability
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
CZCong Zhang
Cong Zhang
YSYuqian Shan
Yuqian Shan
JLJingchao Lian
Jingchao Lian
CZChuanfang Zhang
Chuanfang Zhang
MLMing Li
Ming Li
The fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) is a promising transportation technology for resolving the air pollution and climate change issues in the United States. However, a large-scale penetration of FCEVs would require a sustained supply of hydrogen which does not exist now. Water electrolysis can produce hydrogen reliably and sustainably if the electricity grid is clean, but the impacts of FCEVs on the electricity grid are unknown. In this paper, we develop a comprehensive framework to model FCEV-driving and -refueling behaviors, the water electrolysis process, and electricity grid operation. We chose the Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) region for this case study. We modeled the existing WECC electricity grids and accounted for the additional electricity loads from FCEVs using a Production Cost Model (PCM). Additionally, the hydrogen need for five million FCEVs leads to a 3% increase in electricity load for WECC. Our results show that an inflexible hydrogen-producing process leads to a 1.55% increase to the average cost of electricity, while a flexible scenario leads to only a 0.9% increase. On the other hand, oversized electrolyzers could take advantage of cheaper electricity generation opportunities, thus lowering total system costs.