For Theron, "It's Like Being On Auto-pilot"
In June of 2016, Theron graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering, specializing in energy systems and environmental engineering. In September of 2016, he began a Masters program in mechanical engineering at the University of California, Irvine, pursuing a specialization in dynamics and controls. In September of 2017, Theron transitioned into a Ph.D. program in the same studies as his Masters program at the University of California, Irvine. His research examines at how to optimize Plug-in Electric Vehicle (PEV) smart charging. This has become an area of interest because as fossil fuels continue to deplete and emission standards become stricter, PEVs become more attractive means of transportation. However, more PEVs on the road equates to more PEVs charging, increasing demand load and creating large peaks in demand on the grid. These peaks lead to power plant ramping and an increase in emissions. Smart charging is intelligent charging of PEVs, a method used to reduce power plant ramping and thus emissions released. Smart charging shifts when vehicles are charged by allowing the vehicle to determine when is the best time for it to charge. This allows vehicles to charge during low demand hours and prevents demand peaks and power plant ramping.
