Abstract:

Modern power systems face an extra hurdle from electric vehicles in addition to integrating renewable energy sources. Electric vehicles can, however, also provide flexibility and support the stability of the power supply. The stability of the electricity grid still strongly depends on conventional technology. In this paper, the authors analyzed how vast amounts of coordinated charging processes can be used to provide frequency containment reserve (FCR) power, one of the most important ancillary services for system stability. Therefore, the authors used an extensive simulation model of a virtual power plant of millions of electric vehicles. The model considers technical components and the stochastic behavior of electric vehicle drivers based on real data. The results show that, in 2030, electric vehicles will have the potential to serve the whole FCR market in Germany. The authors differentiate between using unidirectional and bidirectional chargers. Bidirectional chargers have a larger potential but also result in unwanted battery degradation. Unidirectional chargers are more constrained in terms of flexibility but do not lead to additional battery degradation. The authors conclude that using a mix of both can combine the advantages of both worlds. Thereby, average private cars can provide the service without any notable additional battery degradation and achieve yearly earnings between EUR 200 and EUR 500, depending on the volatile market prices. Commercial vehicles have an even higher potential, as the results increase with vehicle utilization and consumption.