Charging electric vehicles in the smart grid

Abstract

High level challenges that motivate the evolution towards smart grids include (i) the anticipated electrification of transportation, including electrical vehicles (EVs), and (ii) the increasing penetration of distributed renewable energy sources (DRES). This chapter will discuss how the extra grid load stemming from the EVs can be handled, including the context of reduced control over power generation in light of DRES adoption (especially solar and wind power). After a basic introduction to common EV charging technology, we give two illustrative examples of controlling EV charging: avoiding peaks, and balancing against renewable generation. We then qualitatively present possible demand response (DR) strategies to realize such control. Finally, we highlight the need for, and underlying principles of, (smart grid) simulation tools, e.g., to study the effectiveness of such DR mechanisms.