Wind-integration benefits of controlled plug-in electric vehicle charging

Abstract

Flexibility in plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) charging can reduce the ancillary cost effects of wind variability and uncertainty on electric power systems. In this paper, we study these benefits of PEV charging, demonstrating that controlled PEV charging can reduce costs associated with wind uncertainty and variability. Interestingly, we show that the system does not require complete control of PEV-charging loads to mitigate the negative cost impacts of wind variability and uncertainty. Rather, PEV owners giving the system a two-hour window of flexibility in which to recharge their vehicles provides much of the benefits that giving full charging control does.