Researchers Amanda Fernandes, Miguel Carrión, Ruth Domínguez, Rodrigo Ramos, Ahda Pavani, and Werbeston Oliveira have explored the potential of electric vehicles (EVs) to support power grid stability in a renewable energy-dominated system. Their work was published in the journal Energy Reports.
The team focused on the challenge of integrating more renewable energy sources into power systems, which can lead to decreased system inertia and potential instability. To mitigate this, they investigated the use of electric vehicle batteries as a form of energy storage when vehicles are parked and connected to the grid. The researchers developed a day-ahead scheduling model that allows groups of electric vehicles to actively participate in electricity markets, providing both reserve capacity and primary frequency response.
The study demonstrates that electric vehicles can play a significant role in stabilizing power grids, particularly in systems with high levels of renewable energy. By using EV batteries as a storage resource, power systems can become more flexible and better equipped to handle the variability of renewable energy sources. The proposed model was successfully implemented in the distribution system of the Federal University of Amapá, showcasing its practical applicability.
For the energy industry, this research highlights the potential of electric vehicles to contribute to grid stability and support the integration of renewable energy sources. As the number of electric vehicles on the road continues to grow, their batteries could become a valuable asset for power system operators, providing additional flexibility and resilience. This could lead to more efficient and reliable power systems, with a higher share of renewable energy.
This article is based on research available at arXiv.