Power draw scheduling of electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles with unidirectional vehicle-to-grid benefits

Abstract

This thesis addresses power scheduling aspects of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The use of electric vehicles (EVs) as demand response resources and the unidirectional vehicle-to-grid benefits obtainable are investigated. Power draw could be scheduled with the EV’s charger being in control of charging or via utility control. Charging cost func-tions suitable for a charger and utility-controlled power-draw scheduling are presented. Ancillary service levels possible with unidirectional vehicle-to-grid are quantified using different charging scenarios. Impacts of various electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle power-draw schedules, and the vehicles’ participation as demand-response resources on electricity prices are evaluated. This includes cost benefits to the owners, and load-serving entities. Also, a discussion comparing unidirectional and bidirectional V2G benefits is given. Finally, ideas on encouraging vehicle-to-grid participation by electric vehicle owners are proposed, and the role utilities or aggregators have to play is discussed.