Aviation-to-Grid Flexibility Through Electric Aircraft Charging

Abstract

This article proposes a new concept of aviation-to-grid (A2G) that utilizes electric aircraft (EA) charging to provide flexibility to the power grid. Smart EA charging system with battery swap method is developed using photovoltaics, gas turbine, and grid electricity. Hourly energy dispatch strategy is produced on the basis of the mixed-integer linear programming method to meet electrified aviation charging demand and provide A2G frequency response to the power grid. Case studies are conducted in eight major U.K. airports considering seasonal flight schedules and power system operation scenarios. Results show that the EA charging system can provide effective primary and secondary frequency responses to improve the frequency nadir by 0.2–0.3 Hz under grid disturbance. The total A2G frequency response capacity across the eight U.K. airports can reach 900–1200 MW overnight and 300–900 MW daytime in summer and 1100–1300 MW overnight and 200–700 MW daytime in winter. The annual A2G frequency response revenue is estimated to be £46.58 million, which can cover 19.8% to 30% of EA charging costs.