Flexibility potential quantification of electric vehicle charging clusters

Abstract

A significant obstacle to providing flexibility services with electric vehicles (EVs) is the uncertainty surrounding the profitability and flexibility potential of charging clusters when utilised as a flexible load. Currently, there is a lack of comprehensive and easily applicable methods for quantifying flexibility in the literature. This paper introduces an evaluation tool and a set of flexibility indexes to assess the capability of charging clusters to deliver flexibility services. The method is designed to evaluate and quantify the flexibility potential of charging clusters in terms of short-term and long-term power adjustments and charge scheduling. Through sensitivity analysis, we examine how connection capacity, EV battery capacities, power capabilities, and the number of daily charging sessions influence the flexibility potential of charging clusters. Our findings highlight a direct relationship between the grid connection capacity of clusters and their ability to perform short-term power adjustments. Moreover, while larger batteries tend to reduce energy and time flexibility, their increased storage capability facilitates managing and scheduling a larger energy volume. Furthermore, for the days analysed, the flexibility potential showed minimal sensitivity to the number of daily charging sessions. Instead, the amount of energy requested and connection patterns emerge as key determinants of overall flexibility. In summary, this research provides valuable insights that can inform the design, monitoring, and assessment of EV charging clusters when evaluating their suitability for various flexibility services.