Primary Frequency Response From Electric Vehicles in the Great Britain Power System

Abstract

With the increasing use of renewable energy in the Great Britain (GB) power system, the role of electric vehicles (EVs) contributes to primary frequency response was investigated. A tool was developed to estimate the EV charging load based on statistical analysis of EV type, battery capacity, maximum travel range and battery state of charge. A simplified GB power system model was used to investigate the contribution of EVs to primary frequency response. Two control modes were considered: disconnection of charging load (case I) and discharge of stored battery energy (case II). For case II, the characteristic of the EV charger was also considered. A case study shows results for the year 2020. Three EV charging strategies: “dumb” charging, “off-peak” charging, and “smart” charging, were compared. Simulation results show that utilizing EVs to stabilize the grid frequency in the GB system can significantly reduce frequency deviations. However the requirement to schedule frequency response from conventional generators is dynamic throughout the day.