Reliability-driven time-of-use tariffs for efficient plug-in electric vehicle integration

Abstract

Demand response (DR) plays a crucial role in balancing electricity supply and demand, but existing studies on price-based DR for plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) load management lack comprehensive considerations. Therefore, this study designs reliability-driven time-of-use (TOU) tariffs for the integration of PEVs, considering various factors such as random component failures, the stochastic characteristics of non-dispatchable components, and fluctuations in load patterns and uncertainties. The proposed framework employs advanced stochastic simulation models to assess generation facility reliability amidst extensive PEV deployment in three steps. First, individual components, including conventional generation capacity, renewable energy sources, and demand, as well as PEV load models, are developed. Then, a system reserve margin assessment is carried out via the generation of seasonal synthetic time series data. During this step, innovative techniques, including box-plot methods and expert rules, are used to simplify the representation of the system reserve margin at each hour. Finally, optimized TOU pricing schedules for PEVs are generated. These pricing hours are initially categorized as off-peak, mid-peak, or on-peak, streamlining scenario analysis and aligning PEV charging profiles with predefined pricing schedules for grid reliability evaluation. Case studies have shown that the proposed method can improve the reliability indices by effectively mitigating the impacts.