Wind and solar integration with plug-in electric vehicles smart charging strategies

Combining large penetration of Plug-in Electric Vehicles (PEVs) and generation from Renewable Energy Sources (RES) seems a promising solution for energy cost saving and emission reduction. Indeed, RES generation increases instability grid problems due to its intermittency and lack of correlation with final energy usage. But the energy storage of the PEVs connected to the grid, controlled with smart charging and generating strategies, can compensate these uncertainties: energy surplus at low demands and high RES production (strong wind or sunshine) can be returned from PEVs to the grid at larger demand periods, and even provide regulation services. This paper analyses the combined impact of PEVs and RES penetration in the current Spanish power system with a detailed hydro-thermal Unit Commitment (UC) model for energy and reserve. Different charging strategies (from plug-and-charge to V2G with regulation) and wind and solar power penetration are tested with a full year simulation with weekly water management. Simulations show how PEVs smart charging strategies adapt PEVs operation to the existing generation structure, contributing efficiently to higher RES penetration rates, decreasing emissions and system operation costs.