Estimating the impact of electric vehicle demand response programs in a grid with varying levels of renewable energy sources: Time-of-use tariff versus smart charging

An increase in variable renewable energy sources and soaring electricity demand at peak hours undermines the efficiency and reliability of the power supply. Conventional supply-side solutions, such as additional gas turbine plants and energy storage systems, can help mitigate these problems; however, they are not cost-effective. This study highlights the potential value of electric vehicle demand response programs by analyzing three separate scenarios: Electric vehicle charging based on a time-of-use tariff, smart charging controlled by an aggregator through virtual power plant networks, and smart control with vehicle-to-grid capability. The three programs are analyzed based on the stochastic form of a power system optimization model under two hypothetical power system environments in Jeju Island, Korea: One with a low share of variable renewable energy in 2019 and the other with a high share in 2030. The results show that the cost saving realized by the electric vehicle demand response program is higher in 2030 and a smart control with vehicle-to-grid capability provides the largest cost saving. When the costs of implementing an electric vehicle demand response are considered, the difference in cost saving between the scenarios is reduced; however, the benefits are still large enough to attract customers to participate.