Leveraging bi-directional EV charging for flexibility services in the distribution grid - the case of fever project

Abstract

Distribution System Operators face a challenging environment largely affected by the ever-growing integration of Distributed Energy Resources. Especially, Electric Vehicles have a rapidly growing presence in the distribution grids, being both a challenge, but also an enabler for active network management. This work analyses the operation of charging infrastructures in coordination with the DSO in the context of the FEVER project. The objective of the project is to exploit control of power flow through DC/AC converters towards demand management and voltage compensation. The paper describes the different modules required to coordinate this operation in a flexibility market context. DSO support tools have been developed to forecast possible critical events and prepare a mitigation plan leveraging flexibility. Response to this flexibility demand is covered by Vehicleto-Grid charging stations, equipped with DC converters, capable of implementing flexibility strategies.