The case for energy storage installations at high rate EV chargers to enable solar energy integration in the UK - An optimised approach

摘要

Solar energy installations face ever more constrained networks, hindering easy and effective installation of low carbon technologies onto the grid in the UK. However, they are critical for the advancement to a low carbon society. There is a need, therefore, to provide means which enable easier installation of solar energy. By co-locating solar energy with high rate electric vehicle chargers (HREVCs) it is proposed that the grid can be by-passed, thus providing low carbon energy directly to EVs. For an effective system an off-vehicle energy store (OVES), which enables matching of supply with demand, must be included. This paper introduces a model of an HREVC with integrated OVES and optimises the design variables for maximum profit and minimum energy exchanged with the grid. By addressing these issues, the author's model will help inform EV infrastructure designers and policy makers. It is found that the addition of an OVES increases the profit for systems installed where the grid connection cost is high. Indeed, the value of this improvement provides a more profitable business model for energy storage than other energy storage project revenue streams currently successful in the UK (0.5-3 pound m/MWh/year compared to 50,000-200,000 pound k/MWh/year).