Flexibility in Distribution Systems from EVs and Batteries

Dear Colleagues,

Distribution systems have been typically designed and managed just for delivering energy, because balancing generation and demand was typically provided at the transmission level by centralized and dispatchable power plants. However, both the increasing connection of distributed generation-based renewable sources at the distribution level and the empowerment of consumers are transforming how power systems should be designed and managed, because these large numbers of generators are variable and intermittent, and the demand is becoming more active and engaged. Moreover, consumers are including new loads such as electric vehicles (EVs) and stationary batteries, and their control opens an opportunity for flexibility of generation and demand at the distribution level because they can be used to enhance energy and power-related operations for the benefit of grid owners, system operators, buildings and households, and market agents as retailers/aggregators/balance responsible parties. The effective deployment of this flexibility in distribution systems depends on optimization schemes, as each case will have its own requirements and characteristics; specific markets and business models, as different markets can be considered for flexibility usage in order to bring value to the whole set of participants; and proper regulation framework, as there is a lack of standardization on codes and laws that limits the deployment of flexible management. This Special Issue on “Flexibility in Distribution Systems from EVs and Batteries” is intended to bring together key and inspiring research on the flexibility concept, the services and the sources it can include, the market mechanism, and their results in different scenarios. Energy management optimization strategies for different beneficiaries considering use cases with electric vehicles (including V2G/V2H options) and/or batteries are welcome. The business models, their cost–benefit feasibility and sustainability analysis (at economic, environmental, and social dimensions), and current developments of flexibility sources (EVs, batteries, flexibility platform, etc.) will also be of interest.

Dr. Roberto Villafafila-Robles
Prof. Dr. Andreas Sumper
Guest Editors

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