Project Summary
This research investigates optimal EV charging infrastructure deployment and flexible load management at airport parking facilities, addressing two key challenges: determining which infrastructure best serves unique airport parking patterns and assessing the profitability of charging operations as a revenue source.
This project will analyze the distributions of parking sessions and charging behaviors at both short-term and long-term facilities using real parking and charging data from San José Mineta International and San Luis Obispo County Regional Airports. Initial analysis indicates that 42.2% of charging sessions at one SJC lot have a 3:1 ratio of charger occupation to active charging time, highlighting the significant potential for load management.
The study will develop a simulation model to evaluate charging infrastructure configurations across parking facilities and implement EV-charger assignment optimization algorithms comparing reservation-based and drive-up demand systems. Then, the model will assess value streams from managed charging, including time-of-use optimization, demand response participation, and renewable energy alignment.
Results will help airport operators make informed infrastructure investments aligned with California’s sustainability goals while aiming to increase profitability. The framework can be extended to other transportation hubs with similar parking patterns, such as cruise terminals and future High-Speed Rail stations, supporting broader transportation electrification efforts.
