Electric Vehicles in Smart Grids: Integration, Optimization, and Sustainability

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
GEIRI North America, 250 W Tasman Dr., Ste 100, San Jose, CA 95134, USA
Interests: smart grids; Internet of Things; EV smart charging

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue, "Electric Vehicles in Smart Grids: Integration, Optimization, and Sustainability", aims to provide a platform for researchers and practitioners to present and discuss the latest developments, challenges, and opportunities related to the integration of electric vehicles (EVs) into smart grids. EVs have become increasingly popular due to their environmental benefits and potential for cost savings. However, the integration of EVs into the smart grid presents new challenges, including the need for charging infrastructure, communication protocols, and strategies to mitigate the impact of EVs on the grid. The scope of this Special Issue includes, but is not limited to, the following topics:

  • Integration of EVs into the smart grid: this topic covers the challenges and opportunities of integrating EVs into the smart grid, including vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, charging infrastructure, and communication protocols.
  • Optimization of EV charging: this topic focuses on the development of optimal charging strategies for EVs that consider factors such as user preferences, grid conditions, and renewable energy sources.
  • Grid impact of EVs: this topic covers the impact of EVs on the grid, including their potential to increase peak demand and affect grid stability. It also includes the development of strategies to mitigate these impacts and ensure the reliability of the grid.
  • Sustainability of EVs and smart grids: this topic covers the environmental and economic benefits of EVs and smart grids, including the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and the potential for cost savings.
  • Policy and regulation: this topic covers the policy and regulatory frameworks that support the integration of EVs into smart grids, including charging infrastructure requirements, incentives for EV adoption, and grid interconnection standards.

Overall, this Special Issue seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the integration of EVs into smart grids and the potential for this technology to promote sustainability and energy efficiency.

Dr. Chun Sing Lai
Dr. Xi Chen
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • electric vehicles
  • smart grid
  • vehicle-to-grid (V2G)
  • charging infrastructure
  • optimization
  • sustainability
  • grid impact
  • renewable energy
  • policy and regulation
  • energy efficiency

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

22 pages, 2075 KiB  
Article
Unlocking Grid Flexibility: Leveraging Mobility Patterns for Electric Vehicle Integration in Ancillary Services
by Corrado Maria Caminiti, Luca Giovanni Brigatti, Matteo Spiller, Giuliano Rancilio and Marco Merlo
World Electr. Veh. J. 2024, 15(9), 413; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj15090413 - 9 Sep 2024
Viewed by 604
Abstract
The electrification of mobility has introduced considerable challenges to distribution networks due to varying demand patterns in both time and location. This underscores the need for adaptable tools to support strategic investments, grid reinforcement, and infrastructure deployment. In this context, the present study [...] Read more.
The electrification of mobility has introduced considerable challenges to distribution networks due to varying demand patterns in both time and location. This underscores the need for adaptable tools to support strategic investments, grid reinforcement, and infrastructure deployment. In this context, the present study employs real-world datasets to propose a comprehensive spatial–temporal energy model that integrates a traffic model and geo-referenced data to realistically evaluate the flexibility potential embedded in the light-duty transportation sector for a given study region. The methodology involves assessing traffic patterns, evaluating the grid impact of EV charging processes, and extending the analysis to flexibility services, particularly in providing primary and tertiary reserves. The analysis is geographically confined to the Lombardy region in Italy, relying on a national survey of 8.2 million trips on a typical day. Given a target EV penetration equal to 2.5%, corresponding to approximately 200,000 EVs in the region, flexibility bands for both services are calculated and economically evaluated. Within the modeled framework, power-intensive services demonstrated significant economic value, constituting over 80% of the entire potential revenues. Considering European markets, the average marginal benefit for each EV owner is in the order of 10 € per year, but revenues could be higher for sub-classes of users better fitting the network needs. Full article
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28 pages, 5486 KiB  
Article
Solar–Hydrogen-Storage Integrated Electric Vehicle Charging Stations with Demand-Side Management and Social Welfare Maximization
by Lijia Duan, Gareth Taylor and Chun Sing Lai
World Electr. Veh. J. 2024, 15(8), 337; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj15080337 - 27 Jul 2024
Viewed by 579
Abstract
The reliable operation of a power system requires a real-time balance between supply and demand. However, it is difficult to achieve this balance solely by relying on supply-side regulation. Therefore, it is necessary to cooperate with effective demand-side management, which is a key [...] Read more.
The reliable operation of a power system requires a real-time balance between supply and demand. However, it is difficult to achieve this balance solely by relying on supply-side regulation. Therefore, it is necessary to cooperate with effective demand-side management, which is a key strategy within smart grid systems, encouraging end-users to actively engage and optimize their electricity usage. This paper proposes a novel bi-level optimization model for integrating solar, hydrogen, and battery storage systems with charging stations (SHS-EVCSs) to maximize social welfare. The first level employs a non-cooperative game theory model for each individual EVCS to minimize capital and operational costs. The second level uses a cooperative game framework with an internal management system to optimize energy transactions among multiple EVCSs while considering EV owners’ economic interests. A Markov decision process models uncertainties in EV charging times, and Monte Carlo simulations predict charging demand. Real-time electricity pricing based on the dual theory enables demand-side management strategies like peak shaving and valley filling. Case studies demonstrate the model’s effectiveness in reducing peak loads, balancing energy utilization, and enhancing overall system efficiency and sustainability through optimized renewable integration, energy storage, EV charging coordination, social welfare maximization, and cost minimization. The proposed approach offers a promising pathway toward sustainable energy infrastructure by harmonizing renewable sources, storage technologies, EV charging demands, and societal benefits. Full article
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