Search Results (9)

The rapid growth of electric vehicle (EV) adoption presents significant challenges in planning efficient charging infrastructure, including suboptimal station placement, energy consumption, and rising infrastructural costs. The conventional methods, such as grey wolf optimization (GWO), fail to address real-time user demand and dynamic factors like fluctuating grid loads and environmental impact. These approaches rely on fixed models, often leading to inefficient energy use, higher operational costs, and increased traffic congestion. This paper proposes a novel framework that integrates deep Q networks (DQNs) for real-time charging optimization, coupled with multimodal bioinspired algorithms like ant lion optimization (ALO) and moth flame optimization (MFO). Unlike conventional geographic placement models that overlook evolving travel patterns, this system dynamically adapts to user behavior, optimizing both onboard and offboard charging systems. The DQN enables continuous learning from changing demand and grid conditions, while ALO and MFO identify optimal station locations, reducing energy consumption and emissions. The proposed framework incorporates dynamic pricing and demand response strategies. These adjustments help balance energy usage, reducing costs and preventing overloading of the grid during peak times, offering real-time adaptability, optimized station placement, and energy efficiency. To improve the performance of the system, the proposed framework ensures more sustainable, cost-effective EV infrastructural planning, minimized environmental impacts, and enhanced charging efficiency. From the results for the proposed system, we recorded various performance parameters such as the installation cost, which decreased to USD 1200 per unit, i.e., a 20% cost efficiency increase, optimal energy utilization increases to 85% and 92% during peak hours and off-peak hours respectively, a charging slot availability increase to 95%, a 30% carbon emission reduction, and 95% performance retention under the stress condition. Further, the power quality is improved by reducing the sag, swell, flicker, and notch by 2 V, 3 V, 0.05 V, and 0.03 V, respectively, with an increase in efficiency to 89.9%. This study addresses critical gaps in real-time flexibility, cost-effective station deployment, and grid resilience by offering a scalable and intelligent EV charging solution. Full article

This study presented a novel bi-level mathematical model for designing charging infrastructure in an interstate electric bus transportation network, specifically addressing long-haul operations. To the best of our knowledge, no existing study integrates charging station locations with the number of off-board chargers while simultaneously optimizing their allocation and charging schedules. The proposed model fills this gap by formulating an exact algorithm using a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP). The first-level model determines the optimal placement and number of charging stations. The second-level model optimizes the number of off-board chargers, charger allocation, and bus charging schedules. This ensures operational efficiency and integration of decisions between both levels. The experiments and sensitivity analysis were conducted on a real case study of an interstate bus network in Thailand. The results provided valuable insights for policymakers and transportation planners in designing cost-effective and efficient electric bus transportation systems. The proposed model provides a practical framework for developing eco-friendly transportation networks, encouraging sustainability, and supporting the broader adoption of electric buses. Full article

Electric vehicle (EV) fast charging systems are rapidly evolving to meet the demands of a growing electric mobility landscape. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of various fast charging techniques, advanced infrastructure, control strategies, and emerging challenges and future trends in EV fast charging. It discusses various fast charging techniques, including inductive charging, ultra-fast charging (UFC), DC fast charging (DCFC), Tesla Superchargers, bidirectional charging integration, and battery swapping, analysing their advantages and limitations. Advanced infrastructure for DC fast charging is explored, covering charging standards, connector types, communication protocols, power levels, and charging modes control strategies. Electric vehicle battery chargers are categorized into on-board and off-board systems, with detailed functionalities provided. The status of DC fast charging station DC-DC converters classification is presented, emphasizing their role in optimizing charging efficiency. Control strategies for EV systems are analysed, focusing on effective charging management while ensuring safety and performance. Challenges and future trends in EV fast charging are thoroughly explored, highlighting infrastructure limitations, standardization efforts, battery technology advancements, and energy optimization through smart grid solutions and bidirectional chargers. The paper advocates for global collaboration to establish universal standards and interoperability among charging systems to facilitate widespread EV adoption. Future research areas include faster charging, infrastructure improvements, standardization, and energy optimization. Encouragement is given for advancements in battery technology, wireless charging, battery swapping, and user experience enhancement to further advance the EV fast charging ecosystem. In summary, this paper offers valuable insights into the current state, challenges, and future directions of EV fast charging, providing a comprehensive examination of technological advancements and emerging trends in the field. Full article

Electric vehicles (EVs) have become popular in reducing the negative impact of ICE automobiles on the environment. EVs have been predicted to be an important mode of mass transit around the globe in recent years. Several charging stations in island and remote areas are dependent on off-grid power sources and renewable energy. Solar energy is used in the daytime as it is based on several environmental components. The creation of efficient power trackers is necessary for solar arrays to produce power at their peak efficiency. To deliver energy during emergencies and store it in case there is an excess, energy storage systems are required. It has long been known that reliable battery management technology is essential for maintaining precise battery charge levels and avoiding overcharging. This study suggests an ideal deep-learning-assisted solar-operated off-board smart charging station (ODL-SOOSCS) design method as a result. The development of on-board smart charging for mass transit EVs is the main goal of the ODL-SOOSCS technique that is being described. In the ODL-SOOSCS approach described here, a perovskite solar film serves as the generating module, and the energy it generates is stored in a module with a hybrid ultracapacitor and a lithium-ion battery. Broad bridge converters and solar panels are incorporated into the deep belief network (DBN) controller, which doubles as an EV charging station. An oppositional bird swarm optimization (OBSO) algorithm is used as a hyperparameter optimizer to improve the performance of the DBN model. Moreover, an MPPT device is exploited for monitoring and providing maximal output of the solar panel if the power sources are PV arrays. The proposed system combines the power of metaheuristic optimization algorithms with deep learning techniques to create an efficient and smart charging station for mass transport passenger vehicles. This integration of two powerful technologies is a novel approach toward solving the complex problem of charging electric vehicles in mass transportation systems. The experimental validation of the ODL-SOOSCS technique is tested on distinct converter topologies. A widespread experimental analysis assures the promising performance of the ODL-SOOSCS method over other current methodologies. Full article

This work focuses on the enhancement of the charging reliability of both scheduled (SEVs) and opportunistic (UEVs) electric vehicle (EV) users in an EV fast charging station (FCS). The proposed charging coordination strategies allow UEVs to exploit unused charging resources to optimally utilize the limited charging resources of FCS. However, the optimum utilization of limited charging resources of an FCS while assuring a reliable charging process for plugged-in EVs under random failures of electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) is a real challenge for the FCS controller. When the FCS admits UEVs in addition to SEVs, assuring a satisfactory quality of service to both EV user categories is also dispensable. Therefore, we analyze the performance of reservation of off-board mobile chargers (MOBCs) to enhance the charging reliability of EV users while achieving high charging resource utilization. This work proposes resource allocation and charging coordination strategies for an FCS where MOBCs are used to enhance the charging reliability of both SEVs and UEVs. Moreover, the proposed dynamic charging resource coordination strategies are analyzed with a continuous time Markov-chain (CTMC). The presented results from the CTMC model demonstrate that the proposed strategies outperform the EV charging process of the FCS in terms of high resource utilization and reliability while guaranteeing a satisfactory quality of service to EV users. Full article

For longer journeys, when drivers of electric vehicles need a charge on the road, the best solution is off-board ultra-fast chargers, which offer a short charging time for electric vehicle batteries. Consequently, the ultra-fast charging of batteries is a major issue in electric mobility development globally. Current research in the area of power electronics for electric vehicle charging applications is focused on new high-power chargers. These chargers will significantly increase the charging power of electric vehicles, which will reduce the charging time. Furthermore, electric vehicles can be deployed to achieve improved efficiency and high-quality power if vehicle to microgrid (V2µG) is applied. In this paper, standards for ultra-fast charging stations and types of fast charging methods are reviewed. Various power electronic topologies, the modular design approach used in ultra-fast charging, and integration of the latter into standalone microgrids are also discussed in this paper. Finally, advanced control techniques for ultra-fast chargers are addressed. Full article

This paper presents the analysis and experimental validation of a single-phase off-board multi-functional electric vehicle (EV) charging station (MF-EVCS), which has a single ac interface and two dc interfaces. As innovative aspects, the proposed MF-EVCS handles the interface of the ac power grid, the dc interface of a renewable energy source (RES), as well as the dc interface of an EV to perform dc charging or discharging of the batteries (in off-board grid-to-vehicle (G2V) or vehicle-to-grid (V2G) modes). Considering the power grid, the individual operation modes of the RES and the EV interfaces can be considered. Moreover, a combination of these modes is also possible. Besides, the MF-EVCS has as key innovative aspect the possibility of operating as an active power filter (APF), supporting the operation with reactive power and/or selected current harmonics. This possibility can be associated with any of the previous mentioned modes. These new features are framed in two distinct scenarios: in a smart home, where the ac-side current can be determined as a function of the other electrical appliances; in a smart grid, where the ac-side current can be determined as a requisite of the power grid. The proposed power theory, as well as the current control strategies for both ac-side and dc-side of the MF-EVCS, are presented in the paper for all the possible operation scenarios. A laboratory prototype was developed to validate the proposed MF-EVCS and the experimental results confirm its suitability for smart homes. Full article

Based on the assumption that vehicles served by petrol stations will be replaced by Electric Vehicles (EV) in the future, EV public charging station facilities, with off-board fast chargers, will be progressively built. The power demand of these installations is expected to cause great impact on the grid, not only in terms of peak power demanded but also in terms of power quality, because most battery chargers behave as non-linear loads. This paper presents the proposal of a novel comprehensive global control strategy for the power electronic converters associated with bidirectional three-phase EV off-board fast chargers. The Charging Station facility Energy Management System (CS-EMS) sends to each individual fast charger the active and reactive power setpoints. Besides, in case the charger has available capacity, it is assigned to compensate a fraction of the harmonic current demanded by other loads at the charging facility. The proposed approach works well under distorted and unbalanced grid voltages. Its implementation results in improvement in the power quality of each fast charger, which contributes to improvement in the power quality at the charging station facility level, which can even provide ancillary services to the distribution network. Simulation tests are conducted, using a 100 kW power electronic converter model, under different load and grid conditions, to validate the effectiveness and the applicability of the proposed control strategy. Full article

With the growing fleet of a new generation electric vehicles (EVs), it is essential to develop an adequate high power charging infrastructure that can mimic conventional gasoline fuel stations. Therefore, much research attention must be focused on the development of off-board DC fast chargers which can quickly replenish the charge in an EV battery. However, use of the service transformer in the existing fast charging architecture adds to the system cost, size and complicates the installation process while directly connected to medium-voltage (MV) line. With continual improvements in power electronics and magnetics, solid state transformer (SST) technology can be adopted to enhance power density and efficiency of the system. This paper aims to review the current state of the art architectures and challenges of fast charging infrastructure using SST technology while directly connected to the MV line. Finally, this paper discusses technical considerations, challenges and introduces future research possibilities. Full article