Optimal Coordination for Electric Vehicles in Smart Grids with High Penetration of PV Generation

Abstract

In this paper, we propose a real-time coordinated architecture that efficiently improves the charging performance of Electric Vehicles (EV) under high penetration of photo-voltaic (PV) roof-mounted panels. EV coordinated charging relies on the remarkable development of communication infrastructure in smart grids which enables vehicle-grid communication via proper communication pathways. The proposed architecture is composed of two units, an aggregator unit in addition to an optimization unit. While, the aggregator unit provides data collection and initial processing, the optimization unit optimally coordinates the charging decisions to guarantee service reliability while, minimizing the operating costs, and satisfying the system and customers constraints. Sliding horizon concept is utilized to manage real-time data and to allow plug-and-play option for EV owners. The simulation results do not only demonstrate the robust performance of the proposed approach in tackling the dynamics of different parking lots in a timely manner but demonstrate the effectiveness of which in mitigating the impact of high penetration of EV and PV panels through optimal coordination of the EV as small energy storage units.