Empowering the grid: A comprehensive review of vehicle-to-grid technology, digital twins, and intelligent energy systems

Abstract

The market for electric vehicles is booming. This surge poses challenges for power systems as the simultaneous charging of electric vehicles occurs without enough organization. This situation may slow our transition to clean energy. An innovative approach in Electric Vehicles (EVs) is Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology, which allows EVs to interact with the power grid and become active participants in the energy system rather than passive consumers. By transferring unused battery power from vehicles to the grid, this technology can help balance electricity supply and demand, particularly during peak periods. This review examines the functionality of V2G systems, including their architecture, communication protocols, converter technology, battery performance and degradation rates, and various control methods (from traditional techniques to machine learning approaches), as well as security issues. Digital twins are highly significant. They are utilized for virtual replicas, real-time observation, estimating battery health, and assessing feasibility within Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMS). This assessment contrasts traditional methods with emerging technologies such as machine learning for predictive analytics, IoT, and blockchain, considering current offerings and anticipated market introductions by 2026. These viewpoints offer crucial guidance to stakeholders in building sustainable, intelligent energy systems.