Centralized Market Platform for Electric Vehicles in Residential Distribution Systems

The number of electric vehicles (EVs) tends to increase steadily on a global scale. This causes the challenges in energy market for EVs in terms of electricity costs and technical effects on distribution systems. This paper proposes a centralized market platform managed by a distribution system operator (DSO) to determine the appropriate and appealing electricity costs for charging an EV without violating the power system’s limits: bus voltage level, line capacity, and transformer loading limits. To complete the operations of the centralized market platform, the EV power and the bidding price from each EV owner who wishes to participate in the centralized market platform are collected through a single auction. The electricity costs for charging an EV are calculated by taking into account the maximum EV power as determined by the DSO so that the power system’ limits are not violated. This paper modifies and employs a Thailand-typical 380-V distribution test system during off-peak and peak hours for the case study. The results show that during off-peak hours, the electricity costs for charging an EV range between 2.40 and 2.50 THB/kWh, while during peak hours, the electricity costs range between 3.50 and 5.40 THB/kWh. The decrease in EV charging costs will encourage EV owners to utilize their EVs.