Enhancing urban sustainability through optimizing Distributed energy resources for electric vehicles’ fast charging

The rapid growth of the electric vehicles (EVs) market penetration rate and the resulting energy demand will impact the electricity supply-demand balance and stability in the electricity distribution network. These impacts could be mitigated by distributed energy resources (DERs) (i.e. second-life batteries (SLB), new batteries (NB), solar panels, and flywheels). To support the energy demand of EVs at fast-charging stations whilst minimizing the cost of the system, a mixed-integer optimization model is developed considering the spatiotemporal demand (existing demand and EV demand), the details of the electric grid distribution network, spatiotemporal power generation of solar panels, energy storage systems’ (ESSs’) charge/discharge schedule, and the capacity constraints. The case study (major cities in Michigan) shows sensitivity to the seasonal variation in the grid and solar conditions and the DER’s unit cost. Based on the result, providing the maximum area for solar panels leads to the maximum cost savings. Lithium-ion SLBs offer a cost-effective solution for energy storage, efficiently utilizing time-of-use electricity rates and intermittent solar energy. Depending on the existing and fast-charging energy demand, grid upgrades may be necessary at some locations.