New Efficient EV Charging System with Solar Integration

Researchers at the National Institute of Technology Silchar have created a novel scheduling system for electric vehicles (EVs) that improves power grid efficiency and considers the increasing amount of solar energy. This was developed in response to the growing demand for sustainable transportation solutions. The research was published in the journal Green Energy and Intelligent Transportation.

This innovative technology, as described in a recent study by Pritam Das and Partha Kayal, focuses on improving EV charging and discharging periods to better integrate with photovoltaic (PV) energy sources.

The novel solution employs a two-stage algorithm that schedules EV charging sessions and carefully distributes them among many charging stations. This strategy is intended to limit energy loss, prevent power outages, and minimize the impact of EV charging on the power grid.

The first step of the algorithm determines the best times for EVs to charge or discharge depending on the availability of solar energy, which is predicted using an innovative hybrid SARIMA-LSTM model.

This model correctly estimates solar power availability, ensuring that EV charging demands correspond to peak solar energy output periods. Synchronizing EV charging with solar energy peaks enables more effective use of renewable resources, lowering dependency on non-renewable power sources.

In the second step, the scheduling system assigns particular charging slots to various stations, balancing the load on the electrical grid. By more uniformly dispersing charging demand, the technology contributes to grid stability and eliminates the normal peaks and troughs associated with uncontrolled EV charging.

Extensive simulations on a 28-bus Indian power distribution network (powered by solar energy) were conducted to prove the effectiveness of this novel scheduling method. The results demonstrated a considerable improvement in the grid’s peak-to-average load ratio, an important measure of power grid efficiency.

The system’s potential to minimize total energy consumption while improving voltage stability was demonstrated in various test settings.

This result marks a significant advancement in integrating renewable energy and electric vehicles into urban infrastructure. By optimizing the time and distribution of EV charging, the system promotes the use of electric vehicles and adds to the general sustainability of urban transportation.

As cities worldwide expand and seek environmentally friendly solutions to transportation and energy concerns, the implementation of intelligent scheduling systems might play an important part in building a more sustainable and efficient future.

The study’s findings are helpful for policymakers, utility companies, and consumers who want to understand the complexity of energy management in increasingly crowded urban environments.

Journal Reference:

Das, P., and Kayal, P. (2024) An advantageous charging/discharging scheduling of electric vehicles in a PV energy enhanced power distribution grid. Green Energy and Intelligent Transportation. doi:10.1016/j.geits.2024.100170