Optimizing microgrid performance: Strategic integration of electric vehicle charging with renewable energy and storage systems for total operation cost and emissions minimization

At present, renewable energy sources (RESs) and electric vehicles (EVs) are presented as viable solutions to reduce operation costs and lessen the negative environmental effects of microgrids (μGs). Thus, the rising demand for EV charging and storage systems coupled with the growing penetration of various RESs has generated new obstacles to the efficient operation and administration of these μGs. In this regard, this paper introduces a multi-objective optimization model for minimizing the total operation cost of the μG and its emissions, considering the effect of battery storage system (BSS) and EV charging station load. A day-ahead scheduling model is proposed for optimal energy management (EM) of the μG investigated, which comprises photovoltaics (PVs), fuel cells (FCs), wind turbines (WTs), BSSs, and EV charging stations, with shed light on the viability and benefits of connecting BSS with EV charging stations in the μG. Analyzing three case studies depending on the objective function-Case 1: execute EM to minimize total operation cost and maximize the profits of BSS, Case 2: execute EM to minimize total emission from the μG, and Case 3: execute EM to minimize total operation cost, maximize the profits of BSS, and minimize total emissions from the μG. The main aim of the presented optimization strategy is to achieve the best possible balance between reducing expenses and lessening the environmental impact of greenhouse gas emissions. The krill herd algorithm (KHA) is used to find the optimal solutions while considering various nonlinear constraints. To demonstrate the validity and effectiveness of the proposed solution, the study utilizes the KHA and compares the obtained results with those achieved by other optimization methods. It was demonstrated that such integration significantly enhances the μG's operational efficiency, reduces operating costs, and minimizes environmental impact. The findings underscore the viability of combining EV charging infrastructure with renewable energy to meet the increasing energy demand sustainably. The novelty of this work lies in its multi-objective optimization approach, the integration of EV charging and BSS in μGs, the comparison with other optimization methods, and the emphasis on sustainability and addressing energy demand through the utilization of renewable energy and EVs.