Maximizing Solar PV Utilization in EV Charging Stations: An Intelligent Scheduling and Load Balancing Approach

This study presents how solar photovoltaic (PV) utilisation in electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in a workplace parking lot can be maximised using intelligent scheduling (IS) and load balancing (LB). The integration of renewable sources, particularly solar energy, and electric vehicles (EVs) holds significant potential for reducing carbon footprints and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The increasing number of EVs, however, has a detrimental impact on the power quality of the power grid. By simulating and evaluating the effectiveness of IS and LB, the utilisation of PV and the self-sufficiency of EV charging stations (EVCS) will increase. Additionally, the LB will further mitigate the EVCS effect on the power grid. MATLAB/Simulink was used as the simulation software along with data/graphical analysis to determine the key investigating parameters. The simulation model includes equivalent circuits of solar PV, battery storage, and the power grid, and mathematical modelling for IS and LB. The IS maximised the utilisation of PV as it distributed the charging power throughout the working hours. This led to a reduction in the cost of electricity consumption and increased EVCS self-sufficiency. Further, varying the charging power has an effect on the LB of the EVCS, which can be controlled to counter the current or load unbalance of the distribution network.