Optimal Operation of Dedicated Urban Charging Stations in Modern Power Distribution Networks with High Electric Public Transport Vehicle Penetration

The rapid integration and expanding use of Electric Public Transport Vehicles (EPTVs) have become pivotal in the evolution of Modern Urban Power Distribution Networks (MUPDNs). As urban centers transition towards electrified public transportation, MUPDNs face both significant challenges and promising opportunities. The widespread deployment of EPTVs, coupled with the high penetration of renewable energy sources (RESs), including Photovoltaic Systems (PVs) and Wind Turbine Generators (WTGs), introduces complexities due to the variability and uncertainty of energy production. This impacts the delicate balance between load and generation. This study investigates the strategic integration of EPTV Dedicated Urban Charging Stations (EPTVDUCSs) alongside RESs, such as PVs and WTGs, with the objective of mitigating these challenges and enhancing the technical performance of MUPDNs. Reconfiguring MUPDNs is identified as a cost-effective strategy for optimizing network parameters and fully leveraging the potential of these emerging technologies. Accordingly, the reorganization of MUPDNs and the optimal timing of the EPTV charging process, along with the maximum utilization of RESs, are the primary objectives of this article. These challenges are formulated as a probabilistic exploitation problem, structured as a multi-objective optimization challenge. The focus is on minimizing operational costs while maximizing power quality. To address this complex issue, a Pareto front-based optimization framework is employed, utilizing the Polar Fox Optimization Algorithm (PFA), an advanced meta-heuristic method. The IEEE 33-bus distribution system serves as a case study to evaluate the proposed probabilistic operation model. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach in improving MUPDN performance amidst increasing EPTV integration and significant RES penetration.