Optimal Design and Techno-Economic Analysis of a Grid-Tied Microgrid for Electric Vehicle Charging Applications

The increasing prevalence of electric vehicles (EVs) necessitates the development of effective and environmentally friendly charging infrastructure. This research investigates microgrid architecture and optimization for electric vehicle (EV) charging using renewable energy sources. It focuses on a case study in Saharanpur City, Uttar Pradesh, India, which benefits from favorable solar irradiance. Through a techno-economic analysis, this study evaluates EV load patterns and the availability of solar and wind resources, ensuring the economic viability of the proposed grid-tied microgrid. A hybrid optimization model is employed to simulate and assess various configurations, emphasizing cost-effectiveness and sustainability. Analysis of 1164 simulated microgrid solutions highlights the critical importance of precise component selection and system design for economic viability, with the net present cost (NPC) ranging between $70.2M and $71.3M. Furthermore, the net financial gain from energy trade costs ranged from $468,726.70 in June to $1,276,238.72 in March. The suggested models for grid-tied microgrids demonstrate a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions and promote economic growth, thus supporting the development of sustainable energy infrastructure for electric vehicle charging. It is clear that these models derive more than 80 percent of their energy from renewable sources.