Optimal Planning of Hybrid Renewable Energy-Based Charging Infrastructure Under Varying Grid Outage and Scaled Electric Vehicle Sessions

This study suggests a hybrid renewable energy-based infrastructure for charging EVs during grid outages with varying scaled electric vehicle sessions. The objective is to design the most reliable electric vehicle charging station from the energy delivery point of view for the incoming electric vehicles to charge. For this, we modelled a case study considering different renewable energy systems, grid outages, and a varying population of incoming electric vehicles. First, a resource assessment was done to understand the renewable resource potential in the study region. Second, based on the resource assessment results, a charging infrastructure was planned and modelled. While modelling, the realistic loads of electric vehicles, and realistic power outage events and duration for restoration are considered. Third, to optimally balance the power exchanges and to manage energy, we proposed a peak shaving controller. Fourth, a detailed techno-economic and environmental modelling was done using a hybrid optimization tool called Homer Grid, followed by sensitivity analysis. Results show that 100% renewable-based charging infrastructure is possible under varying grid outage and scaled electric vehicle sessions, but at the cost of increasing capital investment. The sensitivity results suggested that there could be a high possibility for lowering the charging infrastructure cost as well as operating and maintenance cost if the renewable fraction is close to 80%. Lastly, this paper proposed the most feasible optimized charging infrastructure structure for charging electric vehicles from a techno-economic and environmental viewpoint, which could foster the electric vehicle deployment.