Heterogeneous Communication Network Architecture for the Management of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations: Multi-Aggregator Management in Microgrids with High Photovoltaic Variability Based on Multiple Solar Radiation Sensors

• Published in: Sensors
• Main Authors: Miguel Davila-Sacoto, Luis Hernández-Callejo, L. G. González, Óscar Duque-Perez, Ángel L. Zorita-Lamadrid, Danny Ochoa-Correa
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2024-06-01
• Subjects: electric vehicle aggregator; electric vehicle; photovoltaic generation; microgrid; EV charging station; Vehicle-to-Grid
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/24/12/3768

Electric power systems with a high penetration of photovoltaic generation and a relevant fleet of electric vehicles face significant stability challenges, particularly in mountainous areas where the variability of photovoltaic resources is pronounced. This study presents a novel methodology to strategically place electric vehicle aggregators along a feeder. This approach considers electrical variables and the dynamics of cloud movements within the study area. This innovative methodology reduces the substation’s power load demand and significantly improves the end user’s voltage levels. The improvements in voltage regulation and reduced demand on the substation provide clear benefits, including increased system resilience, better integration of renewable energy sources, and enhanced overall efficiency of the electric grid. These advantages are particularly critical in regions with high levels of photovoltaic generation and are important in promoting sustainable electric vehicle charging infrastructure. When analyzing different load scenarios for the IEEE European Low Voltage Test Feeder system, the consideration of distributed aggregators based on cloud movements decreased the power required at the substation by 21.25%, and the voltage drop in loads was reduced from 6.9% to 4.29%. This research underscores the critical need to consider both the variability and geographical distribution of PV resources in the planning and operation of electrical systems with extensive PV generation.