Assessment of grid-integrated electric vehicle charging station based on solar-wind hybrid: A case study of coastal cities

Abstract

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more prevalent, but their high energy demands are straining Bangladesh's power infrastructure. Assuring the necessary charging demand without impacting the power grid is a significant challenge to the widespread deployment of EVs. Despite having a few solar-powered electric vehicle charging stations (EVCSs), Bangladesh needs more EVCSs to keep up with the rising demand. This study introduces grid-tied EVCS based on solar and wind for three major coastal cities in Bangladesh that will deliver charging stations' excess energy to the grid. This investigation utilizes lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries as energy storage. A derivative-free approach, hybrid optimization of multiple energy resources (HOMER), performs the comprehensive analysis. Python is employed for heatmap analysis and different data visualization. The lowest energy cost (0.114 $/kWh or 12.54 BDT/kWh) and the net present cost-NPC ($470621 or 51768310 BDT) are found for Grid/PV/Wind/Battery based EVCS from the research findings. Furthermore, this completely renewable EVCS reduces excess electricity in the system from 56% to 2%, resulting in a 74% decrease in energy cost. The profitability index and payback period results validate the feasibility of the proposed EVCS. Sensitivity reports show that NPC, battery throughput, and electric production increase with an increase in EV load. Contrariwise, energy cost and excess electricity decrease with increased grid sale capacity.