Multi-agent approach to modeling and simulation of microgrid operation with vehicle-to-grid system

Abstract

This study presents the modeling and simulation of a vehicle-to-grid (V2G) system within a microgrid considering the requirements of various components of the microgrid system such as distributed renewable energy resources (DERs), plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) and non-PEV loads. The system modeling is carried out using an agent-based methodology where components of the microgrid are modeled as agents. The use of PEV car batteries collectively as a virtual power plant (VPP) enables PEVs to not only act as loads but as energy sources alongside DERs such as wind and solar power generation. The smart control and scheduling of the charging and discharging of the PEVs by the charging station can be used to achieve sustainable integration of a high number of PEVs in the microgrid power system. In addition to simulating a microgrid operation, results of this study show how agents’ behavior change based on factors such as penetration of renewable energy, penetration of PEVs, travel pattern of PEV drivers and price of energy generation.