Stochastic optimal scheduling of electric vehicles charge/discharge modes of operation with the aim of microgrid flexibility and efficiency enhancement

Abstract

This paper proposes a three-level planning strategy for managing and optimizing electric vehicles (EVs) grid to vehicle/vehicle to grid (G2V/V2G) modes of operation with the aim of flexibility and efficiency enhancement in smart microgrids (SMs). In this three-level framework, G2V/V2G prices are determined via a non-cooperative game theory established between different entities including distribution company (DISCO), parking lots (PLs) and EV owners. Moreover, time-of-use (TOU) based demand response program (DRP) is utilized to increase the efficiency of the MG. In this approach, G2V/V2G modes of EVs in the electricity market is considered as a kind of commodity and EV’s V2G mode is utilized to improve the flexibility and efficiency of the MG. The transactions are done under the supervision of distribution system operator (DSO) on clearing prices. In addition to technical and economic issues, range anxiety (RA) is considered as an effective factor of participating EV owners in DR programs. The effectiveness of the proposed strategy has been evaluated via numerous simulation studies. The results show that the flexibility and efficiency of the MG increase by 0.29% and 67.37% using the proposed three-level framework compared to DRP case study, respectively. • Increasing the flexibility of the microgrid (MG) is an effective approach to deal with uncertainties of renewables. • Utilizing electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storages (ESs) is an efficient option to increase the flexibility and efficiency of the MG. • A three-level game theory structure in the presence of distribution company, PLs and EVs is proposed to optimize G2V/V2G modes. • The proposed structure increases the flexibility by 0.29%. • The proposed structure increases the profits of distribution company and PL by 284.5%, 121.9% respectively and reduces the bill of EV owner by 84.43%.