Optimal Operation of Electric Vehicle Parking Lots with Rooftop Photovoltaics

• Main Authors: Espassandim, Helena M. D., Lotfi, Mohamed, Osorio, Gerardo J., Shafie-khah, Miadreza, Shehata, Omar M., Catalao, Joao P. S.
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Subjects: Electric vehicles; Energy scheduling; Optimal operation; PV rooftop
• ISSN: 2643-9751
• DOI: 10.1109/ICVES.2019.8906320

Due to the rapidly increasing share of electric vehicles (EVs) worldwide, the abundance of EV parking lots (with charging capabilities) is becoming necessary to provide for charging needs in addition to attempting to fully utilize EVs for the benefit of future smart grids. Unmanaged charging of EVs can jeopardize stability and reliability of power systems. Hence, well-operated EV parking lots can be a good solution to enhance system stability. Equipping parking lots with rooftop photovoltaics (PVs) has been gaining interest as a good approach for their design and operation. During the day, when EVs are stationed in the parking lot and particularly in more commercial neighborhoods of cities, the EVs can be charged directly through solar generation, so that minimal stress on the distribution system occurs. This work aims to conduct a comparative study investigating the optimal strategies for the operation of PV-equipped EV parking lots. Multiple parameters are taken into consideration including weather conditions, uncertainty of EV owners' schedules, and EV models. This analysis will result in finding the optimal strategy for the operation of the parking lot from the owner/operator point of view in order to minimize costs and maximize services provided to the grid.