Integration of electric vehicles in smart grids for optimization and support to distributed generation

Abstract

The concept of microgrids configured as smart grids is becoming more widespread worldwide and is inevitable for future electrical systems. In addition, recently it has intensified the growth of distributed generation (DG), which are located with the consumers themselves. In this way, the complexity of the electric system is increasing in the presence of these new generating units carrying to several questions concerning supply problems, energy quality and generation intermittences. Moreover, the electric vehicles (EV) are increasingly present in the market and they may become an additional issue to deal with peak demands. On the other hand, the EV can be seen as a good alternative for electric energy storage since they can cooperate to improve the electrical system regulation. However, in order to make it possible it is necessary to develop methods to integrate the management of the DG and EV units. In this context, a new approach is proposed using the EV to mitigate DG intermittences and large demands common to the system profile. Therefore, this paper presents a management strategy for microgrids allowing the interaction of EV with photovoltaic generation (PV) and consumer loads using a configuration that employs a shared AC bus. The proposed management strategy includes economic and quality supply aspects. The paper also it is presented results of the management strategy analysis using real profiles of PV generation and consumer demand.