Deploying Fast-charging Stations for Electric Vehicles Based on Mobility Flows and Local Photovoltaic Production

Abstract

The need for deploying fast-charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs) is becoming essential in recent years. This need is justified by the increasing recharging demand, and supported by new recharging technologies making EV chargers more efficient. For this purpose, we introduce an optimization model for finding the optimal deployment of EV fast-charging stations through a network of highways, while taking into account their recharging demands and the restrictions imposed by the electric grid. We also consider the availability of local photovoltaic (PV) power station and integrate its energy to the proposed recharging network. In addition, we present a case study on Paris-Saclay area where the actual mobility flows and electric network specifications are considered. We thus provide the optimal locations for EV charging stations at the studied area, and we indicate the number of chargers to be deployed at each station. Finally, we study the potential benefits of integrating local PV energy and analyze its different prices and production costs.

Electrification of Highway Transportation with Solar and Wind Energy

“…Zhang et al [55] and Zhang et al [61] conducted numerical tests on the same 25-node highway example [62]. For real highways, Mourad et al [63] used MIP to locate fast-charging stations for small electric cars and heavy electric trucks traveling in the Paris-Saclay region. Their power source includes both conventional and solar power.…”

“…To measure solar energy generation, they used a given number of solar panels and evaluated local solar radiance, cloudiness index, and seasonal factors. Neither Zhang et al [61] nor Mourad et al [63] covered location-sizing decision-making for using the renewables. To our best understanding, the research setting of Xie et al [30] is the closest to this work.…”

“…For example, in multiperiod strategic planning with decisions to increase chargers at each location, Xie et al [53] used queuing theories to formulate a stochastic chance constraint to determine charger numbers, with the assurance that they will perform a desirable level of charging service with certain probabilities at all times. Mourad et al [63] considered using the electricity distribution network and solar PV to power chargers (without BESSs to store energy). In that setting, the fixed electric capacity of the distribution network and the varying electric capacity of solar PV provide an upper bound to charger numbers.…”

“…Researchers, including Zhang et al [50] and Xie et al [53], also considered charging capacities. However, none addressed power source issues; • Zhang et al [61] and Mourad et al [63] conducted numerical tests with a single renewable to supply the required energy; their highway setting is simulated or real, but small-scale; • With consideration of location, sizing, and battery capacity for using solar power, the research setting of Xie et al [30] is the closest to this study. However, they only considered a single renewable and applied the solution to a 24 h example, with simulated energy demands and supplies created for each hour.…”

From PV to EV: Mapping the Potential for Electric Vehicle Charging with Solar Energy in Europe

“…The EV-PV coupling also reduces the CO 2 emissions from driving [2][3][4], which contributes to the transition toward a fully renewable energy system [4]. At the local scale, PV power can cover fast charging nearby [5,6], or be used over carports [7]. Solar energy production is attractive to EV owners, who have shown a high willingness to install solar panels [8], and having solar panels increases the likelihood of buying an EV [9].…”