Optimal Integration of Electric Vehicles for Rural Micro-Grids in Ireland

Electric vehicles (EV) and local renewable resources provide a potential for substantial decarbonization of the transportation sector. A large number of electric vehicles have the potential to decrease the pressure of the existing electricity network and can significantly balance the amount of extra non-stored renewable energy generated in the market. However, mass adoption of electric vehicles also requires charging infrastructures and charging hubs. Solar photovoltaics-EV and wind-EV are two recommended options for Ireland considering country’s present energy state and high penetration of renewable energy sources such as wind, wave, and solar photovoltaics. Three domestic scenarios are investigated: Integration of solar photovoltaics with EVs; Integration of wind energy with EVs; and a hybrid system. In this research, the size of a charging station is optimized based on each scenario. A comparative study is carried out between the different configurations with regards to CO₂ emissions and annual energy charges. The feasibility of integration to the grid is analyzed as the grid-connected scenario. The optimal cost and emission for the hybrid PV/wind system includes the installed capacity of both renewable sources as well as the power transferred to the grid. Those variables are reflected in the annual energy production and levelized cost. Finally, the best option in terms of both cost and energy reliability is evaluated for each scenario.