A Comprehensive Review of the Incorporation of Electric Vehicles and Renewable Energy Distributed Generation Regarding Smart Grids

Mlungisi Ntombela; Kabeya Musasa; Katleho Moloi

doi:10.3390/wevj14070176

World Electric Vehicle Journal (Jul 2023)

A Comprehensive Review of the Incorporation of Electric Vehicles and Renewable Energy Distributed Generation Regarding Smart Grids

Mlungisi Ntombela,
Kabeya Musasa,
Katleho Moloi

Affiliations

Mlungisi Ntombela: Department of Electrical Power Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa
Kabeya Musasa: Department of Electrical Power Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa
Katleho Moloi: Department of Electrical Power Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj14070176
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 14, no. 7
p. 176

Abstract

Read online

Power grids of the future will likely incorporate more renewable energy distributed generation (REDG), also known as alternative energy systems. REDG units are increasingly being used in electrical transmission networks because of the positive effects they have on power networks. REDG systems are the backbone of smart electric networks and are essential to the operation of the smart grid. These REDG systems can additionally improve system reliability by providing some customers with a backup generator in the event of power interruptions. This review offers a thorough evaluation of the existing body of information on the topic of electric vehicles’ (EVs’) future interactions with smart grids. The combination of the potential deployment of EVs and the smart grid’s conceptual goal presents challenges for electric grid-related infra-structure, communication, and control. The proposal for connecting EVs to the grid is based on research into cutting-edge smart metering and communication systems. In the context of the vehicle-to-grid (V2G) phenomenon, the possibilities, benefits, and limitations of various EV smart-charging systems are also fully examined. A quickly growing percentage of distributed energy is derived from wind and solar (photovoltaic) energy. The variable power output of wind and solar energy introduces fresh challenges for those responsible for organizing, operating, and controlling the power grid. While fluctuations in the electric grid are problematic, they may be mitigated by the entry of EVs into the energy market. As such, we performed a comprehensive review of the literature to learn more about this exciting research gap that needs to be filled and to identify recently developed solutions to the problems related to EVs. Additionally, in this review article, we take a close look at the practicality of V2G technology. The smart grid is a developing concept that will likely have large implications for the world’s energy infrastructure, and this study thoroughly analyzes how EVs interact with it.

Published in World Electric Vehicle Journal

ISSN: 2032-6653 (Online)
Publisher: MDPI AG
Country of publisher: Switzerland
LCC subjects: Technology: Electrical engineering. Electronics. Nuclear engineering; Technology: Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General): Transportation engineering
Website: http://www.mdpi.com/journal/wevj

About the journal

Abstract

Keywords