Integrating electric vehicles into hybrid microgrids: A stochastic approach to future-ready renewable energy solutions and management

As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to rise in popularity, there has been an intensified focus on the distribution of power within hybrid renewable energy systems. In this context, the significance of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) and grid-to-vehicle (G2V) models for mitigating grid pressures has been increasingly recognized. These models help mitigate grid pressures by using EVs as reliable loads. This research delves into the technical and economic aspects of a hybrid microgrid integrated with various components such as photovoltaic panels (PVs), wind turbines (WTs), battery energy storage systems (BESSs), and EV grid connections, situated at a specific latitude of 40°39.2′N and longitude of 29°13.2′E. The methodology employed is grounded in advanced stochastic metaheuristic approaches. The infrastructure accommodates two distinct loads: a primary load and another dedicated to EV charging. The cornerstone of the energy framework is renewables, particularly PV panels and wind turbines. A dynamic rule-based energy management scheme is implemented to ensure consistent fulfillment of energy demands with an emphasis on cost efficiency. In defining the dimensions of the microgrid, various algorithms including the Coati Optimization Algorithm (COA), Driving Training-Based Optimization (DTBO), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Genetic Algorithm (GA), Turbulent Flow of Water-based Optimization (TFWO), White Shark Optimizer (WSO), Zebra Optimization Algorithm (ZOA), and Flying Foxes Optimization (FFO) were used. This configuration was evaluated in terms of the annual system cost, present-day value, loss of power supply probability (LPSP), and leveled cost of energy (LCOE). Thanks to the strategic deployment of the TFWO algorithm, optimal results were achieved for the system, including a PV capacity of 411.0560 kW, a WT capacity of 327.0229 kW, and a BESS capacity of 561.1750 kW. With this configuration, the annual cost of the system was determined to be $4.0499 × 105, the present value was set at $4.6452 × 106, the nominal LPSP was calculated at 0.0487 %, and the LCOE was established at $0.1597/kWh. Notably, a significant portion of the energy demand, approximately 69.87 %, was met through renewables, with the remaining 30.13 % covered by traditional sources. Comprehensive sensitivity analysis of key parameters enabled forecasting of future trends. All research activities underwent thorough review, confirming the TFWO algorithm's superior efficiency and faster convergence compared to other methods. The optimization algorithms were implemented in MATLAB 2022b, and statistical evaluations performed using the R programming language.