Real-Time PEV Charging/Discharging Coordination in Smart Distribution Systems

This paper proposes a novel online coordination method for the charging of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) in smart distribution networks. The goal of the proposed method is to optimally charge the PEVs in order to maximize the PEV owners' satisfaction and to minimize system operating costs without violating power system constraints. Unlike the solutions reported in the literature, the proposed charging architecture guarantees the feasibility of the charging decisions by means of a novel prediction unit that can forecast future PEVs power demand and through an innovative two-stage optimization unit that ensures effective charging coordination. Coordinated PEV discharging also enables improved utilization of power system resources. Simulation results for a typical distribution network are provided as a demonstration of the effectiveness of the proposed architecture.