An inclusive methodology for Plug-in electrical vehicle operation with G2V and V2G in smart microgrid environments

Abstract Smart initiative concepts as smart grids, cities, and microgrids are redefining the electrical power system. This new scenario enables a completely new perspective of applications that lead to a path of general improvement of grid performance, in which the participation of plug-in electric vehicles has great importance. In this view, this work proposes a comprehensive operation strategy of plug-in electric vehicles for unbalanced smart microgrid environments. The first contribution is the grid-to-vehicle strategy based on buses availability of power whose primary objective is the maintenance of satisfactory operating conditions for the grid while controlling the plug-in electric vehicles charging. The second contribution relates to a holistic vehicle-to-grid coordinated approach, which is triggered in the event of microgrid islanding. The goal, in this case, is to assist the network by using the plug-in electric vehicles available stored energy. At last, the main contribution is obtained by the combination of both methodologies providing a comprehensive operation of plug-in electric vehicles for smart microgrids environments. The proposed method is designed for general three-phase unbalanced distribution systems with a wide range of resources and present versatility in the communication requirements. For validation, simulations are performed in a comprehensive unbalanced three-phase distribution system considering different disruptive scenarios faced by microgrids. The results indicate that the proposed methodology is satisfactory and ensure the operation of the microgrid within acceptable limits in both connected and islanded situations.