Distributed Charging Prioritization Methodology Based on Evolutionary Computation and Virtual Power Plants to Integrate Electric Vehicle Fleets on Smart Grids

Abstract

Electric vehicle fleets and smart grids are two growing technologies. These technologies have provided new possibilities to reduce pollution and increase energy efficiency. In this sense, electric vehicles are used as mobile loads in the power grid. A distributed charging prioritization methodology is proposed in this paper. The solution is based on the concept of virtual power plants and the usage of evolutionary computation algorithms. Additionally, a comparison of several evolutionary algorithms—namely genetic algorithm, genetic algorithm with evolution control, particle swarm optimization, and hybrid solution—is shown, in order to evaluate the proposed architecture. The proposed solution is presented as a means to prevent overload of the power grid.