Search Results (72)

This study introduces a novel tripartite evolutionary game model to analyze the strategic interactions among electric vehicle (EV) aggregators, local governments, and EV users in vehicle–grid interaction (VGI) markets. The core novelty lies in capturing bounded rationality and dynamic decision-making across the three stakeholders, revealing how policy incentives and market mechanisms drive the transition from disordered charging to bidirectional VGI. Key findings include the following: (1) The system exhibits five stable equilibrium points, corresponding to three distinct developmental phases of the VGI market: disordered charging (V0G), unidirectional VGI (V1G), and bidirectional VGI (V2G). (2) Peak–valley price differences are the primary driver for transitioning from V0G to V1G. (3) EV aggregators’ willingness to adopt V2G is influenced by upgrade costs, while local governments’ subsidy strategies depend on peak-shaving benefits and regulatory costs. (4) Increasing the subsidy differential between V1G and V2G accelerates market evolution toward V2G. The framework offers actionable policy insights for sustainable VGI development, while advancing evolutionary game theory applications in energy systems. Full article

Shared energy storage (SES) represents a transformative approach to advancing sustainable energy systems through improved resource utilization and renewable energy integration. In order to enhance the economic benefits of energy storage and prosumers, as well as to increase the consumption rate of renewable energy, this paper proposes a bilevel optimization model for multi-prosumer power complementarity based on SES. The upper level is the long-term energy storage capacity configuration optimization, aiming to minimize the investment and operational costs of energy storage. The lower level is the intra-day operation optimization for prosumers, which reduces electricity costs through peer-to-peer (P2P) transactions among prosumers and the coordinated dispatch of SES. Meanwhile, an improved Nash bargaining method is introduced to reasonably allocate the P2P transaction benefits among prosumers based on their contributions to the transaction process. The case study shows that the proposed model can reduce the SES configuration capacity by 46.3% and decrease the annual electricity costs of prosumers by 0.98% to 27.30% compared with traditional SES, and the renewable energy consumption rate has reached 100%. Through peak–valley electricity price arbitrage, the annual revenue of the SES operator increases by 71.1%, achieving a win–win situation for prosumers and SES. This article, by optimizing the storage configuration and trading mechanism to make energy storage more accessible to users, enhances the local consumption of renewable energy, reduces both users′ energy costs and the investment costs of energy storage, and thereby promotes a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable energy future. Full article

This study presents a comprehensive life-cycle assessment of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) economic viability, explicitly integrating the costs of both battery cycling degradation and calendar aging. While V2G offers revenue through energy arbitrage, its net profitability is critically dependent on regional electricity price differentials and the associated battery degradation costs. We develop a dynamic cost–benefit model, validated over a 10-year horizon across five diverse regions (Shanghai, Chengdu, the U.S., the U.K., and Australia). The results reveal stark regional disparities: Chengdu (0.65 USD/kWh peak–valley gap) and Australia (0.53 USD/kWh) achieve substantial net revenues of up to USD 25,000 per vehicle, whereas Shanghai’s narrow price differential (0.03 USD/kWh) renders V2G unprofitable. Sensitivity analysis quantifies critical break-even price differentials, varying by EV model and annual mileage (e.g., 0.12 USD/kWh minimum for Tesla Model Y). Crucially, calendar aging emerged as the dominant degradation cost (67% at 10,000 km/year), indicating significant battery underutilization potential. Policy insights emphasize the necessity of targeted interventions, such as Chengdu’s discharge incentives (0.69 USD/kWh), to bridge profitability gaps. This research provides actionable guidance for policymakers, grid operators, and EV owners by quantifying the trade-offs between V2G revenue and battery longevity, enabling optimized deployment strategies. Full article

Energy storage technology is a critical component in supporting the construction of new power systems and promoting the low-carbon transformation of the energy system. Currently, new energy storage in China is in a pivotal transition phase from research and demonstration to the initial stage of commercialization. However, it still faces numerous challenges, including incomplete business models, inadequate institutional policies, and unclear cost and revenue recovery mechanisms, particularly on the generation and grid sides. Therefore, this paper focuses on grid-side new energy storage technologies, selecting typical operational scenarios to analyze and compare their business models. Based on the lifecycle assessment method and techno-economic theories, the costs and benefits of various new energy storage technologies are compared and analyzed. This study aims to provide rational suggestions and incentive policies to enhance the technological maturity and economic feasibility of grid-side energy storage, improve cost recovery mechanisms, and promote the sustainable development of power grids. The results indicate that grid-side energy storage business models are becoming increasingly diversified, with typical models including shared leasing, spot market arbitrage, capacity price compensation, unilateral dispatch, and bilateral trading. From the perspectives of economic efficiency and technological maturity, lithium-ion batteries exhibit significant advantages in enhancing renewable energy consumption due to their low initial investment, high returns, and fast response. Compressed air and vanadium redox flow batteries excel in long-duration storage and cycle life. While molten salt and hydrogen storage face higher financial risks, they show prominent potential in cross-seasonal storage and low-carbon transformation. The sensitivity analysis indicates that the peak–valley electricity price differential and the unit investment cost of installed capacity are the key variables influencing the economic viability of grid-side energy storage. The charge–discharge efficiency and storage lifespan affect long-term returns, while technological advancements and market optimization are expected to further enhance the economic performance of energy storage systems, promoting their commercial application in electricity markets. Full article

The uncoordinated charging behaviors of electric vehicles (EVs) challenge the stable operation of the grid, e.g., increasing the peak-to-valley ratio of the grid and diminishing power supply reliability. A Monte Carlo sampling method is employed to develop a charging behavior model for EVs to solve the problems raised by random charge mode. The probability densities of daily driving distance, initial charging time, charging power, and charging duration are incorporated and analyzed. The proposed model enables multiple random sample values for EVs, considering varying weather conditions and time-of-use electricity prices. For charge and discharge optimization, an EV charge and discharge scheduling model is constructed, aiming to balance multiple objective functions, including battery degradation costs, user charging costs, grid load fluctuations, and peak-to-valley differences. The weighting method is applied to transform the multi-objective framework into a single-objective comprehensive solution, facilitating the identification of optimal charge and discharge strategies. Results demonstrate that the Monte Carlo sampling can satisfactorily generate datasets with realistic characteristics on the driving range and charging initiation time of the EVs. Furthermore, the load results achieved through multi-objective optimization demonstrate that the proposed strategy effectively mitigates peak-to-valley disparities. The peak load reduction and trough load increment are 27.6% and 160.1%, respectively. Through post-peak load balancing, the average costs of each EV for daily charging and battery degradation are reduced to be 7.58 yuan and 15.68 yuan, respectively. This approach can significantly enhance the grid stability, simultaneously address the economic interests of users, and extend battery lifespan. Full article

With the establishment of a competitive electricity retail market, how to optimize the retail electricity price mechanism has become the core of all kinds of retail companies to explore. Aiming at the pricing problem of time-of-use electricity price, this paper proposes a pricing strategy based on the master–slave game model. Firstly, considering the user’s electricity utility and satisfaction factors, the comprehensive benefit function of the electricity selling company with electricity price as the decision variable and the user’s comprehensive benefit function with electricity consumption as the decision variable are established, respectively. Then, a master–slave game model is established with the electricity selling company as the leader and the user as the follower, and the reverse induction method is used to solve the model. Finally, considering the influencing factors of user response ability, different electricity price types and user types are set up for simulation. The results show that the revenue of electricity retailers can be increased by up to 170,000 yuan, and the average electricity price of users can be reduced by up to 8 yuan. It is verified that the model can effectively achieve a win-win situation for both sides and promote peak shaving and valley filling. At the same time, it is proved that the role of the model is positively related to electricity price flexibility and user response capability. Full article

Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology has been widely applied in recent years. Under the time-of-use pricing, users independently decide the charging and discharging behavior to maximize economic benefits, charging during low-price periods, discharging during high-electricity periods, and avoiding battery degradation. However, such behavior under inappropriate electricity prices can deviate from the grid’s goal of minimizing peak–valley load difference. Based on the basic electricity data of a community in Beijing and electricity vehicle (EV) random travel behavior obtained through Monte Carlo simulation, this study establishes a user optimal decision model that is influenced by battery degradation and electricity costs considering depth of discharge, charging rate, and charging energy loss. A mixed-integer linear programming algorithm with the objective of minimizing the cost of EV users is constructed to offer the participation power of V2G. By analyzing grid load fluctuations under different electricity pricing strategies, the study derives the formulation and adjustment rules for optimal electricity pricing that achieve ideal load stabilization. Under 30% V2G participation, the relative fluctuation of grid load is reduced from 31.81% to 5.19%. This study addresses the challenge of obtaining optimal electricity prices to guide users to participate in V2G to minimize the peak–valley load fluctuation. Full article

Although existing studies address the reduction of default rates by adjusting electricity trading rankings based on reputation values, the mechanisms for penalizing electricity trading defaults remain incomplete. Therefore, this paper proposes a real-time reputation-based pricing method for distributed diverse entity systems to mitigate electricity trading defaults. First, a reputation reward and penalty mechanism evaluates the trading behavior of diverse entities. Next, a ‘price-dominant, reputation-auxiliary’ pricing concept guides the process. Following this, a reputation-driven pricing strategy model for distributed adjustable resources allows for bid adjustments based on real-time market dynamics. Upon electricity trading completion, the reputation values of all entities are recalculated and disclosed, enabling entities to adjust future pricing and electricity trading quantities to optimize their profits. This method effectively reduces default rates while alleviating the impact of market electricity tradings on peak-to-valley fluctuations. Finally, simulations conducted on the MATLAB 2018b platform confirm the rationality and feasibility of the proposed real-time reputation-based pricing strategy within distributed diverse entity systems. Full article

Electric vehicles, known for their eco-friendliness and rechargeable–dischargeable capabilities, can serve as energy storage batteries to support the operation of the microgrid in certain scenarios. Therefore, photovoltaic-storage electric vehicle charging stations have emerged as an important solution to address the challenges posed by energy interconnection networks. However, electric vehicle charging loads exhibit notable randomness, potentially altering load characteristics during certain periods and posing challenges to the stable operation of microgrids. To address this challenge, this paper proposes a hierarchical optimal dispatching strategy based on photovoltaic-storage charging stations. The strategy utilizes a dynamic electricity pricing model and the adaptive particle swarm optimization algorithm to effectively manage electric vehicle charging loads. By decomposing the dispatching task into multiple layers, the strategy effectively solves the problems of the “curse of dimensionality” and slow convergence associated with large numbers of electric vehicles. Simulation results demonstrate that the strategy can effectively achieve peak shaving and valley filling, reducing the load variance of the microgrid by 24.93%, and significantly reduce electric vehicle charging costs and distribution network losses, with a reduction of 92.29% in electric vehicle charging costs and 32.28% in microgrid losses compared to unorganized charging. Additionally, this strategy can meet the travel demands of electric vehicle owners while providing convenient charging services. Full article

In the context of modern power systems, the reliance on a single-time-of-use electricity pricing model presents challenges in managing electric vehicle (EV) charging in a way that can effectively accommodate the variable supply and demand patterns, particularly in the presence of wind power generation. This often results in undesirable peak–valley differences in microgrid load profiles. To address this challenge, this paper introduces an innovative approach that combines time-of-use electricity pricing with the flexible energy storage capabilities of electric vehicles. By dynamically adjusting the time-of-use electricity prices and implementing a tiered carbon pricing system, this paper presents a comprehensive strategy for formulating optimized charging and discharging plans that leverage the inherent flexibility of electric vehicles. This approach aims to mitigate the fluctuations in the microgrid load and enhance the overall grid stability. The proposed strategy was simulated and compared with the no-incentive and single-incentive strategies. The results indicate that the load peak-to-trough difference was reduced by 30.1% and 18.6%, respectively, verifying its effectiveness and superiority. Additionally, the increase in user income and the reduction in carbon emissions verify the need for the development of EVs in tandem with clean energy for environmental benefits. Full article

The current generation of renewable energy remains insufficient to meet the demands of users within the network, leading to the necessity of curtailing flexible loads and underscoring the urgent need for optimized microgrid energy management. In this study, the deep learning-based Adaptive Dynamic Programming Algorithm (ADPA) was introduced to integrate real-time pricing into the optimization of demand-side energy management for microgrids. This approach not only achieved a dynamic balance between supply and demand, along with peak shaving and valley filling, but it also enhanced the rationality of energy management strategies, thereby ensuring stable microgrid operation. Simulations of the Real-Time Electricity Price (REP) management model under demand-side response conditions validated the effectiveness and feasibility of this approach in microgrid energy management. Based on the deep neural network model, optimization of the objective function was achieved with merely 54 epochs, suggesting a highly efficient computational process. Furthermore, the integration of microgrid energy management with the REP conformed to the distributed multi-source power supply microgrid energy management and scheduling and improved the efficiency of clean energy utilization significantly, supporting the implementation of national policies aimed at the development of a sustainable power grid. Full article

The reliable operation of a power system requires a real-time balance between supply and demand. However, it is difficult to achieve this balance solely by relying on supply-side regulation. Therefore, it is necessary to cooperate with effective demand-side management, which is a key strategy within smart grid systems, encouraging end-users to actively engage and optimize their electricity usage. This paper proposes a novel bi-level optimization model for integrating solar, hydrogen, and battery storage systems with charging stations (SHS-EVCSs) to maximize social welfare. The first level employs a non-cooperative game theory model for each individual EVCS to minimize capital and operational costs. The second level uses a cooperative game framework with an internal management system to optimize energy transactions among multiple EVCSs while considering EV owners’ economic interests. A Markov decision process models uncertainties in EV charging times, and Monte Carlo simulations predict charging demand. Real-time electricity pricing based on the dual theory enables demand-side management strategies like peak shaving and valley filling. Case studies demonstrate the model’s effectiveness in reducing peak loads, balancing energy utilization, and enhancing overall system efficiency and sustainability through optimized renewable integration, energy storage, EV charging coordination, social welfare maximization, and cost minimization. The proposed approach offers a promising pathway toward sustainable energy infrastructure by harmonizing renewable sources, storage technologies, EV charging demands, and societal benefits. Full article

With the development of the economy and society, the importance of a secure and stable electricity supply continues to increase. However, the power grid is facing the test of excess installed capacity, the waste of renewable energy, and a low comprehensive utilization rate. This problem stems from the inconsistent peak–valley differences between power production and consumption, and the lack of clear electricity price signals, which disrupts the safe and stable operation of the power market. This paper combines the interactive transactions among clean energy power generation companies, users, and energy storage, explores how the system optimization model can be reflected in the power market through regulatory measures, and formulates the optimal output scheme of the system under the constraints of clean energy power generation forecast data, user base load forecast data, demand-side resource regulation ability, and energy storage system regulation ability to achieve the goals of comprehensive clean energy power consumption and minimum cost for users. A comprehensive analysis of the proposed model was conducted using actual data from a certain province in China, the results show that the consumption of clean energy will increase by 3% to full consumption and the total cost of users will be 32% lower than that of time-of-use (TOU) power prices, which proves the potential of the proposed joint optimization model in absorbing clean energy and the effectiveness of the market mechanism. Full article

The growing popularity of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) is due to their environmental advantages. But uncoordinated charging of a large number of PHEVs can lead to a significant surge in peak loads and higher charging costs for PHEV owners. To end this, this paper introduces an innovative approach to address the issue by proposing a multi-objective weighting control for coordinated charging of PHEVs in a future smart grid, which aims to find an economically optimal solution while also considering load stabilization with large-scale PHEV penetration. Technical constraints related to the owner’s demand and power limitations are considered. In the proposed approach, the charging behavior of PHEV owners is modeled by a normal distribution. It is observed that owners typically start charging their vehicles when they arrive home and stop charging when they go to their workplace. The charging cost is then calculated based on the tiered electricity price and charging power. By adjusting the cost weighting factor and the load stability weighting factor in the multi-objective function, the grid allows for flexible weight selection between the two objectives. This approach effectively encourages owners to actively participate in coordinated charging scheduling, which sets it apart from existing works. The algorithm offers better robustness and adaptability for large-scale PHEV penetration, making it highly relevant for the future smart grid. Finally, numerical simulations are presented to demonstrate the desirable performance of theory and simulation. Full article

The variability and intermittency inherent in renewable energy sources poses significant challenges to balancing power supply and demand, often leading to wind and solar energy curtailment. To address these challenges, this paper focuses on enhancing Time of Use (TOU) electricity pricing strategies. We propose a novel method based on equivalent load, which leverages typical power grid load and incorporates a responsibility weight for renewable energy consumption. The responsibility weight acts as an equivalent coefficient that accurately reflects renewable energy output, which facilitates the division of time periods and the development of a demand response model. Subsequently, we formulate an optimized TOU electricity pricing model to increase the utilization rate of renewable energy and reduce the peak–valley load difference of the power grid. To solve the TOU pricing optimization model, we employ the Social Network Search (SNS) algorithm, a metaheuristic algorithm simulating users’ social network interactions to gain popularity. By incorporating the users’ mood when expressing opinions, this algorithm efficiently identifies optimal pricing solutions. Our results demonstrate that the equivalent load-based method not only encourages renewable energy consumption but also reduces power generation costs, stabilizes the power grid load, and benefits power generators, suppliers, and consumers without increasing end users’ electricity charges. Full article