Operational Optimization of Microgrids Integrating Electric Vehicles and Vehicle-to- Grid Impact

The continuous growth in global population is driving a substantial increase in electricity demand, resulting in higher fuel consumption and worsening environmental degradation. As a sustainable alternative, electric vehicles (EVs) have gained prominence due to their potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and their lower operating and maintenance costs compared to internal combustion engine vehicles. However, the widespread integration of EVs introduces new challenges for microgrid (MG) operations, particularly in terms of operational optimization and grid stability. This paper investigates the impact of EV charging behavior and regulation on the optimal operation of MGs, focusing on minimizing both operational and environmental protection costs. The analysis considers dynamic conditions, including high penetration levels of EVs charging simultaneously, which may compromise MG performance. A MATLAB-based optimization framework was developed to evaluate the economic distribution of power within the MG, incorporating two critical factors: the scheduling of EV charging and the implementation of vehicle-to- grid (V2G) technology. The results underscore the importance of coordinated charging strategies in improving the cost-effectiveness and reliability of MG operations under increasing EV integration. The novelty of this work lies in the integration of EV charging/discharging schedules with V2G impact in a unified optimization model, providing actionable insights for MG operators and highlighting the dual role of EVs as both loads and distributed energy resources.