Work

Photovoltaic-integrated battery swapping stations: An optimization tool for operational scheduling

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Electric vehicle and their intake to substitute conventional vehicles are a key aspect of the world decarbonisation strategy. However, some constraints like long charging times and grid overload issues may limit their full deployment. In this context, Battery Swapping Stations (BSS) offer a faster alternative to conventional EV charging by replacing discharged batteries with fully charged ones. This decoupling of charging and discharging phases significantly reduces waiting times and the possibility to shift the charging phase introduce a further degree of freedom for the demand side management of the load. However, managing these operations, especially when integrated with renewable energy sources like solar power, requires complex optimization. The charging phase must be optimized considering the price curve and the availability of the renewable resources. Moreover, the renewable energy production can also be managed to increase the total revenues of the station. This paper presents a novel mixed-integer linear programming algorithm to optimize the operations of a BSS integrated with a photovoltaic power plant. The algorithm simulates yearly operations, considering hourly energy prices and grid constraints. It aims to maximize station revenue by optimally scheduling battery charging after swaps and utilizing renewable energy. The algorithm considers different buying and selling price scenarios along with different PV-plant sizes to serve as tool for analysing various BSS station configuration and optimization possibilities. In all cases, simulation results demonstrate significant economic savings despite the uncertainties introduced by fluctuating prices highlighting the algorithm's effectiveness. This approach provides valuable insights for enhancing the economic viability and operational efficiency of BSS integrated with renewable energy sources.

Source: Energy Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.egyr.2025.11.076

Authors: Jacopo C. Alberizzi, Mohsen Fatehi, Massimiliano Renzi

Institution: Free University of Bozen-Bolzano

Language: English

Topic: Electric Vehicles and Infrastructure

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,040