Optimal energy management strategy for electric vehicle charging station based on tied photovoltaic system

Abstract

The rise of carbon dioxide emissions is a leading contributor to environmental pollution, impacting both human health and the planet. A promising solution is the integration of green energy and electric vehicles (EVs), which reduce dependence on fossil fuels. This paper introduces a novel energy management strategy to optimize energy flow and schedule EV battery charging at a solar-powered charging station. The system, installed at the University of Trieste, Italy, combines photovoltaic (PV) energy with grid power to reduce grid reliance. Using real-time data—such as EV presence, energy demand, available PV power, and battery status—the proposed method prioritizes maximizing PV energy usage while minimizing grid consumption. Unlike traditional methods, this strategy simplifies decision-making through a rule-based approach that eliminates the need for energy forecasting. Simulation results show the proposed strategy effectively optimizes energy usage, reduces grid consumption, protects battery life, and supports the main grid. The findings highlight the system's potential to improve energy efficiency and sustainability.