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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Energy Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (27 February 2023) | Viewed by 47134

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Sanchari Deb

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Guest Editor

ERCIM Fellow, VTT Technical Research Centre, Espoo, Finland
Interests: power system reliability; electric vehicles; EV charging infrastructure; microgrid; power quality; optimization; distribution network planning; transportation networks
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Nallapaneni Manoj Kumar

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
Interests: building-integrated photovoltaics; circular economy; sustainability and resilience; energy management; life cycle assessment; technoeconomic analysis; modeling and performance investigation of energy systems; solar for smart cities applications; advances in solar energy installations; microgrids; blockchain technology; Internet of Things
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Most of us are aware of the rising concerns due to global warming, the energy crisis, and environmental pollution that have initiated the decarbonization movement. As per the International Energy Agency (IEA), the transportation sector is still responsible for 24% of direct CO₂ emissions due to fossil fuel combustion. Given the urgent need for the transportation sector decarbonization, thoughts of electrification have been initiated and led to the development of electric vehicles (EVs). The paradigm shift from internal combustion engine (ICE)-driven vehicles to EVs calls for the development of smart and sustainable charging infrastructure. Uncoordinated charging may result in serious consequences such as voltage stability, power losses, degradation of reliability indices, and increase in the peak load. At the same time, ensuring energy sustainability, the development of the renewable-based charging infrastructure, and an increase in the share of renewables in the national energy mix is given priority. Hence, planning smart and sustainable EV charging infrastructure and coordinating the charging activities are prime concerns for researchers. This Special Issue will delve into the different aspects of smart and sustainable charging infrastructure. Topics of interest for publication include but are not limited to:

Planning of charging infrastructure
Smart charging
Battery swapping
Algorithms for charging station placement
Big data analytics for sustainable charging infrastructure
Charging demand prediction
Interaction of charging stations with grid (G2V and V2G)
Smart pricing strategies
Smart charging for renewable energy integration
Smart city transportation networks
EVs as a flexible resource
Business models for sustainable charging infrastructure development
Scheduling of charging activity in charging station networks
Charging standards
Impact of charging on the power grid
Solar-powered charging stations
Renewables for EV charging
Intelligent transportation
Transportation resilience
Policy and public health in an EV context

This issue aims to publish original articles, reviews, short communications, research notes, analyses, and case studies on topics relating to smart and sustainable charging infrastructure. We look forward to your valuable contribution to build together a successful issue that will share with readers state-of-the-art activities and future perspectives on the topic.

Dr. Sanchari Deb
Dr. Nallapaneni Manoj Kumar
Guest Editors

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Keywords

smart grids
charging station
virtual power plants
smart pricing
algorithms for EVs
swap-pay-go service
on-board chargers
sustainability
resilience
road vehicles
water vehicles
optimization
batteries for EV
transportation policy

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 1444 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Policy Analysis in China: A Framework of Policy Instrumentation and Industrial Chain

by Xin Wang, Jinfeng Wang, Chunqiu Xu, Ke Zhang and Guo Li

Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 2663; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15032663 - 1 Feb 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 6083

Abstract

As a strategic guarantee for the rapid development of electric vehicles, the construction and development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure (EVCI) is closely related to the industrial policies formulated by the government. This paper takes policy texts relevant to EVCI in China since 2014 as the research materials, taking policy instruments and the industrial chain as analysis dimensions. Policy content analysis is conducted to explore the EVCI policy content, structure characteristics of policy instruments, and evolution characteristics of EVCI policy in China. Our research reveals that China’s EVCI policy system is relatively perfect, but the use of policy instruments is not balanced and, in particular, is not coordinated with the EVCI industrial chain they supported. In this regard, the government should pay more attention to the use of demand-side policy instrument to enhance the driving force for the development of the EVCI industry. With more scientific and reasonable arrangement of the distribution and implementation of policy instruments in the EVCI industrial chain, the benign development of China’s EVCI industry can be promoted. This research contributes to strengthening the management and policy instrumentation of the central Chinese government, in order to support the realization of good governance of EVCI and the new energy vehicle development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart and Sustainable EV Charging Infrastructure)

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27 pages, 1812 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Consumers’ Electric Vehicle Purchase Intentions: An Expansion of the Theory of Planned Behavior

by Tuğba Yeğin and Muhammad Ikram

Sustainability 2022, 14(19), 12091; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141912091 - 24 Sep 2022

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 10350

Abstract

For the purpose of paving the way for reducing environmental pollution globally, adapting green energy to people’s lives in more areas is seen as a good solution. The strategic plan implemented to prevent possible energy and water shortages in the future includes cleaning the environment and air from carbon emissions as soon as possible. Countries are taking mandatory sectoral and individual measures to remove the use of CO₂-based fuels. As a part of the sustainable development process for Turkey, which is trying to convince its individuals to use more green energy, it is important for society to adopt more electric vehicles. However, there are few internationally accepted studies on the adoption of EVs in Turkey, and a limited number of studies include individuals’ environmental concerns (EC) and green trust (GT) structures. In this research, which we started on the basis of filling this literature gap by taking behavioral factors into account, we expand the TPB framework (subjective norm (SN), attitude (AT), and perceived behavioral control (PBC)) with the “EC” and “GT” constructs. So, with this research, we examine the behavioral factors that affect the intention to purchase electric vehicles (EVPI) of consumers residing in Turkey, based on the theory of planned behavior. Thus, we aim to reveal the barriers to the adoption of EVs in Turkey with an empirical application and SEM analysis. The first phase includes a review of the literature, adaptation of the survey, and development of the hypotheses. The second phase involves conducting a survey with 626 consumers whose information was obtained from four dealers in Turkey. We used Cronbach’s alpha and CFA analyses on the data obtained from the survey. In the final phase, we performed an SEM analysis for our extended theory of planned behavior (ETPB) and hypotheses. The CFA results revealed that the survey showed compatibility with EV purchase intentions. The SEM results indicated that the behavioral constructs of AT, PBC, EC, and GT were positively correlated with EV purchase intentions, and our new ETPB model, extended with EC and GT, was suitable for predicting consumers’ EVPI, suggesting that EVPI are a result of behavioral constructs. This study is unique for being the first in Turkey to focus on whether the factors of EC or GT can predict consumers’ EVPI. On the other hand, it was found that SN had a negative effect on consumers’ EVPI, and this result was in agreement with some studies in the literature and contradicted by others. In addition, we make suggestions based on the findings of the research to the country and related sector managers in order for the country to progress at a level that will set an example for other developing countries in its sustainable development plan. This study contributes to the EVs industry by revealing the consumers’ responses and increasing their marketing efforts. Our findings constitute a comprehensive example for further research on sustainable consumption, EVs, EVPI, and ETPB. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart and Sustainable EV Charging Infrastructure)

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19 pages, 4074 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Stochastic Second-Order Conic Programming for Optimal Sizing of Distributed Generator Units and Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

by Hyeon Woo, Yongju Son, Jintae Cho and Sungyun Choi

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 4964; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14094964 - 20 Apr 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2077

Abstract

The increased penetration of electric vehicles (EVs) and distributed generator (DG) units has led to uncertainty in distribution systems. These uncertainties—which have not been adequately considered in the literature—can entail risks in the optimal sizing of EV charging stations (EVCSs) and DG units in active distribution network planning. This paper proposes a method for obtaining the optimal sizing of DG units and EVCSs (considering uncertainty), to achieve exact power system analysis and ensure EV driver satisfaction. To model uncertainties in optimal sizing planning, this study first generates scenarios for each system asset using a probability distribution that considers the asset characteristics. In this step, the wind-turbine (WT), PV, and EVCS are modeled applying the Weibull, exponential, and kernel density estimation (KDE), and scenarios for each asset are generated using random sampling. Then, the k-means clustering is carried out for scenario reduction and the representative scenario abstract. The probability of occurrence for each representative scenario is assigned depending on the number of observations within each cluster. The representative scenarios for each asset are integrated into the scenario for all assets through the joint probability. The integrated scenarios are applied in the optimization problem for optimal sizing of the system asset framework. The optimal sizing of the system assets problem is proposed (to minimize the line loss and voltage deviation) and formulated via stochastic second-order conic programming, to reflect the uncertainty under an AC power flow; this is a convex problem that can be solved in polynomial time. The proposed method is tested on a modified IEEE 15 bus system, and the simulation is performed with various objective functions. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart and Sustainable EV Charging Infrastructure)

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20 pages, 4504 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Charge Scheduling Optimization of Plug-In Electric Vehicle in a PV Powered Grid-Connected Charging Station Based on Day-Ahead Solar Energy Forecasting in Australia

by Sheik Mohammed S., Femin Titus, Sudhakar Babu Thanikanti, Sulaiman S. M., Sanchari Deb and Nallapaneni Manoj Kumar

Sustainability 2022, 14(6), 3498; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14063498 - 16 Mar 2022

Cited by 41 | Viewed by 6099

Abstract

Optimal charge scheduling of electric vehicles in solar-powered charging stations based on day-ahead forecasting of solar power generation is proposed in this paper. The proposed algorithm’s major objective is to schedule EV charging based on the availability of solar PV power to minimize the total charging costs. The efficacy of the proposed algorithm is validated for a small-scale system with a capacity of 3.45 kW and a single charging point, and the annual cost analysis is carried out by modelling a 65 kWp solar-powered EV charging station The reliability and cost saving of the proposed optimal scheduling algorithm along with the integration and the solar PV system is validated for a charging station with a 65 kW solar PV system having charging points with different charging powers. A comprehensive comparison of uncontrolled charging, optimal charging without solar PV system, and optimal charging with solar PV system for different vehicles and different time slots are presented and discussed. From the results, it can be realized that the proposed charging algorithm reduces the overall charging cost from 10–20% without a PV system, and while integrating a solar PV system with the proposed charging method, a cost saving of 50–100% can be achieved. Based on the selected location, system size, and charging points, it is realized that the annual charging cost under an uncontrolled approach is AUS $28,131. On the other hand, vehicle charging becomes completely sustainable with net-zero energy consumption from the grid and net annual revenue of AUS $28,134.445 can be generated by the operator. New South Wales (NSW), Australia is selected as the location for the study. For the analysis Time-Of-Use pricing (ToUP) scheme and solar feed-in tariff of New South Wales (NSW), Australia is adopted, and the daily power generation of the PV system is computed using the real-time data on an hourly basis for the selected location. The power forecasting is carried out using an ANN-based forecast model and is developed using MATLAB and trained using the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm. Overall, a prediction accuracy of 99.61% was achieved using the selected algorithm. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart and Sustainable EV Charging Infrastructure)

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33 pages, 12088 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Systematic Modeling and Analysis of On-Board Vehicle Integrated Novel Hybrid Renewable Energy System with Storage for Electric Vehicles

by Kabir A. Mamun, F. R. Islam, R. Haque, Aneesh A. Chand, Kushal A. Prasad, Krishneel K. Goundar, Krishneel Prakash and Sidharth Maharaj

Sustainability 2022, 14(5), 2538; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14052538 - 22 Feb 2022

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 3502

Abstract

The automobile industry and technology are putting a great significance in improving vehicles to become more fuel economical, but with incremental costs relative to conventional vehicle technologies; these new vehicles are electric vehicles (EV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), and hybrid electric vehicles (HEV). However, their significant capabilities to reduce petroleum consumption and achieve efficiency over their life cycles offer economic benefits for customers, industry, carmakers, and policymakers. In this paper, an HEV concept based on renewable energy resources (RERs) is proposed. The proposed HEV design utilizes solar PV energy, wind energy, fuel cell, and a supercapacitor (PV + WE + FC + SC) which generates electrical energy via a proton exchange membrane (PEM) and an SC to cater for strong torque requirements. The vehicle incorporates a battery pack in conjunction with an SC for the power demands and an FC as the backup energy supply. An alternator connected to turbine blades runs by wind energy while the car is moving forward, which produces electricity through the alternator to charge the battery. The design aims to ensure zero carbon emission and improved energy efficiency, is lightweight, and incorporates in-wheel motors to eliminate the mechanical transmissions. Modeling and simulation were carried out for each subsystem using MATLAB^® and Simulink^® packages. ANSYS Fluent simulation was used to analyze wind energy. The standard analysis, e.g., pressure, velocity, and vector contour, were also considered while designing the final model. To regulate the power supply and demand, the selection of energy sources was controlled by a rule-based supervisory controller following a logical sequence that prioritizes energy sources with the SC as a source in-vehicle stop-and-go situations while the battery acts as the primary source, FC as a backup supply, and wind and solar power to recharge the battery. Solar charging is switched on automatically once the vehicle is parked, and the controller controls the energy flow from the alternator during that period. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart and Sustainable EV Charging Infrastructure)

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14 pages, 5611 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design and Performance Analysis of Hybrid Battery and Ultracapacitor Energy Storage System for Electrical Vehicle Active Power Management

by Aditya Kachhwaha, Ghamgeen Izat Rashed, Akhil Ranjan Garg, Om Prakash Mahela, Baseem Khan, Muhammed Badeaa Shafik and Mohamed G. Hussien

Sustainability 2022, 14(2), 776; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14020776 - 11 Jan 2022

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 3986

Abstract

The electrical energy storage system faces numerous obstacles as green energy usage rises. The demand for electric vehicles (EVs) is growing in tandem with the technological advance of EV range on a single charge. To tackle the low-range EV problem, an effective electrical energy storage device is necessary. Traditionally, electric vehicles have been powered by a single source of power, which is insufficient to handle the EV’s dynamic demand. As a result, a unique storage medium is necessary to meet the EV load characteristics of high-energy density and high-power density. This EV storage system is made up of two complementing sources: chemical batteries and ultracapacitors/supercapacitors. The benefits of using ultracapacitors in a hybrid energy storage system (HESS) to meet the low-power electric car dynamic load are explored in this study. In this paper, a HESS technique for regulating the active power of low-powered EV simulations was tested in a MATLAB/Simulink environment with various dynamic loading situations. The feature of this design, as noted from the simulation results, is that it efficiently regulates the DC link voltage of an EV with a hybrid source while putting minimal load stress on the battery, resulting in longer battery life, lower costs, and increased vehicle range. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart and Sustainable EV Charging Infrastructure)

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27 pages, 9235 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Feasibility Assessment of Hybrid Solar Photovoltaic-Biogas Generator Based Charging Station: A Case of Easy Bike and Auto Rickshaw Scenario in a Developing Nation

by Amit Kumer Podder, Sayma Afroza Supti, Sayemul Islam, Maria Malvoni, Arunkumar Jayakumar, Sanchari Deb and Nallapaneni Manoj Kumar

Sustainability 2022, 14(1), 166; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14010166 - 24 Dec 2021

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 5429

Abstract

The popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) is increasing day by day in the modern world. The charging of EVs from grid-connected charging stations causes a considerable power crisis in the grid. Integrating renewable energy resources (RESs) with conventional energy sources in the power grid is now considered feasible to reduce peak power demand and the inevitable emission effect. Hence, this paper presents an energy solution for EV charging with two RESs, namely, solar photovoltaic (PV) and biogas. HOMER software is utilized to analyze the potency and functionality of solar PV and biogas-based EV charging stations. The proposed system consists of a solar PV system, two biogas engine generators, and a bidirectional converter with battery storage. The variation of different costs, such as net present cost (NPC), initial cost, and cost of energy (COE) for different solar PV systems (3 kW, 4.5 kW, 6 kW, and 9 kW), are analyzed in HOMER software. The 4.5 kW solar PV system is finally selected as the NPC, initial cost, and COE are $93,530, $19,735, and $0.181, respectively, which is efficient. The system’s lifetime is 25 years, where an initial 12 years is required to overcome the system cost, and the remaining 13 years will provide financial benefits. The study also illustrates the effect of solar irradiance, biomass, and the change in the load of the energy management system. The techno–economic analysis shows that the proposed scheme can be an effective energy solution. The emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs), such as CO₂, CO, SO₂, and NO_X, is reduced considerably compared to other existing techniques. The study is expected to be beneficial in renewables-based EV charging systems with techno–economic and environmental feasibility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart and Sustainable EV Charging Infrastructure)

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Review

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31 pages, 6142 KiB

Open AccessReview

Selected Aspects of Sustainable Mobility Reveals Implementable Approaches and Conceivable Actions

by Suprava Chakraborty, Nallapaneni Manoj Kumar, Arunkumar Jayakumar, Santanu Kumar Dash and Devaraj Elangovan

Sustainability 2021, 13(22), 12918; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132212918 - 22 Nov 2021

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 6511

Abstract

The transportation sector plays a prominent role in driving the economy of any given nation. However, with the recent tensions arising in and around the transportation sector, sustainable mobility concepts have evolved. However, it is quite unclear whether sustainable mobility is feasible and exhibits economic returns, environmental benefits, and societal advantages. Hence, taking into account the environmental, economic, and social impact, and technical possibilities, this study intends to analyse sustainable mobility in relation to economic returns, environmental benefits and societal advantages using bibliometric analysis. For this study, we considered two decades of research, from 2001 to 2021. An in-depth search was performed on articles generated in the last two decades to assess the state of the literature on sustainable mobility. The most reverent, frequently referenced papers and influential journals in the field of sustainable mobility were identified. The acquired findings highlight the most prominent publications, journals, and authors who have made significant contributions to sustainable mobility studies, as well as the sub-areas or themes linked to sustainable mobility. Overall, the analysis discovered current paradigms, significant research topics, and a relationship between the domains of sustainable mobility studies. Meanwhile, this study also demonstrates advancements in the primary themes and sub-areas during the previous 20 years and alterations in future research fields. In addition, this study identified the promotion of rapid-reliable-safe-convenient (RRSC) transportation services, reduction in urban car traffic, and support to low transportation demand as the critical steps that require immediate attention in order to build a sustainable mobility future. We also observed that hydrogen would be a promising fuel and potential technology for the future mobility sector in the post-COVID era. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart and Sustainable EV Charging Infrastructure)

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