Optimal allocation and sizing of charging stations for electric vehicles

Abstract

This Ph.D. project aims to design and develop a methodology for the optimal allocation and sizing of public charging stations for electric vehicles. The research's primary motivation is the perspective of a significant increase in the fleet of electric vehicles in Brazil. It is part of the thematic project FAPESP 2016/08645-9, ""Interdisciplinary Researches in Intelligent Electric Energy Networks"". The methodology will use predictions on the increase in the fleet of electric vehicles and the information available for the distribution networks in the areas for which the electric mobility infrastructures are required. This information should enable the methodology to unveil the best location for the charging stations and the optimal sizing of their leading equipment; if necessary, the methodology must also specify the requirements for reinforcements in the distribution feeders in the charging stations area. The main knowledge domains that support the project are simulation methods, clustering techniques, methods for exact optimization, and local search techniques. The simulation methods will be applied to identify promising areas for charging stations' allocation and estimate the demands of energy required by electric vehicles. This information will feed mathematical optimization models that should give the best location for the stations and specify their leading equipment - the best solution should represent the ideal compromise between the building and operation costs, and the benefits provided for the electric mobility. Local search techniques, associated with further simulation guided by a richer representation of uncertainness and seasonalities, will refine the optimization methods' solutions. The development of the research should attend the formal requirements of the Postgraduate Program of the Scholl of Electrical and Computer Engineering of the University of Campinas (UNICAMP) and enable the full development of the scientific and cultural abilities of the candidate. A research period under the supervision of Prof. Alysson Machado Costa at the University of Melbourne, in Australia, should provide a stimulating international academic experience to consolidate the maturity of the candidate. (AU)