In the rapidly evolving energy sector, a groundbreaking study published by researchers from North China Electric Power University, State Grid Jilin Electric Power Research Institute, and China North Vehicle Research Institute, offers a novel approach to optimize battery swapping stations. This research, led by WANG Yongli, proposes a strategy that could significantly enhance the economic viability of battery swapping stations while promoting the integration of new energy sources into the power grid.
The study, published in ‘Dianli jianshe’ (translated to English as ‘Electric Power Construction’), addresses a critical challenge in the energy sector: the conflict between charging loads, peak and valley pressures on the power grid, and the consumption of new energy. By developing a coordinated operation framework that links battery swapping stations, power grids, and new energy stations, the researchers aim to create a more efficient and sustainable energy ecosystem.
At the heart of this strategy is a dual-objective model that seeks to maximize economic benefits and optimize new energy consumption. The model operates on a granularity of 96 time slots, allowing for precise scheduling and dynamic tracking of battery State of Charge (SOC). This level of detail enables the system to respond to fluctuations in energy demand and supply, ensuring that battery swapping stations can provide auxiliary services in the power market and address the abandonment and consumption of new energy.
One of the key innovations in this research is the use of an improved Harris Hawk optimization algorithm to solve the complex scheduling problem. This algorithm, combined with peak response, time-of-use tariff matching, and dynamic SOC tracking, allows the system to adapt to changing conditions in real-time. “By dynamically matching new energy abandonment with time-of-use tariffs, our strategy enhances both economic efficiency and the station’s ability to consume new energy,” said WANG Yongli, the lead author of the study.
The potential commercial impacts of this research are substantial. According to the study, the proposed strategy can increase the economic benefit of battery swapping stations by 25% and raise new energy consumption by 16.5%. Additionally, the strategy significantly reduces the charging load during grid peak hours, helping to achieve peak shaving and valley filling. This not only improves the overall efficiency of the power grid but also creates new revenue streams for battery swapping station operators.
The implications of this research extend beyond the immediate benefits to battery swapping stations. By providing a new approach for battery swapping stations to participate in power system regulation, the study offers a blueprint for a more integrated and flexible energy market. This could pave the way for future developments in the field, such as the widespread adoption of smart grid technologies and the increased integration of renewable energy sources.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, the need for innovative solutions to optimize energy consumption and integrate new energy sources will only grow. This research, published in ‘Electric Power Construction’, represents a significant step forward in this direction, offering a compelling vision of a more efficient, sustainable, and economically viable energy future.