Optimizing smart microgrid performance: Integrating solar generation and static VAR compensator for EV charging impact, emphasizing SCOPE index

The rapid global increase in electric vehicle (EV) usage, driven by its low CO2 emissions, uncomplicated maintenance, and minimal operating costs, has prompted extensive research in the field of electric vehicle charging station (EVCS). The integration of EVCS into the current distribution grid poses challenges due to potential power losses and voltage variations beyond acceptable limits. This complexity is heightened by the growing penetration of randomly dispersed solar-based distributed generation (SDG) and battery energy storage system (BESS). To address these challenges, distribution static VAR compensator (DSVC) systems have been introduced, offering benefits such as enhanced power transfer capacity, improved voltage regulation, and increased system security without requiring extensive infrastructure upgrades. This study offers SCOPE, a novel multi-objective framework that unifies the optimization goals of minimizing real power loss, lowering bus voltage variation, maximizing system voltage stability, minimizing system operating costs, and mitigating CO2 emissions. The EVCS problem is optimized within this multi-objective framework utilizing an improved bald eagle search algorithm (IBESA). The proposed model accounts for vehicle to grid (V2G) capabilities and the actual driving patterns of users over a 24-h horizon. The formulation of a smart microgrid (SMG) structure is based on modifying the standard IEEE 33-bus test radial distribution network (RDN), comprising three interconnected SMGs serving residential, commercial, and industrial users. The optimization approach based on IBESA is utilized to optimize both the siting and capacity of EVCS as well as renewable energy sources (RESs). The findings show that SDG and DSVC are effective at lowering the SCOPE index, highlighting the advantages of the suggested approach.