Abstract

In recent years, storage coupled photovoltaic (PV) systems have gained popularity among homeowners. As a result of the covid-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in remote work and the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) which spend more time plugged in at home. Thus, they can function as bidirectional energy storage units, becoming integrated into PV-powered microgrids. This provides an opportunity to reduce EV charging demands, charge EV batteries directly with solar energy, and use them as a backup energy source throughout the day. Given this context, it becomes paramount to explore the optimal design of domestic microgrids that take into account different types of residents and user preferences. However, creating systems that account for different user behaviours and allow for joint sizing and operation is a convoluted task. Notably, the interdependencies between sizing and operation are multifaceted, and solar generation, load and EV cycles are stochastic and nonstationary. Moreover, such microgrids require sophisticated home energy management systems (HEMS), capable of considering different user goals and types. This study proposes a framework for coupled sizing and operation of domestic microgrids which considers different work-from-home patterns and user preferences for the HEMS , to determine the optimal size of PV panels and stationary storage. By using a tool to generate EV usage data, we will investigate how different commuting habits and HEMS configurations affect the design requirements of domestic energy systems. Ultimately, this study aims to deepen our understanding of the design of residential PV-EV integrated microgrids within the post-pandemic world.