A DC Microgrid as Electric Vehicle Supply Infrastructure: Energy Management Architecture and Field Implementation

The wide integration of electric mobility into distribution grids raises issues related to the safe operation of the networks, because of demand peak increase and service to be provided, especially for high charging rates and high vehicle penetration levels. Another crucial aspect concerns the development of a proper charging infrastructure with the aim of ensuring smart charging performances avoiding heavy economic efforts for users. A promising solution is represented by the combination of renewable energy source, storage and charging station in a DC microgrid framework, that could enable smart resource control and allow bidirectional power exchange with the grid for service provision. In this paper, the structure of a modular DC-based electric vehicle supply infrastructure is presented, as real demonstrator installed at the premises of the Bari Port Authority. The main features, along with the communication and control framework of the demonstrator, are described, along with control functions under implementation, and presenting some preliminary test results on the field.