Behavior-aware optimal sizing and energy management of hybrid microgrids with Vehicle-to-Grid integration via Quokka Swarm Optimization

Abstract

The integration of renewable energy sources (RESs) and electric vehicles (EVs) in grid-connected microgrids offers significant potential for improving energy flexibility, renewable-energy utilization, and supply reliability. However, many existing studies assume continuous EV availability or full user participation, which may overestimate the actual flexibility provided by EV fleets. To address this limitation, this study proposes a unified behavior-aware framework for a grid-connected photovoltaic–wind turbine–battery energy storage system electric vehicle (PV-WT-BESS-EV) microgrid, combining quokka swarm optimization (QSO) for optimal component sizing with a rule-based energy management system (RB-EMS). The framework incorporates EV availability, state-of-charge constraints, user willingness, mobility patterns, V2G/G2V operation, and time-of-use pricing. The system was evaluated over 8760 h using measured 2024 meteorological data and the actual hourly load profile of Al-Ramadi General Teaching Hospital, Iraq. Results showed that incorporating driver behavior reduces both V2G and G2V energy exchange by 50.88%, while battery discharge and charging increase by 1.47% and 1.48%, respectively. Grid import increases by only 0.52%, whereas exported energy decreases by 3.41%, and the cost of energy increases by 1.78%, while maintaining LPSP = 0. Optimal sizing changes from 116 WT, 1331 PV, and 937 battery units to 98 WT, 1335 PV, and 958 battery units. Statistical comparison over five independent runs showed that QSO achieves the lowest mean fitness and standard deviation, outperforming PSO, POA, and GA in convergence consistency and robustness. Sensitivity analysis further confirmed the robustness of the proposed framework under variations in EV fleet size, electricity pricing, and user behavioral composition. Increased EV penetration enhances V2G/G2V energy exchange, while tariff and behavioral variations primarily affect grid interaction and EV flexibility without compromising system reliability. Overall, the proposed framework provides a realistic and robust approach for jointly evaluating microgrid sizing and operation under practical EV behavioral constraints.

Keywords

hybrid microgrid / Vehicle-to-Grid / electric vehicle behavior / rule-based / energy management system / Quokka Swarm Optimization / Time-of-Use pricing

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