Survey on Grid Flexibility Solutions to deal with Unpredictable Renewable Energy Sources and High Penetration of Electric Vehicles on Islands

Abstract

The evolution of new technologies, including energy storage systems, renewable energy sources, and electric vehicles has changed the distribution system’s architecture into an active grid with bidirectional power flow. This paper deals with solutions to increase the grid’s flexibility to cope with renewable energy sources’ unpredictability, in particular with solutions that deal with such issues in insular situations. Moreover, the concept of a smart island, as well as its challenges and an isolated smart microgrid mode, are discussed in this paper. Furthermore, this review addresses the challenges that electric vehicle implementation has on islands, as well as the numerous types of charging modes provided and vehicle-to-grid integration on islands. Finally, the decarbonization of transportation sectors is examined.