A Two-Layers Predictive Algorithm for Workplace EV Charging

Abstract: In this paper, the problem of electric vehicle (EV) charging at the workplace is addressed via a two-layer predictive algorithm. We consider a time of use (TOU) pricing model for energy drawn from the grid and try to minimize the charging cost incurred by the EV charging station (EVCS) operator via an economic layer based on dynamic programming (DP) approach. An adaptive prediction algorithm based on a non-parametric stochastic model computes the projected EV load demand over the day which helps in the selection of optimal loading policy for the EVs in the economic layer. The second layer is a scheduling algorithm designed to share the allocated power limit (obtained from economic layer) among the charging EVs during each charge cycle. The modeling and validation is performed using ACN data-set from Caltech. Comparison of the proposed scheme with a conventional DP algorithm illustrates its effectiveness in terms of supplying the requested energy despite lacking user input for departure time.