Optimal Configuration for Batteries and Chargers in Battery Switch Station Considering Extra Waiting Time of Electric Vehicles

Battery switch stations (BSSs) are regarded as important infrastructure for the development of electric vehicles (EVs). However, studies on the optimal configuration of BSSs are still limited. In order to assist the design of BSS, an optimal configuration framework based on operational planning method is proposed. An optimal model is formulated to minimize investment, maintenance, and electricity cost of BSSs. The extra waiting time (EWT) of EVs is taken as a constraint for service quality. A simulation model for operations of a BSS is designed and the states of EVs and batteries under different operation strategies can be simulated so the EWT for each EV can be calculated. Furthermore, differential evolution (DE) is used to solve the optimal configuration model. Finally, the actual data and parameters of electric taxis and electric buses are used for the case study. Results show the quantitative relations among EVs, batteries, and chargers under different levels of average EWT can be obtained. This method provides a practical auxiliary tool for designers to configure the batteries and chargers in BSS. (C) 2016 American Society of Civil Engineers.