Integration of second-life batteries in residential microgrids and fast charging stations

Abstract

The potential of batteries from electric vehicles to be given a second life in stationary applications could be starting to become a reality in few years. However, the technical and economic feasibility of such second-life batteries (SLBs) is still uncertain. In this context, this paper analyses the real operation of a SLB in three scenarios: two of residential microgrids with photovoltaic generation under different strategies, and a fast charging station for electric mobility. To this end, three energy management strategies are developed, the first of which seeks to maximise the self-consumption of a typical household with photovoltaic generation; the second, in addition to maximising self-consumption, presents a night-time charge and peak shaving of the contract power from the grid; and the last refers to an urban bus charging station in which the aim is to reduce the contract power from the grid. Experimental validation of SLB during more than three weeks of operation in each of the scenarios have proved the technical viability of these batteries in the applications analysed.