Feasibility study of electric vehicles (EVs) in Singapore using HOMER Grid

Abstract

EVs have become the centrepiece of sustainable urban mobility worldwide. This is because they are powered by electricity and have zero tailpipe emissions. However, contention on the sustainability of EVs is on the rise. Some argue that its sustainability depends on the source of energy derivation for charging EV batteries. Hence, energy required to charge EVs should be from sustainable renewable sources (i.e., solar panels, wind turbines, hydro dams, etc).

Increasing industry adoption of microgrids allows the storage and delivery of clean energy to charge EVs within the localised system. This is due to its ability to combine, and store harvested energy from various renewable sources with the use of battery energy storage systems. This technology greatly improves the reliability of energy required to charge EVs, especially during peak periods.

The objective of this final-year project is to investigate the feasibility of EVs in Singapore through a case study at an upcoming university microgrid campus and envision an optimal system design by the years 2030 and 2040. The project will consider the increasing trajectory in EV penetration rates based on the targets detailed in the Singapore’s Green Plan. This would provide useful insights for microgrid operators and planners to make better-informed decisions in the upcoming years.

To obtain an optimal microgrid system, Homer Grid, a microgrid simulation software, will be used extensively throughout the course of two academic semesters in this project. The software was chosen due to its user-friendly interface, optimisation capability and the ability to combine various renewables. Homer Grid is also able to perform sensitivity analysis which studies how different variables and parameters (i.e., solar irradiance, ambient temperature, etc) may affect generation potentials to achieve the optimal microgrid system design. This would provide valuable insights for city and urban planners.