Optimization of Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle-to-Grid in Alberta by Mixed Integer Linear Programming

Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) can be employed as mobile electricity generators to support grid peak shaving which can be both economically and environmentally desirable. This study uses a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model to simulate a dedicated vehicle-to-grid (V2G) refuelling station that allows FCEVs to use their onboard fuel cells to supply electricity to the grid by consuming hydrogen that is produced by an on-site electrolyzer or from the hydrogen fuel market. This model finds the best time and extent of FCEV-to-grid (FCEV2G) that achieves the maximum economic profit. The simulation based on data in Alberta shows considerable potential for FCEV2G to generate profit and reduce carbon emissions. When the maximum number of grid-connected vehicles is 4 or more, the station provides electricity that is cleaner than grid electricity and generates positive profits. This shows that FCEV2G can be a solution to reduce the price volatility and carbon intensity of electricity in Alberta.