Regional microgrids (MGs) have the potential to enhance the utilization of renewable energy (RE) by balancing supply and demand. However, one of the major challenges is the high capital cost, particularly for preparing for rare emergency situations such as disasters. To address this issue, this study focuses on an emergency-oriented MG model previously proposed by the authors and demonstrates its effectiveness for daily power supply as well. In this model, electric vehicles (EVs), used lithium-ion batteries from EVs, and used nickel–metal hydride batteries from hybrid electric vehicles are operated in an integrated manner. By coordinating EVs with repurposed stationary batteries, the required capacity can be reduced, thereby lowering both installation and maintenance costs. Furthermore, simulation analyses were conducted using an EV driving model developed from two operational patterns of municipal fleet vehicles, with the RE utilization ratio employed as an evaluation index. The results reveal that the proposed model is beneficial not only in emergencies but also under daily operating conditions.
Kuran et al. (Sun,) studied this question.