For the large-scale promotion of electric vehicles (EV), reliable fast-charging stations (FCS) demand high priority among EV users. However, unplanned locations of charging stations (CSs) and station capacity determination have adverse effects on the operation and the performance of powerdistribution network. In this study, we developed an optimal FCS-planning model considering the aspects of EV users' convenience, station economic benefits, the impact on distribution systems and the effect on environment. A queuing-theory-based CS sizing algorithm that benefits EV users as well as improves CS capacity utilization was proposed. The proposed planning model was verified through a case study using real road network data by employing multi-objective binary and non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm. In addition, to evaluate the efficiency of the proposed sizing algorithm, sensitivity analyses for different EV penetration levels and station utilization were conducted. The simulation results show that the proposed CSallocation model is beneficial in terms of achieving the satisfaction of EV users, cost savings, better station utilization, and less impact on power grids and the environment. Finally, to validate the effectiveness of the proposed planning model, a comparative study with one of the previous work on CS planning is also performed. The results demonstrate that the proposed charging station sizing method is highly efficient in optimizing EV users' satisfaction and for better station utilization.

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This paper presents an effective planning methodology for electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging stations (CS) using a multi-objective binary version of the atom search optimization (ASO) algorithm. The proposed method uses quantum operations to binarize the algorithm and achieve a higher convergence rate than the existing binary ASO algorithm. Additionally, a modified atom selection function is used to improve the searching capability of the ASO algorithm. Furthermore, the nondominated sorting procedure and pareto concepts are infused to solve the CS location problem (CSLP) considering the EV travel time, CS costs, and grid power loss as independent multi-objectives. The efficacy of the proposed multi-objective quantum ASO (MO-QASO) algorithm is evaluated using performance metrics namely, inverted generational distance (IGD), spacing (SP), and maximum spread (MS). The MO-QASO simulation results are compared with the results of other heuristic algorithms. MO-QASO achieves the best IGD (0.0021), SP (0.0002), and MS (0.9982) values, verifying the convergence and diversity of the algorithm. Importantly, the best CS planning solution obtained from MO-QASO is similar to the true solution obtained from the exhaustive search method. The MO-QASO efficiency is further validated by solving a CSLP from literature. Thus, the MO-QASO algorithm is a promising optimization tool for solving CSLP.

Nature-inspired metaheuristic optimization algorithms, e.g., the butterfly optimization algorithm (BOA), have become increasingly popular. The BOA, which adapts the food foraging and social behaviors of butterflies, involves randomly defined, algorithmic-dependent parameters that affect the exploration and exploitation strategies, which negatively influences the overall performance of the algorithm. To address this issue and improve performance, this paper proposes a modified BOA, i.e., the quantum chaos BOA (QCBOA), that relies on chaos theory and quantum computing techniques. Chaos mapping of unpredictable and divergent behavior helps tune critical parameters, and the quantum wave concept helps the representative butterflies in the algorithm explore the search space more effectively. The proposed QCBOA also implements a ranking strategy to maintain balance between the exploration and exploitation phases, which is lacking in conventional BOAs. To evaluate reliability and efficiency, the proposed QCBOA is tested against a well-utilized set of 20 benchmark functions and travelling salesman problem which belongs to the class of combinatorial optimization problems. Besides, the proposed method is also adopted to photovoltaic system parameter extraction to demonstrate its application to real-word problems. An extensive comparative study was also conducted to compare the performance of QCBOA with that of the conventional BOAs, fine-tuned particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, differential evolution (DE), and genetic algorithm (GA). The results demonstrate that, chaos functions with the quantum wave concept yield better performance for most tested cases and comparative results in the rest of the cases. The speed of convergence also increased compared to the conventional BOAs. The proposed QCBOA is expected to provide better results in other real-word optimization problems and benchmark functions.

This paper proposes a new voltage frequency converter (VFC) that converts both voltage and frequency to the required level of voltage and frequency in low voltage networks used in various countries. The proposed converter could be used as a universal power supply for sensitive AC loads. The converter is composed of, input voltage and frequency detection circuitry, full bridge boost rectifier and a DC to AC inverter. In addition, to improve the feasibility and performance of the converter, synchronous reference based PI (SRFPI) controller is adopted, where the system behaves similar to a DC-DC converter. The parameter selection of PI controller is done using a recent optimisation technique called Lightning Search Algorithm (LSA). The simulation of VFC is conducted in MATLAB/Simulink environment. The simulation results shows that LSA based PI controller provides better output voltage regulation with respect to the reference value under various load and input conditions.

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Monitoring electricity energy usage can help to reduce power consumption considerably. Among load monitoring techniques, non-intrusive load monitoring (NILM) provides a cost-efficient solution to identify individual load consumption details from the aggregate voltage and current measurements. Existing load monitoring techniques often require large datasets or use complex algorithms to obtain acceptable performance. In this paper, a NILM technique using six non-redundant current waveform features with rule-based set theory (CRuST) is proposed. The architecture consists of an event detection stage followed by preprocessing and framing of the current signal, feature extraction, and finally, the load identification stage. During the event detection stage, a change in connected loads is ascertained using current waveform features. Once an event is detected, the aggregate current is processed and framed to obtain the event-causing load current. From the obtained load current, the six features are extracted. Furthermore, the load identification stage determines the event-causing load, utilizing the features extracted and the appliance model. The results of the CRuST NILM are evaluated using performance metrics for different scenarios, and it is observed to provide more than 96% accuracy for all test cases. The CRuST NILM is also observed to have superior performance compared to the feed-forward back-propagation network model and a few other existing NILM techniques.