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Managing the inherent variability of solar generation is a critical challenge for utility grid operators, particularly as the distribution grid-integrated solar generation is making fast inroads in power systems. This paper proposes to leverage Battery Swapping Station (BSS) as an energy storage for mitigating solar photovoltaic (PV) output fluctuations. Using mixed-integer programming, a model for the BSS optimal scheduling is proposed to capture solar generation variability. The proposed model aims at minimizing the BSS total operation cost, which represents the accumulated cost of exchanging power with the utility grid. The model is subject to four sets of constraints associated with the utility grid, the BSS system, individual batteries, and solar variability. Numerical simulations on a test BSS demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model and show its viability in helping the utility grids host a higher penetration of solar generation.

Providing adequate charging infrastructure plays a momentous role in rapid proliferation of Electric Vehicles (EVs). Easy access to such infrastructure would remove various obstacles regarding limited EV mobility range. A Battery Swapping Station (BSS) is an effective approach in supplying power to the EVs, while mitigating long waiting times in a Battery Charging Station (BCS). In contrast with the BCS, the BSS charges the batteries in advance and prepares them to be swapped in a considerably short time. Considering that these stations can serve as an intermediate entity between the EV owners and the power system, they can potentially provide unique benefits to the power system. This paper investigates the advantages of building the BSS from various perspectives. Accordingly, a model for the scheduling of battery charging from the station owner perspective is proposed. An illustrative example is provided to show how the proposed model would help BSS owners in managing their assets through scheduling battery charging time.

Transformer lifetime assessments plays a vital role in reliable operation of power systems. In this paper, leveraging sensory data, an approach in estimating transformer lifetime is presented. The winding hottest-spot temperature, which is the pivotal driver that impacts transformer aging, is measured hourly via a temperature sensor, then transformer loss of life is calculated based on the IEEE Std. C57.91-2011. A Cumulative Moving Average (CMA) model is subsequently applied to the data stream of the transformer loss of life to provide hourly estimates until convergence. Numerical examples demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach for the transformer lifetime estimation, and explores its efficiency and practical merits., Comment: 2017 North American Power Symposium (NAPS), Morgantown, WV, 17-19 Sep. 2017