Paving the way for sustainable energy solutions: A real-time pricing mechanism in integrated energy systems with electric vehicles

Yunyi Zhang, Dengli Zhou and Boqiang Lin ()

Renewable Energy, 2026, vol. 256, issue PI

Abstract: Integrated energy systems (IESs) face growing uncertainty due to the variable nature of renewable energy and the stochastic charging behavior of electric vehicles (EVs). Traditional time-of-use (TOU) pricing scheme is insufficient to address the volatility and may lead to suboptimal energy dispatch. To overcome these challenges, this study proposes a coupled real-time pricing and EV charging model that enhances economic performance in IESs. The model features a two-layer optimization framework: the upper layer focuses on maximizing the operator's profit, while the lower layer employs a hierarchical game-theoretic approach to guide EV users in optimizing their charging strategies. Based on real meteorological and load data from an industrial park in Zhejiang Province, the case study shows that the proposed model reduces renewable energy curtailment from 77.15 MWh under TOU pricing to 28.44 MWh under real-time pricing, marking a 63.12 % reduction. Moreover, EV users can achieve a 31.27 % reduction in charging costs by accepting a 32.79 % increase in charging time. These findings demonstrate the model's effectiveness in coordinating stakeholder interests, enhancing renewable energy utilization, and improving the economic viability of IESs. The proposed approach offers practical insights for developing dynamic pricing mechanisms and demand-side management strategies in future energy systems.

Keywords: Real-time price; Orderly charging strategy; Demand response; Master-slave game model; Sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:renene:v:256:y:2026:i:pi:s0960148125023201

DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.124656

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