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In this paper, a framework is presented for the evaluation of smart grid environment which is called the three-layer model. This three-layer model comprises three specific categories, or ‘layers’, namely, the stakeholder, market and technologies layers. Each layer is defined and explored herein, using an extensive literature study regarding their key elements, their descriptions and an overview of the findings from the literature. The assumption behind this study is that a solid understanding of each of the three layers and their interrelations will help in more effective assessment of residential smart grid pilots in order to better design products and services and deploy smart grid technologies in networks. Based on our review, we conclude that, in many studies, social factors associated with smart grid pilots, such as markets, social acceptance, and end-user and stakeholder demands, are most commonly defined as uncertainties and are therefore considered separately from the technical aspects of smart grids. As such, it is recommended that, in future assessments, the stakeholder and market layers should be combined with the technologies layer so as to enhance interaction between these three layers, and to be able to better evaluate residential smart energy systems in a multidisciplinary context.

The need for zero emission drive is a global necessity that can contribute to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. In this context, fuel cell hybrid electric vehicles are increasingly attracting interest by governments, companies and academia. While parked they can operate as power generation units, given the proper connection to the electricity grid via vehicle-to-grid integration (V2G), or even power appliances directly (Vehicle-to-Load, V2L). In this study, we analysed the use of a hydrogen fuel cell electric scooter in combined driving, V2G and V2L mode. V2G resulted in the most efficient mode of the three, while V2L led to higher degradation rates. The measured average cell voltage degradation rate was 209 μV/h for driving mode, 356 μV/h for V2G and 648 μV/h for V2L. The insights provided in this study are useful to develop new, optimized and specifically targeted energy management systems for power generation of hydrogen hybrid electric drive vehicles.

DC distribution systems (DCDSs) are a promising alternative to AC systems because they remove AC-DC conversions between renewable sources and loads. Their unique features compared to AC include low system inertia, strict power limits and power–voltage coupling. In a liberalised electricity market, merely applying an AC market design to a DCDS cannot guarantee the latter’s supply security and voltage stability; new markets must be designed to meet DC challenges. This article identifies the key design options of DCDS electricity markets. To identify these options, we develop a comprehensive design framework for local electricity markets; to our knowledge, we provide the first such analysis. Whereas previous studies focus on separate aspects of DCDS markets, we widen the scope to include the role of market architecture and investigate the arrangements of sub-markets. As an illustration, we demonstrate three promising DCDS market designs that can be defined in our framework, and provide a first assessment of their performance.