Integration challenges and solutions for renewable energy sources, electric vehicles and demand-side initiatives in smart grids

As a result of the rapid increase on electricity demand and power system expansion worldwide, smart grids have emerged as an opportunity for the modernization of traditional grids. Nevertheless, there are many technical limitations in the advancement of smart grid technologies. Toward this end, initially, we present the constituents, benefits, risks, projects and standards of smart grids in a brief manner. Afterwards, we conduct a comprehensive literature survey on the challenges and the solutions encountered in the integration of renewable energy sources, electric vehicles and demand-side initiatives. In consequence, more than 100 research and review publications, widely extending from 2006 to 2017 have been examined in-depth, the key findings are listed one by one and several new research areas are uncovered for the mentioned smart grid technologies