Logo
ScienceStack
Table of Contents
Fetching ...
Sign In

The impact of large-scale EV charging on the real-time operation of distribution systems: A comprehensive review

Zhe Yu, Chuang Yang, Qin Wang

TL;DR

This paper addresses the challenge of large-scale EV charging on distribution grid real-time operation by first outlining negative impacts on voltage, harmonics, stability, and peak loading. It then surveys management approaches, including smart charging, charging environment optimization, energy coordination, battery management, and ancillary services, complemented by an in-depth look at real-time EV charging management with state estimation and dispatch methods. The work highlights the potential of EVs to provide grid services (e.g., LVRT, frequency regulation, reactive power support) while acknowledging challenges such as battery degradation and computational demands. Practically, the paper guides distribution system operators toward real-time strategies that mitigate risks and harness EV flexibility to improve reliability, efficiency, and resilience of the power system.

Abstract

With the large-scale integration of electric vehicles (EVs) in the distribution grid, the unpredictable nature of EV charging introduces considerable uncertainties to the grid's real-time operations. This can exacerbate load fluctuations, compromise power quality, and pose risks to the grid's stability and security. However, due to their dual role as controllable loads and energy storage devices, EVs have the potential to mitigate these fluctuations, balance the variability of renewable energy sources, and provide ancillary services that support grid stability. By leveraging the bidirectional flow of information and energy in smart grids, the adverse effects of EV charging can be minimized and even converted into beneficial outcomes through effective real-time management strategies. This paper explores the negative impacts of EV charging on the distribution system's real-time operations and outlines methods to transform these challenges into positive contributions. Additionally, it provides an in-depth analysis of the real-time management system for EV charging, focusing on state estimation and management strategies.

The impact of large-scale EV charging on the real-time operation of distribution systems: A comprehensive review

TL;DR

This paper addresses the challenge of large-scale EV charging on distribution grid real-time operation by first outlining negative impacts on voltage, harmonics, stability, and peak loading. It then surveys management approaches, including smart charging, charging environment optimization, energy coordination, battery management, and ancillary services, complemented by an in-depth look at real-time EV charging management with state estimation and dispatch methods. The work highlights the potential of EVs to provide grid services (e.g., LVRT, frequency regulation, reactive power support) while acknowledging challenges such as battery degradation and computational demands. Practically, the paper guides distribution system operators toward real-time strategies that mitigate risks and harness EV flexibility to improve reliability, efficiency, and resilience of the power system.

Abstract

With the large-scale integration of electric vehicles (EVs) in the distribution grid, the unpredictable nature of EV charging introduces considerable uncertainties to the grid's real-time operations. This can exacerbate load fluctuations, compromise power quality, and pose risks to the grid's stability and security. However, due to their dual role as controllable loads and energy storage devices, EVs have the potential to mitigate these fluctuations, balance the variability of renewable energy sources, and provide ancillary services that support grid stability. By leveraging the bidirectional flow of information and energy in smart grids, the adverse effects of EV charging can be minimized and even converted into beneficial outcomes through effective real-time management strategies. This paper explores the negative impacts of EV charging on the distribution system's real-time operations and outlines methods to transform these challenges into positive contributions. Additionally, it provides an in-depth analysis of the real-time management system for EV charging, focusing on state estimation and management strategies.

Paper Structure

This paper contains 21 sections, 4 equations, 4 figures, 2 tables.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Negative impacts of EV charging on distribution systems
  3. Power quality
  4. Voltage
  5. Harmonics
  6. Stable operation of distribution system
  7. Peak loads
  8. The coping capacity of EV charging areas to grid faults
  9. Management methods of regulating impacts from EV charging
  10. Smart charging
  11. Charging environment management
  12. Energy coordination and battery management
  13. Ancillary services
  14. Frequency regulation and Spinning reserve
  15. Active power support and reactive power compensation
  16. ...and 6 more sections

Figures (4)

  • Figure 1: Summary of research on EV charging's impacts reviewed in this study.
  • Figure 2: (a) The effects of EV charging on the electricity load profile on a day in residential distribution grids. (b) The positive impacts of managing EV charging on net loads through PV coordination and smart charging methods. Figures are developed with data from berg2022data.
  • Figure 3: Methods of EV management to mitigate negative impacts on distribution systems.
  • Figure 4: Framework of real-time EV management system.