The rising demand for electric vehicles (EVs) in the face of limited grid capacity encourages the development and implementation of smart charging (SC) algorithms. Experimental validation plays a pivotal role in advancing this field. This article formulates a hierarchical mixed integer programming EV SC algorithm designed for low voltage (LV) distribution grid applications. A flexible receding horizon scheme is introduced in response to system uncertainties. It also considers the practical constraints in protocols, such as IEC/ISO 15118 and IEC 61851-1. The proposed algorithm is verified and assessed in a power hardware-in-the-loop testbed that incorporates models of real LV distribution grids. Furthermore, the algorithm's capabilities are examined through eight scenarios, out of which four focus on the uncertainties of the input data and two address the engagement of extra grid capacity restrictions. The results demonstrate that the SC algorithm adequately lowers the EV charging cost while fulfilling the charging demand, and substantially reduces the peak power as well as the overloading duration, even when faced with input data uncertainty. The additional grid restrictions in place are proven to improve peak demand reduction and overloading mitigation further. Finally, the limitations and potentials of the developed algorithm are scrutinized.

A simple and low-cost Power Hardware-in-the-Loop (PHIL) demonstrator is developed for the purpose of studying the impact of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging on low voltage distribution grids. An energy saving power circulating method with potential bi-directional function is proposed in this study as well. The distribution grid under test runs on a Digital Real Time Simulator (DRTS), and a controlled 3-phase voltage at one of the nodes is formed using a power amplifier. The practical setup consists of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) and a system which emulates the charging behaviour of an EV, referred to as an EV emulator. These are integrated using a 15 kW back to back ac-dc converter based power router. Structure, performance and limitations of the test-bed components, communication protocols and signal processing are discussed.