Mitigating the Impacts of the Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure on Residential Grids

Abstract

With the advancements in technology and the enforcement of governmental regulations and incentives, the share of electric vehicles (EVs) in the mobility sector is on the rise. Although this aids the transition into a greener future with net-zero carbon emissions, the increase in EV penetration rates can have immense impacts on the grid and its operations. Coordinated charging strategies can help relieve grid stress by adhering to grid codes and requirements while carrying-out EV charging routines. Coordinated charging strategies can be of three types: centralized, decentralized, and price-oriented. The aim of this thesis is to investigate and mitigate the impacts of EV charging on Dutch residential grids, namely the impacts of voltage magnitude regulation and distribution transformer loading. This thesis proposes a decentralized coordinated charging strategy with local voltage control at its essence. The proposed charging strategy effectively allocates the charging power by prioritizing users based on their preferences, which are communicated to the charge controller through an IoT platform. Furthermore, in order to investigate whether users would be inclined to enroll into a coordinated charging routine, the impact on the user is also taken into account in this thesis by comparing to what extent can a user charge their EV battery with a coordinated charging strategy when compared with an uncoordinated one. Finally, all relevant and practical results from this thesis will be integrated into DNV's Next Generation Grid Operation Knowledge Framework to aid DNV employees in the future.