A Novel Algorithm for Controlling Active and Reactive Power Flows of Electric Vehicles in Buildings and Its Impact on the Distribution Network

Abstract

In the literature, many optimization algorithms were developed to control electrical loads, especially Electric Vehicles (EVs) in buildings. Despite the success of the existing algorithms in improving the power profile of charging EVs and reducing the total electricity bill of the end-users, these algorithms didn’t show significant contribution in improving the voltage profile on the network, especially with the existence of highly inductive loads. The control of the active power may not be sufficient to regulate the voltage, even if sophisticated optimization algorithms and control strategies are used. To fill the gap in the literature, we propose a new algorithm that is able to control both the active and reactive power flows using electric vehicles in buildings and homes. The algorithm is composed of two parts; the first part uses optimization to control the active power and minimize the electricity bill, while the second part controls the reactive power using the bidirectional converter in the EV in a way that the voltage profile on the distribution transformer respects its limits. The new approach is validated through a comparative study of four different scenarios, (i) without EV, (ii) with EV using uncoordinated charging, (iii) with EV using coordinated charging, (iv) with EV using our proposed algorithm. Results show that our algorithm has maintained the voltage within the recommended limits, and it has minimized the peak load, the electricity cost, and the techno-economic losses on the network.

Charging and Discharging Strategies of Electric Vehicles: A Survey

“…Negative impact on the PG due to high power demand from Base Load "1"; Base Load + EVs "2", or Both "3" [161][162][163][164][165][166] 1. It is hard to determine how many EVs will positively or negatively affect the PG and the transformer.…”

A Novel Optimization Algorithm for Solar Panels Selection towards a Self-Powered EV Parking Lot and Its Impact on the Distribution System

“…However, the main goal of studying this particular case is to show that the selection of different solar panels can affect the voltage and power losses on the network, especially when the penetration level of PV systems on the network increases and could reach a level of destabilizing the grid. This problem can be solved using some optimization algorithms on different levels, as discussed in our previous work [6,[36][37][38][39]. Hence, it is clear that selecting the best SP for a specific application should be made using advanced tools such as MCDM algorithms.…”

“…Figures 13-16 show a particular case where the local energy generation is higher than the consumption, which does not often happen since the PV system's energy production can be less than the demand for different users. However, the main goal of studying this particular case is some optimization algorithms on different levels, as discussed in our previous work [6,[36][37][38][39]. Hence, it is clear that selecting the best SP for a specific application should be made using advanced tools such as MCDM algorithms.…”

Is It Necessary to Fully Charge Your Electric Vehicle?

“…Despite the advantages of EVs, they can also cause problems on the distribution network since they consume a considerable amount of energy during a short period of time [8][9][10]. Since most of the EVs are owned by householders, they are mostly fully charged at homes or in buildings at night [11,12]. The problem arises when all EVs fully charge at the same time, which might increase the stress on the network and the distribution transformers.…”