Probabilistic Agent-Based Model of Electric Vehicle Charging Demand to Analyse the Impact on Distribution Networks

Abstract

Electric Vehicles (EVs) have seen significant growth in sales recently and it is not clear how power systems will support the charging of a great number of vehicles. This paper proposes a methodology which allows the aggregated EV charging demand to be determined. The methodology applied to obtain the model is based on an agent-based approach to calculate the EV charging demand in a certain area. This model simulates each EV driver to consider its EV model characteristics, mobility needs, and charging processes required to reach its destination. This methodology also permits to consider social and economic variables. Furthermore, the model is stochastic, in order to consider the random pattern of some variables. The model is applied to Barcelona's (Spain) mobility pattern and uses the 37-node IEEE test feeder adapted to common distribution grid characteristics from Barcelona. The corresponding grid impact is analyzed in terms of voltage drop and four charging strategies are compared. The case study indicates that the variability in scenarios without control is relevant, but not in scenarios with control. Moreover, the voltages do not reach the minimum voltage allowed, but the MV/LV substations could exceed their capacities. Finally, it is determined that all EVs can charge during the valley without any Energies 2015, 8 4161 negative effect on the distribution grid. In conclusion, it is determined that the methodology presented allows the EV charging demand to be calculated, considering different variables, to obtain better accuracy in the results.

Electric Vehicles in Logistics and Transportation: A Survey on Emerging Environmental, Strategic, and Operational Challenges

“…These total costs include stations-construction cost, waiting time cost, and refueling cost. Olivella-Rosell et al [56] propose an agent-based simulation approach that allows forecasting the EV charging demand in a certain urban area, and they successfully test the efficiency of their model in the city of Barcelona, Spain.…”

Electric vehicle scheduling and optimal charging problem: complexity, exact and heuristic approaches

“…A concept of real-time scheduling techniques for EV charging that minimises the impact on the power grid and guarantees the satisfaction of consumer's charging requirements is suggested by Kang, Duncan, and Mavris (2013). Other studies related to the controlled EV charging problems can be found in Olivella-Rosell et al (2015) and Chen et al (2015).…”

Impact of Plug-in Electric Vehicles Integrated into Power Distribution System Based on Voltage-Dependent Power Flow Analysis

“…The agent-based approach consists of an EV type, battery and charging process, charging infrastructure, mobility, and society. Monte Carlo techniques were used to define the charging demand and charging scenarios, which revealed voltage profiles reduction during peak demand charging and should be controlled for the condition of balanced and unbalanced loads [10][11][12]. Consequently, the PEVs can reduce the impact from charging mode at the same time or in the same power transmission line by using V2G technology and in combination with smart grid control [1,[13][14][15][16][17].…”