Assessing the Effects of Smart Parking Infrastructure on the Electrical Power System

Abstract

The forthcoming surge in electric vehicle (EV) adoption demands the comprehensive advancement of associated charging infrastructure. In this study, an exploration of EV charging’s impact on the power distribution system is conducted via the simulation of a parking lot equipped with six distinct types of EVs, each showcasing unique charging curves, charging power, and battery capacities. A charging profile is synthesized and compared with laboratory-obtained data to ascertain the implications on the grid. To further understand the effects of smart parking on the power distribution system, a mathematical algorithm was created and applied to a segment of an urban electrical grid that includes 70 private residences. Basic electrical parameters were computed using the node voltage method. Four scenarios were simulated: (1) the existing distribution system, (2) the current system plus smart parking, (3) the current system plus 50% of houses equipped with 3.5 kW photovoltaic installations, and (4) the current system plus photovoltaics and smart parking. This paper examines the core distribution system parameters, namely voltage and current, across these four scenarios, and the simulation results are extensively detailed herein.