Distribution grid response monitor

Abstract

The fast-growing penetration of plug-in electric vehicles (PEV) will become a primary challenge to the reliability of the power distribution grid (below 69 kV). The impulsive charging characteristics of PEV could accelerate grid assets’ depreciation and deteriorate power quality by instantaneously drawing massive power. This study introduces a software prototype, distribution grid response monitor (DGROM), which allows for assessment of PEV's dynamic impact on the distribution power system and predicts the range of the charging impact on asset depreciation. Distinct from related studies, DGROM allows for customised inputs (e.g. driving habits, charging stations, and PEV types) in PEV's impact analysis and visualises the results. Furthermore, by deploying an optimistic mitigation algorithm, DGROM forecasts the upper and lower bound of the distribution system response under PEV penetration. The authors describe the mathematical model and analysis methods of DGROM and demonstrate its validity on the distribution networks located in Oakland, Ohio.