The impact of unexpected power demand from electric vehicles on future load profiles: Case study on Thailand

Abstract

Smart Grid is a very ambitious target for electricity utilities in Thailand. A number of projects have been initiated to improve the electricity network in terms of system stability, generation efficiency and security of electricity supply. The main purpose is to build a reliable electricity network with a sufficient capacity to serve the demand which tends to be fluctuating during a day and the consumption volume is increasing annually. Electricity utilities including Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) and Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) are state enterprises. Any projects launched are thus required implementation under an umbrella of the National Economic and Social Development Plan (NESDP) which is currently on the 10 <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">th</sup> NESDP (2007-2011). Construction to add a power generation capacity to the network according to the implementing plans can be completed by 2016 to secure Thailand's electricity supply. However, the main concern is that the electricity demand from electric vehicles (EVs), such as electric sedans and electric motorcycles, is not included in the implementing plans. Therefore if EVs are rolled out earlier than 2016, the stability of electricity network could be affected by this unexpected demand. It is also possible that the reserve capacity after 2016 would not meet the demand if the growth of EVs is rapidly increased. This paper forecasts the growth of EVs and examine whether the reserve capacity can meet the demand which includes the unexpected demand from EVs recharging. Results of the study can bring awareness to the electricity providers leading to the launch of additional project plans which support the demand from electric sedans and electric motorcycles.