Use of EV hosting capacity for management of low‐voltage distribution systems

Abstract

With the increasing penetration of plug-in electric vehicles (EVs), it has become important for utilities to identify how EV charging will affect their low-voltage (LV) systems. In this context, EV hosting capacity can be useful to assist utility engineers. However, the appropriate strategy to estimate this index and determine its practical application for utilities is still unclear. In response, this study provides a framework to obtain and apply the hosting capacity information for EVs. Results of analyses are obtained considering the whole universe of a utility. Firstly, a method is developed for estimating this index based only on information readily available to utility engineers. The method is then used in a wide-scale assessment of EV hosting capacity on 75,550 real LV systems. Quantitative results of this study provide insights into how to manage a system with high EV penetration. It is seen, e.g. that EV charging location is the most important variable to consider when stochastically assessing EV impacts, reducing difficulties to apply this type of solution for practical cases. Practical applications that employ EV hosting capacity statistics are also presented and discussed. Results are shown to be useful not only for utilities but also for regulatory agencies.