Dynamic Pricing Based Electric Vehicle Charging Impact on Low Voltage Distribution Network

Abstract

During the simultaneous charging process of the group of the electrical vehicles on the low voltage distribution network, the capacity of the grid can be stretched to the limits. Research and good practice show that real-time coordination, such as dynamic pricing for the electric vehicle chargers, can optimize consumption and delay large investments in the low voltage distribution networks. On the other hand, by offering an attractive pricing scheme to the electric vehicle drivers, they can charge their vehicles and even gain profit in the electricity market. However, during the possible abrupt pricing changes, the large groups of electric vehicles can simultaneously connect or disconnect from the distribution network, and in that manner cause unwanted voltage deviations that can violate the boundaries set by the standards or regulators. Considering all the before mentioned problems, this paper will analyze the basic dynamic pricing models for electric vehicle charging and demonstrate the simulation results with the group of electrical vehicles that are charged from the low voltage distribution network. The simulation model is completely developed in a MATLAB/Simulink simulation environment by using the real data for modelling the standard low voltage network in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The simulation results show that the simultaneous switching of electric vehicle groups can have a significant impact on the voltage in the low voltage distribution network, and thus emphasize the importance of considering these issues in the process of planning and control of the distribution system. Therefore, this research contributes to the existing body of knowledge, since these scenarios will soon be present in the distribution networks and present an even larger challenge for the distribution system operators.