Investigation on EV charging stations penetration on KAHRAMAA distribution network

Abstract

The electrification of transport sector and the increasing demand of EV load supply from grid-connected public EV charging stations (EVCS) have imposed several challenges on the grid. Impacts include but not limited to increase in harmonic distortion, voltage drop, power losses, control and metering challenges. Hence, major part of the recent studies in literature of the field investigate these problems and search for possible solutions in order to mitigate these impacts on the public grid and distribution network. In this study, thorough investigation and comparison between various types of EV charging stations penetration impact on Kahramaa distribution network has been conducted. The research focuses on three major grid parameters; total harmonic distortion (THD) level, voltage drop and power losses at targeted buses where the EV charging stations are connected. Moreover, with penetration of renewable energy sources (RES), the EVCS-connected system performance is evaluated. Distribution network, EVCS and RES system are simulated using MATLAB/SIMULINK software. It is concluded in general that different EVCS brands have different impact on distribution network parameters and with presence of RES, these impact can be minimized.