Optimal Integration of EV Charging Stations Into Distribution Network Planning and Operation

This article studies optimal planning and operation of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations within power distribution networks, which is crucial due to the growing penetration of EVs and distributed energy resources. Traditional approaches for planning and operation can be suboptimal and lead to significant grid upgrade costs. To tackle this, we propose an integrated framework that jointly optimizes the location, sizing, and operation of battery energy storage systems and EV charging stations. Our multiobjective optimization model minimizes power losses, operational costs, and environmental impacts while maximizing system reliability. We use genetic algorithms and deep deterministic policy gradients to solve this problem, departing from conventional peak-demand-based designs and leveraging typical demand profiles for battery energy storage system sizing. Real-time controllers are incorporated to adjust charging rates dynamically, responding to real-time variations. The proposed framework, validated on realistic test networks, demonstrates improved efficiency and stability, supporting sustainable and resilient grid operations.