Fault-Delayed Voltage Recovery Control with Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles

This paper presents an investigation into the impact that plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) could have to mitigate the effects of fault-delayed voltage recovery. The energy storage and conversion system in PHEVs, given potentially high levels of future market penetration, represent a sizable dispersed energy storage resource or reactive power source that electric utilities could leverage to their benefit. In this investigation the impact of PHEVs utilized as reactive power resources on fault delayed voltage recovery on distribution systems is analyzed. It is known that fault delayed voltage recovery can cause serious problems on distribution circuits resulting in stalled air-conditioners, motor tripping and other load disruption events. The impact of these phenomena on the performance of distribution systems is documented with and without PHEVs present.