Strategic planning of an LVDC distribution network for the integration of EV charging stations

In an era defined by environmental consciousness and technological leaps, the electric vehicles market is undergoing unprecedented growth. Yet, this surge in power demand from electric vehicle charging stations puts into question the distribution network's capability to cater to the users’ needs. For this planning problem, there are two viable strategies: reinforcing the existing AC electrical infrastructure or implementing an innovative direct current distribution network. This paper explores the direct current paradigm, driven by the interest in its higher power transfer capability, reduced costs, and improved efficiency. In this context, a case study was defined: the design and sizing of a low voltage direct current (LVDC) distribution network to meet the additional power demand from electric vehicle charging stations in a workplace neighborhood. This work yielded a generalized algorithm that processes raw network data, checks current and voltage constraints, and then selects the optimal branch architecture. Simply put, this study showcases the potential of LVDC to address the evolving power demands and network planning challenges.