Investigation of infrastructural solutions to mitigate the impacts of EV recharging at LV networks

Due to environmental and economic incentives, the use of plug-in Electric Vehicles (EVs) is growing in several countries. The batteries of the EVs are recharged by being connected to distribution networks, and the power and energy required during the recharges are high compared to the typical loads. Consequently, the load levels can increase considerably, incurring in negative impacts to the distribution networks. In this paper, infrastructural solutions, which are part of the daily practices of utility engineers, are used to solve the impacts of 25,000 LV networks of a real Brazilian utility. A Monte Carlo algorithm is proposed for the analyses providing the engineers an estimative of the required solutions for a given penetration level of EVs and the required investment per EV. The results obtained for the analyzed networks and the prices practiced in Brazil show that the infrastructural solutions can cost about R$ 180.00 (US$ 60.00) per EV for 30% of penetration level.