Low Voltage Distribution Network Simulation and Analysis for Electric Vehicle and Renewable Energy Integration

The continued dependence on fossil fuels, which no doubts have negatively impacted on the climate has acted as a catalyst for the increasing deployment of distributed energy resources (DER). For most countries, the existing electricity structure was not designed, to meet the increased deployment of renewable energy(RE), electric vehicles (EVs), hence the need for restructuring. Determining the existing operating conditions of a feeder and predicting the short, medium, and long-term scenarios is critical for the planning of distribution network (DN) expansion. Around the world, various timelines have been set for transitioning from high carbon emission conventionally fuelled vehicles to EVs. A typical Nigerian distribution network was modelled and the effect of implementing ultra-low carbon emission EVs in different parts of the network was studied. A PSCAD/EMTDC simulation tool was used to examine the operating conditions of distribuition network parameteres. Simulation cases show that EVfleet and their chargers can be integrated into the DN during minimum loading conditions but with local voltage control measures. Thereults of this study could be useful to both the electricity system operators and policy makers in planning future grid expansion projects.