A methodology for evaluating PEVs hosting capacity margins in distribution grids

The paper describes the definition and the validation of a methodology, based on an extension of the hosting capacity concept, aimed at assessing the effects of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) charging on low voltage distribution networks. An index (called time-dependent hosting capacity) is proposed, which enables to include in its formulation the charging duration, in order to point out the grid constraints. The validation of this index was performed through simulations on the CIGRE low voltage European reference grid. The simulations consisted in a series of power flow calculations while varying both the load conditions and the number of charging electric vehicles, assuming a constant daily energy need for all vehicles. Moreover, for some simulations the contribution of distributed generation to improve the quality of supply according to EN 50160 was also investigated.