Effect of Electric Vehicles Charging Loads on Realistic Residential Distribution System in Aqaba-Jordan

In recent years, air pollution and climate change issues have pushed people worldwide to switch to using electric vehicles (EVs) instead of gas-driven vehicles. Unfortunately, most distribution system facilities are neither designed nor well prepared to accommodate these new types of loads, which are characterized by random and uncertain behavior. Therefore, this paper provides a comprehensive investigation of EVs’ effect on a realistic distribution system. It provides a technical evaluation and analysis of a real distribution system’s load and voltage drop in the presence of EVs under different charging strategies. In addition, this investigation presents a new methodology for managing EV loads under a dynamic response strategy in response to the distribution system’s critical hours. The proposed methodology is applied to a real distribution network, using the Monte Carlo method and the CYME program. Random driver behavior is taken into account in addition to various factors that affect EV load parameters. Overall, the results show that the distribution system is significantly affected by the addition of EV charging loads, which create a severe risk to feeder limits and voltage drop. However, a significant reduction in the impact of EVs can be achieved if a proper dynamic demand response programme is implemented. We hope that the outcomes of this investigation will provide decision-makers and planners with prior knowledge about the expected impact of using EVs and, consequently, enable them to take the proper actions needed to manage such load.

Design and application of a distributed generation hosting capacity algorithm

Distribution networks in Southern Africa and elsewhere are witnessing an unprecedented growth of consumer-side distributed generation (DG) courtesy of governmental interventions to maximise the utilisation of renewable energy resources through low-carbon grid-edge technologies. To deal with the increasing adoption of consumer-side DG, distribution network operators need to conduct technical studies to foster an understanding of the benefits and impacts of DG and the hosting capacity (HC) of existing distribution networks. This will aid the implementation of measures to manage grid exports. Using a distribution network in Namibia as a case study, this paper presents an algorithm for assessing the HC of consumer-side DG in existing distribution networks that are situated in areas anticipating high and uniform uptake of DG. The algorithm is a hybrid of deterministic and probabilistic methods. The uniqueness of the algorithm is the concept of calculating monthly HC. The algorithm was tested on a real existing residential distribution network and the results confirmed that HC varies monthly. However, the practical implementation of monthly HC requires upgrades to existing inverter technology, which currently contains a single export limit functionality. This opens the possibility to drive innovation in the inverter technology to develop a date-based multiple export limit functionality.

Policy Assistance for Adoption of Residential Solar PV in India: A Stakeholder-centric Approach for Welfare Optimization

Background Domestic solar PV installations in India are yet to become a valuable proposition for both the prosumers and utility because of the deficiencies in the formulation of the policy parameters. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the consumer-centric business model for rooftop solar PV installations in India. We explore areas where potential policy interventions may be introduced to improve collective stakeholder benefits and incentivize more domestic consumers to install rooftop solar panels in their premises. We propose a policy framework that seeks optimal Feed-in Tariff (FiT) rates, PV capacities and Average Billing Rates (ABRs) towards maximizing stakeholder benefits. The stakeholders considered are the consumers/prosumers and the utility. Results Case studies with three residential prosumers of different demand and generation profiles (extracted from data provided by Indian utilities) are presented. A multi-objective problem is formulated with the FiT, generation capacity (as a function of demand) and ABR as decision variables, exploring the various welfare trade-offs. The pareto-optimal front is identified for prosumer and utility benefits and suitable points with reasonable tradeoff are selected based on sensitivity analysis of the impact of the decision variables on collective welfare. Conclusions The paper provides a workflow to fix tariff, FiT and local PV capacities in active residential distribution systems. The suitability of prevailing tariff and FiT rates of three Indian utilities namely, MSEDCL, TATA POWER (Delhi) and TANGEDCO are studied, and their impact on prosumer savings and utility profits is brought out. The paper recommends optimal installation capacities for prosumers based on their load demand so as to encourage the adoption of roof-top solar without affecting collective benefits. This provides policymakers and prosumers an effective decision-making tool.