Simulation methods for assessing electric vehicle impact on distribution grids

Against the background of raising noise and exhaust emissions and the tendency of ever-increasing oil prices, there is a growing interest in electric vehicles (EV) as replacement for conventional vehicles with combustion engine. Since the EV affects neither local tailpipe nor remarkable noise emissions, the EV can improve the ecological situation especially in municipal areas all over the world. Furthermore, due to recent technical advancements and extensive political incentives, the supply of renewable energies—especially wind and photovoltaic energy—is increasing. Since existing distribution grids are not designed for high penetration levels of dispersed generation, or for large scale integration of EVs, extensive network expansion is necessary. Therefore, the question arises if EVs can be used as mobile storage devices or standalone energy sources to counter the aforementioned development and relieve the increasing stress on distribution grids. To answer that question a simulation method based on a comprehensive model of the distribution grid, its conventional as well as the aforementioned new costumers is developed to allow an evaluation of systems of large scale at municipal extent with high penetration of dispersed generation and EVs.