Effects of optimised plug-in hybrid vehicle charging strategies on electric distribution network losses

Distribution network operators (DNOs) require assessment tools on the tradeoffs plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) technology will have on their assets. This paper employs a time coordinated optimal power flow (TCOPF) formulation to show that, through the control of PHEV storage units and tap-changers (OLTCs), electric network operators can influence savings in energy losses. Case studies are performed in which PHEV units are constrained by various charging and discharging strategies. Results indicate how DNOs can value the storage available in their networks by the way it is dispatched for each time interval. The storage resources furthest away from the grid supply point (GSP) are managed more carefully due to their greater ability to reduce transmission losses at moments of peak demand. The TCOPF tool offers a fresh perspective for stakeholders wishing to evaluate the impacts PHEVs can have on operational aspects such as load profile variation, energy loss reduction, and peak shaving.