An integrated algorithm for evaluating plug-in electric vehicle impact on the state of power grid assets

Abstract

Plug-in Electric Vehicles (PEV) exert an increasingly disruptive influence on power delivery systems with penetration surge in the past decade. Therefore, accurately assessing their impact plays a crucial role in managing grid assets and maintaining power grids reliability. However, PEV loads are stochastic and impulsive, which means they are of high power density and vary in a fast and discrete manner. These load characteristics make conventional assessment methods unsuitable. This paper proposes an algorithm, which captures the inter-temporal response of grid assets and allows fast assessment through an integrated interface. To realize these advantageous features, we establish analytical models for two generic classes of grid assets (continuous and discrete operating assets) and recast their cost functions in the statistical settings of PEV charging. Distinct from simulation-based methods, the proposed method is analytical, and thus greatly reduce the computation resources and data required for accurate assessment. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm has been demonstrated on a set of power distribution networks in Columbus metropolitan area, in comparison with the conventional assessment methods.