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Electric Vehicles and the Utility Distribution Grid: An Impact Study

<p dir="ltr"><b><i>Background</i></b><b>:</b> The increase in EV deployment is presenting numerous energy challenges to the utility distribution infrastructure. The energy demands created by EV charging sessions and the growing call to develop a network of DCFC charging facilities increases operational risk to the utilities in the ability to provide safe and reliable electricity to all customers.</p><p dir="ltr"><b><i>Purpose:</i></b> The purpose of this study is to identify the extent of impact to the utility distribution grid from an increasing EV (electric vehicle) adoption.</p><p dir="ltr"><b><i>Setting</i></b><b>: </b>In total, there were 3,020 rows of distribution circuit feeder data collected from the PG&E DIDF and National Grid NY System Reporting Tool between 2022 – 2023. Additionally, 48 documents, engineering reports, rate filings, articles, research studies, and utility whitepapers were examined.</p><p dir="ltr"><b><i>Research Design:</i></b> Impact analysis using a mixed methodology.</p><p dir="ltr"><b><i>Data Collection and Analysis:</i></b> A single research question was used to formulate an impact analysis to the utility distribution infrastructure under a mixed methodology. A quantitative analysis to determine circuit burden based on historical feeder capacity data and conduct hypothetical impact testing based on a set of ten variables. A qualitative analysis was administered to support these results and further design recommendations for the utility system under a logic model.</p><p dir="ltr"><b><i>Findings:</i></b> The PG&E and Utility National Grid EV and Circuit Impact Analysis demonstrated high susceptibility to overburden under a moderate number of level 2 EV chargers and significantly more when the loading impact was the result of DCFC facilities. The additional exploratory research yielded a consistent theme of mitigation strategies applicable to all electric utilities.</p><p><br></p><p dir="ltr"><b><i>Conclusions</i></b><i>:</i> Portions of the electric distribution infrastructure, operated by hundreds of utilities across the United States must be analyzed, upgraded, and adequately managed under systematic programs which promote facility upgrades, energy management, technology integration, such as AMI. Further, the execution of regulatory strategies for smart policy development and investment into hosting capacity tools are critical to reducing EV impact to the utility.</p><p dir="ltr"><b><i>Keywords</i></b><i>: </i>EV, electric utility, EV grid impacts, EV grid analysis, EV managed charging, EV AMI infrastructure.</p>

  1. 10.25394/pgs.25326019.v1
Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:purdue.edu/oai:figshare.com:article/25326019
Date01 March 2024
CreatorsMatthew Brian Campbell (18086248)
Source SetsPurdue University
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeText, Thesis
RightsCC BY 4.0
Relationhttps://figshare.com/articles/thesis/Electric_Vehicles_and_the_Utility_Distribution_Grid_An_Impact_Study/25326019

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