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Electric Vehicles and the Grid
Can we power the vehicles of tomorrow?
Author – Joshua Weston
Supervisor – Dr. Iain MacGill
Abstract
Results
The rollout of Electric Vehicles (EVs) is in its initial stages,
with significant numbers of vehicles to be on sale in the
retail market, in the next three to five years. This thesis
examines ‘The Potential Impacts of Electric Vehicles on the
Local Distribution Network’. There is currently some
headroom for EV penetration inherently within
EnergyAustralia assets, and the load from Electric Vehicle
penetrations responds positively to load management.
However, there exists a large degree of variance between
areas and assets, and as such, each area should be
examined on a case-by-case basis.
Unmanaged Charging - Residential
Results from the EVOLT show there is a degree of ‘headroom’
before the majority of EnergyAustralia assets that were
considered are overloaded. High penetrations of EVs can be
supported without managed charging if the distance travelled
per vehicle is relatively small.
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Background
There are numerous factors driving
the implementation and utilisation of
EVs, and this is an issue of growing
attention throughout the world. The
success of EVs is highly dependant
upon their successful integration
within the distribution grid.
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3b
3a
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3a
1
2
There are numerous questions asked
of Distribution Network Service
Providers (DNSP) in terms of energy
supply and load management. As
Sydney’s primary DNSP, EnergyAustralia
must be prepared for this new challenge.
Management of the Distribution Network is
a key element of the total costs involved
and thus, overall value of this new
technology. As new technologies lead to
additional peak demand and overall load,
network augmentation is to be expected. EVs have the
potential to lead to serious network expenditure implications.
Managed Charging - Residential
The EVOLT predicts Electric Vehicle load
responding favourably to load
management, enabling a significantly
higher percentage of penetration of EVs to
be supported. High percentage EV
penetrations can still overload EA assets
at existing kiosk and zone firm ratings.
3a
Although significant research has been undertaken into the
impending effects of EVs1, this thesis is unique as it
investigates the specific impacts of EVs on the Distribution
Network in Sydney.
Methodology
The EVOLT (Electric Vehicle Operational Load Tool)
developed in this thesis, combines accurate models of
vehicle battery charging, models of EnergyAustralia’s
distribution network and models of daily commute, travel
times and distances in order to investigate the potential
impacts of electric vehicles on the local distribution network.
Commercial Customers - City
Commercial customers are in a unique position where EV
users typically arrive at their point of charging prior to the
Zone Substation load peak. Thus, the ideal management
strategy is to fast charge EVs prior to the zone reaching its
load peak. This has the effect of EV load not compiling with
existing zone load, and merely widening the period of zone
peak output. High percentage penetrations of EVs will still
overload EA assets at existing firm ratings.
3b
Conclusion
Results from this thesis suggest that the distribution network
can cope with varying levels of EV ownership from
EnergyAustralia’s customers. Electric vehicles represent a
dynamic and relatively unpredictable new load on the grid.
The implementation of even a basic load management
strategy can greatly enhance the efficiency at which
distribution assets can be utilised, however EnergyAustralia
assets should be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
UNSW
Acknowledgements:
The author would like to thank EnergyAustralia, ChargePoint and
BetterPlace for their help, support and guidance in this thesis.
ENGINEERING @ UNSW
1Department
of Environment and Climate Change, Economic Viability of Electric Vehicles, 04/09/09
Kaplan, S., Sargent, R., Environment America Research & Policy Center, Plug-In Cars - Powering America Toward a Cleaner Future, Jan 2010
The City of New York, plaNYC – Exploring Electric Vehicle Adoption in New York City, Jan 2010