Distribution network electric vehicle hosting capacity enhancement using an optimal power flow formulation

This paper presents a method based on an optimal power flow (OPF) procedure to determine the maximum Hosting Capacity (HC) of Electric Vehicles (EV) that can be supported by a distribution network. With a focus on the injection control of reactive power, it is possible to maximize the penetration of EV. The presented method is based on linearized power flow equations, allowing a significant reduction in the computational processing times. Two comparisons are presented. The first one is between a nonlinear and a linear OPF method. Second one, it is comparative analysis between legacy iterative (non-optimized) method of HC and the proposed method. The method is applied on the IEEE 13 node test feeder circuit showing its effectiveness and acceptable performance. Results demonstrate that the implemented method enhances the HC measured against a legacy HC method and decrease the computational time measures against nonlinear optimization methods.