Impact Assessment of Electric Vehicle Charging in an AC and DC Microgrid: A Comparative Study

Rémy Cleenwerck (), Hakim Azaioud, Majid Vafaeipour, Thierry Coosemans and Jan Desmet
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Rémy Cleenwerck: EELab/Lemcko, Deptartment of Electromechanical, Systems and Metal Engineering, Ghent University, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium
Hakim Azaioud: EELab/Lemcko, Deptartment of Electromechanical, Systems and Metal Engineering, Ghent University, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium
Majid Vafaeipour: EVERGi, MOBI Research Centre & ETEC Deptartment, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussel, Belgium
Thierry Coosemans: EVERGi, MOBI Research Centre & ETEC Deptartment, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussel, Belgium
Jan Desmet: EELab/Lemcko, Deptartment of Electromechanical, Systems and Metal Engineering, Ghent University, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 7, 1-17

Abstract: This paper presents an in-depth comparison of the benefits and limitations of using a low-voltage DC (LVDC) microgrid versus an AC microgrid with regard to the integration of low-carbon technologies. To this end, a novel approach for charging electric vehicles (EVs) on low-voltage distribution networks by utilizing an LVDC backbone is discussed. The global aim of the conducted study is to investigate the overall energy losses as well as voltage stability problems on DC and AC microgrids. Both architectures are assessed and compared to each other by performing a power flow analysis. Along this line, an actual low-voltage distribution network with various penetration levels of EVs, combined with photovoltaic (PV) systems and battery energy storage systems is considered. Obtained results indicate significant power quality improvements in voltage imbalances and conversion losses thanks to the proposed backbone. Moreover, the study concludes with a discussion of the impact level of EVs and PVs penetration degrees on energy efficiency, besides charging power levels’ impact on local self-consumption reduction of the studied system. The outcomes of the study can provide extensive insights for hybrid microgrid and EV charging infrastructure designers in a holistic manner in all aspects.

Keywords: electric vehicles; LVDC backbone; DC microgrid; power quality; converter efficiency (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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