A Reliability-Cost Optimization Framework for EV and DER Integration in Standard and Reconfigurable Distribution Network Topologies

TL;DR

This paper introduces a linear programming framework to optimize distribution network configurations, demonstrating that combining network reconfiguration and distributed energy resources effectively manages EV integration costs and enhances system flexibility.

Contribution

It presents a novel linear programming approach to evaluate the combined impact of network reconfiguration and DERs on EV integration costs in distribution systems.

Findings

DER integration reduces operational costs

Network reconfiguration increases system flexibility

Combined approach enables higher EV penetration without infrastructure upgrades

Abstract

The rapid growth of electric vehicle (EV) adoption poses operational and economic challenges for power distribution systems, including increased line loading levels and network congestions. This may require potential infrastructure reinforcement and expansion. As a fast inexpensive alternative solution, network topology reconfiguration (NTR) offers a practical means to redistribute power flows, reduce operational costs, and defer infrastructure upgrades. This paper presents a linear programming framework to evaluate the impact of varying EV penetration on operational costs under four configurations: standard distribution network (SDN), SDN with NTR (SDNTR), SDN with distributed energy resources (SDN-DER), and SDNTR with DERs (SDNTR-DER). Numerical simulations are conducted on the IEEE 33-bus system. The analysis demonstrates that integrating DERs reduces operational costs, while NTR further enhances system flexibility, enabling higher EV penetration levels without compromising feasibility. The combined SDNTR-DER approach offers the most cost-effective and reliable pathway for accommodating future EV growth while mitigating the need for immediate infrastructure upgrades.