Probabilistic Impact Assessment of Electric Vehicle Charging on Malaysia Low-Voltage Distribution Networks

The increasing number of Electric Vehicles (EV) charging on electricity distribution network could have a significant impact on the planning and operation of a power system network. This paper presents a case study investigating the impact of EV charging on a typical Malaysia residential Low-Voltage (LV) network by using OpenDSS as well as Monte-Carlo simulation approach. The residential LV network sample is provided by the local power utility (namely TNB). Some rearrangement of consumer load connection to feeders was made to comply with the utility requirement. In addition, the LV network has been modelled in detail to take into account the neutral wire and the self and mutual impedance of the cable. The impact of the EV charging on both newly developed residential areas and mature residential areas were evaluated in terms of voltage profile, voltage unbalance, feeders and transformer thermal limit as well as network losses. Results from the presented studies indicate that the LV network in Malaysia can safely accommodate up to 20% and 30% of EV penetration level for a mature residential area and newly developed residential area, respectively. Voltage unbalance and feeder's thermal loading overload are the main issues due to EV penetration. Furthermore, it is important to mention that the impact of EV is very locational and network dependent.