Volt-Var Support in Distribution Systems by controlling Electric Vehicles Charging

This paper investigates the potential benefits provided by plug-in electric vehicles charging with reactive power support for voltage regulation in low voltage distribution systems. The reactive power support is provided by a Volt-Var control scheme at the inverter. Vehicles inject reactive power only when voltage at the connection point is below the established values according to inverter capability limits. The results are analyzed in a low-voltage distribution feeder developed by CIGRE with real residential load data. Electric vehicles charge at Level 1 with single-phase connection. Simulations are performed using OpenDSS software and evaluate voltage quality aspects. Results show the proposed Volt-Var control helps improve system voltage profile and reduce unbalance condition, minimizing negative effects caused by electric vehicles themselves while charging.