Spatio-Temporal Impact Analysis of Dynamic Wireless Charging of Electric Vehicles on Power Distribution Systems

With the proliferation of Electric Vehicles (EVs), Dynamic Wireless Charging (DWC) systems are becoming increasingly important as an efficient and convenient charging solution in transportation systems. Given its potential to significantly impact electricity demand, a thorough investigation of the DWC’s spatio-temporal impact on the power distribution system operation is essential to ensure the operational reliability of the distribution system to meet the need for electricity. Hence, this paper proposes a novel framework to capture and assess the spatio-temporal impacts of DWC systems on power distribution systems operation. The proposed framework for DWC systems effectively quantifies the traffic density at different routes and times within the transportation system and translates it into charging power demand on the distribution nodes. Spatio-temporal impact analysis of DWC systems leads to a better understanding of the distribution system’s potential to continuously provide charging service to in-motion EVs at different routes and times. The proposed framework is implemented on a test power distribution system connected to several DWC systems along multiple routes in Salt Lake City. The results reflect the capability of the proposed framework to quantify the DWC’s demand and assess the readiness of the distribution system to serve this demand.