A framework for control and co-simulation in distribution networks applied to electric vehicle charging with Vehicle-Originating-Signals

Abstract

The increasing share of renewable energy sources and distributed energy generation (DER) in the energy mix brings a number of challenges to the power system, particularly to the distribution network (DN). New control methods and algorithms are being studied to address these challenges, but the effects of such algorithms on actual DNs are often difficult to validate. Co-simulation, considering the advanced state of existing DN simulation tools, is a potential solution but usually requires some degree of expertise. In this work, we introduce a framework for implementing control algorithms for DNs assisted by co-simulation. This framework uses the commercial simulator PowerFactory but does not require a high tool-specific expertise and can be integrated into other simulation tools. Then we apply this framework to an electric vehicle charging use case and show the results and benefits. Furthermore we extend an existing charging control algorithm to support local voltage control.