Optimal Operation of Electric Vehicles to Enhance the Flexibility Provision in Active Distribution Grids

Abstract

The continuously increasing integration of electric vehicles (EVs) introduced significant challenges to modern power systems, while at the same time offering big opportunities for more optimal and effective operation. This study presents an operational day-ahead scheduling optimization framework to mitigate the negative impacts of EV charging while maximizing flexibility services in active distribution networks. The presented framework employs a non-linear optimal power flow model that ensures compliance with network constraints and accommodates EV user preferences. The proposed methodology is validated through realistic test case scenarios to illustrate its operational feasibility. The results reveal that in suburban areas, flexibility during working hours is limited, while flexibility during return- home hours is significantly higher. In general, the increasing adoption of electric vehicles offers substantial potential for effectively managing distribution networks.

Publication
PowerTech 2025 Kiel
Savvas Panagi
Savvas Panagi
PhD Candidate @ CUT
Phivos Therapontos
Phivos Therapontos
PhD Canditate @ UCY
Chrysovalantis Spanias
Chrysovalantis Spanias
Research Associate @ CUT
Petros Aristidou
Petros Aristidou
Assistant Professor