Maximum available capacity evaluation of distribution network considering photovoltaics and electric vehicles

The surge of new loads such as the electric vehicles (EVs) and the large-scale integration of photovoltaics (PVs) pose a significant impact on the safe and economic operation of the distribution network. To evaluate the maximum available capacity of the distribution network, this paper analyzes the charging profile of the EVs, and established the model that predicts the medium- and long-term charging load of the EVs. Then, the maximum available capacity evaluation model that considers the distribution network reconfiguration under the influences of the EVs and PVs is developed. The proposed model is solved using the second-order cone relaxation technique. Besides, to determine the best location of the PVs, the genetic algorithm with the elite retention strategy is adopted to obtain the optimum allocation of the PVs. Simulation results carried out on the modified test system that includes two IEEE 33-bus systems show that the proposed method can accurately evaluate the maximum available capacity of the distribution network, and quantify the effect of the network reconfiguration and PVs on the maximum supply capability of the distribution network. In addition, the proposed method can also provide the theoretical support for the optimum investment in the distribution network. (C) 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.