Managing the Electric Vehicle Transition in Distribution Grids : technical synthesis and operational perspectives
Wazed, Hasnat-e-Rabbi (2025)
2025
Master's Programme in Computing Sciences and Electrical Engineering
Informaatioteknologian ja viestinnän tiedekunta - Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences
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Hyväksymispäivämäärä
2025-12-19
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:tuni-2025121611722
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:tuni-2025121611722
Tiivistelmä
The rapid electrification of road transport presents significant challenges for distribution networks worldwide. This thesis develops an engineering-grounded framework for integrating electric vehicle charging infrastructure while maintaining grid reliability and deferring costly reinforcements, using Finland and the Nordic region as the primary case study with comparative insights from the United States and China. While Nordic three-phase 230/400 V networks offer higher per-customer connection capacity than predominantly single-phase residential systems elsewhere, single-phase EV charging on these networks creates phase-balancing challenges. The control strategies developed here address these challenges and can be applicable across network types.
Through comparative synthesis of device standards (IEC 61851-1, ISO 15118, IEEE 1547, GB/T), distribution system operator guidance, and policy frameworks, the work addresses critical gaps in translating technical capabilities into operational practice. The methodology identifies universal principles applicable across regions versus context-specific solutions shaped by local tariffs, network topologies, and regulatory environments.
Key findings demonstrate that standards-compliant unidirectional smart charging (V1G) with phase-aware control can increase hosting capacity by 40–50% and raise capacity utilization from approximately 45% to 88–97% in European three-phase low-voltage networks. In jurisdictions with power-based distribution tariffs-such as Finland-these tariffs provide strong economic incentives for peak management, enabling distribution charge reductions of approximately 60% compared to unmanaged charging. The thesis establishes a mitigation hierarchy applicable across contexts: V1G as the primary tool for residential and workplace charging, battery energy storage systems (BESS) for DC fast-charging hubs experiencing residual peaks, and selective vehicle-to-grid (V2G) only where full technical stacks and compensation mechanisms are verified.
The work contributes four deliverables: (1) a distribution-constraint taxonomy identifying where phase unbalance, thermal limits, and power quality bind first in typical European low-voltage networks; (2) V1G program blueprints implementing peak-aware, phase-aware, and acceptance-aware control; (3) a V2X readiness checklist mapping technical, regulatory, and economic prerequisites; and (4) risk-aware orchestration principles translating academic scheduling research into practical requirements.
These findings provide actionable guidance for DSOs designing flexibility-first planning approaches, site operators implementing cost-effective charging infrastructure, and policymakers harmonizing standards and tariffs. The evidence confirms that distribution networks can accommodate substantial EV growth using existing standards and operational measures, with targeted reinforcements needed only when sustained demand exceeds interface capacity or power quality limits.
Through comparative synthesis of device standards (IEC 61851-1, ISO 15118, IEEE 1547, GB/T), distribution system operator guidance, and policy frameworks, the work addresses critical gaps in translating technical capabilities into operational practice. The methodology identifies universal principles applicable across regions versus context-specific solutions shaped by local tariffs, network topologies, and regulatory environments.
Key findings demonstrate that standards-compliant unidirectional smart charging (V1G) with phase-aware control can increase hosting capacity by 40–50% and raise capacity utilization from approximately 45% to 88–97% in European three-phase low-voltage networks. In jurisdictions with power-based distribution tariffs-such as Finland-these tariffs provide strong economic incentives for peak management, enabling distribution charge reductions of approximately 60% compared to unmanaged charging. The thesis establishes a mitigation hierarchy applicable across contexts: V1G as the primary tool for residential and workplace charging, battery energy storage systems (BESS) for DC fast-charging hubs experiencing residual peaks, and selective vehicle-to-grid (V2G) only where full technical stacks and compensation mechanisms are verified.
The work contributes four deliverables: (1) a distribution-constraint taxonomy identifying where phase unbalance, thermal limits, and power quality bind first in typical European low-voltage networks; (2) V1G program blueprints implementing peak-aware, phase-aware, and acceptance-aware control; (3) a V2X readiness checklist mapping technical, regulatory, and economic prerequisites; and (4) risk-aware orchestration principles translating academic scheduling research into practical requirements.
These findings provide actionable guidance for DSOs designing flexibility-first planning approaches, site operators implementing cost-effective charging infrastructure, and policymakers harmonizing standards and tariffs. The evidence confirms that distribution networks can accommodate substantial EV growth using existing standards and operational measures, with targeted reinforcements needed only when sustained demand exceeds interface capacity or power quality limits.