Accurate grid modelling boosts EV charger rollout
In-depth modelling and monitoring of the low voltage network can help grid operators identify the best locations to install electric vehicle charging points without overwhelming the energy supply.
The addition of thousands of new electric vehicle (EV) charge points across the UK will present capacity issues to owners and operators of the country’s electricity grid, says Dave Roberts, CTO for the Visnet tool at low voltage energy network monitoring and management consultancy EA Technology.
The availability of grid connections for EV chargers is seen as a key limitation for the roll out, as it can take years to install more grid equipment and get approvals. By modelling the network by location and time of day, EV charger operators can target locations that can support the technology more easily, speeding up the roll out
“The UK’s low voltage distribution networks will underpin the EV transition. Electricity operators can play their part with more granular, in-depth modelling and monitoring of their networks to accurately identify where there is capacity on the network to install the thousands of new charge points that are needed,” said Roberts.
“Better modelling and monitoring data also allows operators to accurately identify congestion, or “pinch points”, in the supply of energy to users. Importantly, they can identify not only the location, but also at what time during the day the congestion occurs.”
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“The challenge for distribution network operators is to identify where to install charge points to best suit demand for EV charging and which match with the capacity available on their network as well,” said Ian Cooper, Head of Product and Strategic Sales for VisNet Modelling.
“The UK is going to need tens of thousands of charge points over the next decade, and operators can jump-start this process by putting in charge points firstly in locations where there is capacity on the distribution network. To do so depends on having granular, local, accurate visibility of the capacity available, which can vary even from street to street.
“The capacity maps produced by our network-based modelling and monitoring solutions enable grid operators to see precisely where they can install charge points at a local street level.”
“By focusing on these locations initially, they can help meet the demand for EV charge points in an efficient and cost-effective way, which minimises disruption so that roads are not dug up and new cabling not installed until absolutely necessary.”
www.visnet.tech; www.eatechnology.com
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