Developing a simulator to assess the impact of the large scale integration of EVs and level 2 chargers on the distribution power network****

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Advances in electrical vehicles (EV) technology are resulting in an increased usage of EV and a large scale penetration of the Canadian and Quebec markets. The usage of EVs is expected to witness massive growth in the near future with the increased awareness towards green energy use and the need for less dependency on fossil fuel. Among the outcomes of EV use, the incremental deployment of charging stations (especially level 2 charges) presents a challenge to the power distribution network. As anticipated, most of the EVs will be charged at home to avoid long waiting times at public charging stations (CS), and utilize their idle time in EV charging. This approach is facilitated by the declining prices of level 2 charges which reduce the EV charging time. Thus, we will witness a significant change in the residential load profile and an augmented demand at various times of the day. Hydro Quebec, the sole electricity provider in Quebec, will have to prepare for the consequences of this notable increase in EVs use and upcoming deployments of level 2 chargers.****To assess the consequences of this enormous increase in the number of EVs on the power sector, and to avoid these unavoidable consequences, an extensive analysis is required to have a better understanding of the impact of this change first, and elaborate suitable strategies after. In this respect, we will study the EV market growth and the charging behavior of EVs. Our preliminary observations indicate a paradigm shift of transportation sector to EV; within a few years, level 2 charges along with future more efficient and fast charges will constitute the major charging stations even at the level of residential premises. As a ramification, a drastic change in residential load is anticipated. To accommodate to this change in load, Hydro Quebec may need to introduce dynamic pricing policy, or expand their power distribution network or both. As this energy demand is expected to be increased gradually, a gradual solution might be more effective. Insights into the dynamics of this problem, and advanced solutions will be possible through a simulation that mimics the variations in EV deployment, charging behavior, and load alterations. We envision developing a simulator that allows to experiment with all variable aspects of the problem at hand, and consequently portray efficient and suitable solutions suitable on the short term, and long term as well.****