2027 Event Agenda

The growing penetration of distributed generation (DG) alters power flow in distribution networks, introducing operational challenges such as voltage rise, transformer overload, and reverse power flow. In this context, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations emerge as a resource with mitigation potential, acting as a controllable load and a demand response asset. This work evaluates a 60 kW charging infrastructure installed on a transformer with a history of overload and reverse power flow. Through Python simulations, real curves of DG, the charging station, and transformer load were applied. During daytime hours, characterized by high DG surplus, combining this with dynamic pricing reduced reverse power flow by 78%, from 77 kW to 17 kW. For nighttime demand, power control (charge profile) was applied, adjusting charging according to transformer limits, thereby respecting the 110 kVA threshold and avoiding peaks of up to 163 kVA. As next steps, the implementation of pilot projects and OpenDSS analyses for power quality studies is planned. This work aims to provide qualified input for discussions in the electric power sector: although EV chargers have not yet caused problems in the network comparable to those caused by DG, the exponential growth in charger installations and registered EV fleet sales suggests that chargers will tend to create network problems as well. Accordingly, the DSO should be able to act on this load or encourage its use during specific periods, which requires regulation establishing this right to act on loads in favor of the distribution network.