Impact of User-Driven Charging Behaviors and V2G Integration on the Dutch Low Voltage Grid

Abstract

The rapid adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) poses significant challenges to low-voltage distribution grids, particularly in regions with high penetration rates like the Netherlands. As EVs increasingly draw power from and feed power back into the grid through technologies such as Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) and mobile V2G, the stability and reliability of low-voltage grids are put to the test. This thesis investigates how uncoordinated charging behaviors, combined with real-world factors like commuting patterns, impact grid performance. The study focuses on key technical aspects such as grid congestion, voltage fluctuations, and transformer loading, aiming to understand the potential stress points in the grid.

Through a series of detailed simulations, the research explores different operational scenarios involving smart charging, V2G, and mobile V2G technologies. These simulations assess the grid’s response to varying levels of V2G penetration, seasonal demand shifts, and commuting behaviors, providing a realistic analysis of the challenges that low-voltage grids face. The study models suburban Dutch grids, emphasizing real-world conditions such as the asynchronous nature of charging and discharging patterns and how they can lead to localized imbalances.

This research reveals the complex interactions between EV integration and grid performance, emphasizing that user-driven charging behaviors and the growing penetration of V2G solutions can lead to significant grid instability without proper coordination. The findings highlight the necessity for advanced grid management strategies, infrastructure reinforcements, and innovative charging solutions to mitigate these risks. By offering insights into the technical challenges of grid integration under various real-world conditions, this thesis contributes to a deeper understanding of the infrastructure requirements and operational strategies needed to support the transition to electrified transportation on a large scale.