This paper presents a methodology for assessing the impact of electric vehicles (EVs) on the power transmission grid of the Costa Rica Power System. The methodology considers penetration scenarios, user preferences, charging habits, and expected fleet growth. Using ETAP software, the study simulates power flow, demand behavior, and voltage levels in the presence of high penetration of electric vehicles. The analysis covers a 15-year horizon and focuses on voltage and demand profiles in 2025, 2030, and 2040. The results indicate a decline in voltage profiles that reaches dangerous levels after 2030, primarily in the distribution grid, and an increase in demand by Image 1 for 2040 in the most severe scenario. The analysis also reveals several key findings (a) the identification of problems in the electrical infrastructure starting in 2030 and a major insufficiency in accommodating the increase in EVs by 2040; (b) the need to evaluate stability in transmission grids considering loadability and voltage; (c) the necessity of investing in electrical infrastructure, driven by public policies, to meet future energy requirements and strengthen transmission networks; (d) the significance of accounting for both EV growth and electric infrastructure improvements in system analysis; and (e) the anticipation that the system's performance will fall within the extreme demand values presented in the analysis. The study emphasizes the importance of considering a broader range of scenarios and variability in parameters, especially user charging behaviors, to enable decision-makers to plan for the challenges and opportunities associated with the widespread adoption of EVs in a country's power grid.

Over the past few decades, Central American countries have seen a steady increase in their energy needs. Luckily, the region has abundant renewable energy resources and, as a result, has been busy constructing wind and photovoltaic power facilities. However, while these renewable sources are promising, they come with some risks—mainly, their variable power generation can pose a challenge to the interconnected regional system. This paper explores the current state of the Central American power system and the obstacles it faces as it strives to transition to a more environmentally-friendly energy system. To do so, the authors employed power flow analysis and transient stability studies, which were conducted using ETAP (Electrical Transient Analyzer Program) to model and simulate the power system. Their study revealed that the Central American power system is at risk of instability, and they suggest that integrating ancillary services and storage solutions could strengthen its resilience. Additionally, the authors advocate for the development of microgrids, energy management, and sustainable decarbonization plans. Lastly, the authors emphasize the importance of short-, medium-, and long-term power planning to make better decisions.

La integración de sistemas estacionarios y de los vehículos eléctricos como almacenamiento electroquímico en la red eléctrica, traerán consigo una serie de acciones en los sistemas eléctricos de potencia a fin de robustecer la red existente, diversificar las mallas energéticas actuales y lograr una contribución significativa ante los requerimientos energéticos de la región y los problemas asociados debido al cambio climático. El presente artículo expone las principales oportunidades y desafíos de su integración, muestra la evolución y situación actual de la matriz eléctrica de Centroamérica. La región presenta condiciones favorables para permitir una penetración de diversas tecnologías de almacenamiento en combinación con generación de electricidad intermitente lo cual representa una nueva consideración en el análisis. Diversas tecnologías de almacenamiento son expuestas que, a pesar de ser antiguas en su descubrimiento y uso, hoy se presentan como una oportunidad para la producción masiva de energía eléctrica renovable. Por último, se analizarán las formas en que dichas tecnologías pueden interactuar con la red eléctrica como unidades de almacenamiento y carga. Finalmente, se identificarán las principales oportunidades y desafíos de la integración de sistemas de almacenamiento electroquímico en la red eléctrica.

Developing a reliable power grid and investing in non-conventional renewable energy resources pose problems for low- and medium-income countries. Frequently, maintaining a robust power grid infrastructure can present challenges in terms of reliability, resilience, and flexibility. This article presents a methodology for improving power flexibility in susceptible power systems through the utilization of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). The methodology entails the examination of power stability, operating conditions, and security criteria in order to identify suitable locations for storage allocation. A study was conducted utilizing the Electrical Transient and Analysis Program (ETAP®) software to simulate the Central American power transmission grid. The results of the study indicate that including storage systems to offer virtual inertia and backup during emergency situations is a recommended strategy for mitigating potential challenges. The study suggests that applying specific criteria for allocation and sizing at critical points in sensitive systems can enhance power transfer flexibility, eliminating potential constraints. The Central American electrical Power System, which faces power transfer limitations, is well-suited for BESS. In severe contingencies, such as when the system frequency drops to 58.75 Hz and power transfer between Mexico and Central America exceeds 300 MW with voltage levels below 0.97 pu, BESS can help mitigate these issues. The solution involves deploying BESS both centrally and distributively. Results show decreased instability, with power increases not exceeding 300 MW for more than 11 study cycles in all scenarios. The approach includes a BESS with an installed capacity of 1,060 MWh/160 MW and a virtual inertia of H=6s.

The integration of renewable energy sources into electrical power systems presents enormous challenges in technical terms, especially with energy storage. Battery electrochemical storage systems (BESSs) are becoming a crucial solution for reducing the intermittency of renewable energy supply and enhance the stability of power networks. Nonetheless, its extensive implementation confronts constraints, including expense, life expectancy, and energy efficiency. Simultaneously, these technologies present prospects for improved energy management, increase the hosting capacity of renewable energy, and diminish reliance on fossil fuels. This paper investigates the obstacles of integrating electrochemical storage into electrical power systems, explores solutions to use its promise for creating more resilient and sustainable grids, and presents a method for the size estimation and strategic allocation of electrochemical energy storage systems (EESSs). The aim is to improve grid voltage profiles, manage demand response, increase the adoption of renewable energy resources, enhance power transfer among various areas, and subsequently improve the stability of a power system during large disturbances. The methodology utilizes a multi-stage optimization process based on economic considerations supported by dynamic simulation. This methodology was tested employing a validated dynamic model of the Interconnected Electrical System of the Central American Countries (SIEPAC). The system experienced multiple significant blackouts in recent years, primarily due to the increasing amount of renewable energy generation without adequate inertial support and limited power transfer capabilities among countries. Based on the results of using the technique, EESSs can effectively lower the risk of instability caused by an imbalance between power generation and demand during extreme situations, as seen in past event reports. Based on economical constraints, it has been determined that the cost of installing EESSs for the SIEPAC, which amounts to 1200 MWh/200 MW, is 140.91 USD/MWh.

Hoy día los sistemas de generación renovables no convencionales a pequeña escala empiezan a tomar fuerza dentro de los sistemas eléctricos de potencia. La generación para autoconsumo puede beneficiar las pequeñas y medianas empresas a fin de volverlas más competitivas y atractivas hacia los clientes. Sistemas eólicos en pequeña escala, así como las instalaciones de sistemas solares son un ejemplo de cómo se ha masificado la tecnología, de manera que contar con un procedimiento explícito, simple y confiable para la implementación de sistemas renovables sería de gran utilidad. Este artículo presenta un procedimiento paso a paso a cerca de la implementación de sistemas fotovoltaicos en pequeñas industrias donde propone un diseño de una instalación incluyendo un análisis económico. Se toman en cuenta los sistemas de almacenamiento de energía. Los beneficios económicos y ambientales son cuantiosos, donde se demuestra una alta viabilidad de implementación de este tipo de aplicaciones en pequeñas industrias. Se logró concluir que la implementación de un sistema solar fotovoltaico en una pequeña empresa permite reducciones de costos de electricidad mayores al 90% con una pronta recuperación de la inversión.