Electric vehicle (EV) charging may impose a substantial power demand on existing low voltage (LV) and medium voltage (MV) networks, which are usually not prepared for high power demands in short time intervals. The influx of E-mobility may require an increase in grid reinforcements, but these can be reduced and optimized by a combination of new technologies, tools, and strategies, such as the deployment of solar PV generation integrated with aggregated energy storage systems. One of the challenges in the implementation of charging infrastructures in public stations is coupling the projected sizes of energy demand and power requirements in each location for each charger. This paper describes a method to estimate projected values for energy consumption and power demand in EV fast charging stations (CS). The proposed ideas were applied in a concept facility located in Campinas, Brazil, in a structure equipped with two 50 kW DC Fast Chargers, local 12.5 kW/13.2 kWp PV generation (to reduce energy impacts to the grid), and a 100 kW/200 kWh storage system, using electrochemical batteries (to minimize peak power requirements).

In recent years, the integration of electric vehicles (EV) into urban fleets has seen a significant rise, leading to a considerable increase in the number of EV chargers and fast charging stations (FCS) connected to distribution networks. Depending on the characteristics of the electrical power system, such as short-circuit power and voltage harmonic distortion, due to the dynamic operation during charging sessions, EV charging stations may impacts the quality of power in the connection point. As a result, it is crucial for utility companies and facility managers to perform preliminary assessments to identify potential exceedances of quality limits.In this context, this work describes the development of an electrical grid impact indicator that evaluates the parameters that influence the electrical network during charging of electric vehicles. A case study and a simulation model were used to identify and incorporate into the indice the main relevant factors, such as power demand, short-circuit power, harmonic distortion, and power factor. The simulation models were employed to evaluate critical operational points, and measurement data further validated the model’s performance. The results highlighted the importance of considering these parameters to ensure effective and safe recharging of electric vehicles. The proposed electrical impact indicator offers an electrical network management tool, allowing a predictive assessment of the impact of EV charging and enabling the adoption of appropriate measures to ensure the quality of power of the distribution networks accessed by charging stations.

The transition to a low-carbon energy matrix has driven the electrification of vehicles (EVs), yet charging infrastructure—particularly fast direct current (DC) chargers—can negatively impact distribution networks. This study investigates the integration of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESSs) with the power grid, focusing on the E-Lounge project in Brazil as a strategy to mitigate these impacts. The results demonstrated a 21-fold increase in charging sessions and an energy consumption growth from 0.6 MWh to 10.36 MWh between June 2023 and March 2024. Compared to previous findings, which indicated the need for more robust systems, the integration of a 100 kW/138 kWh BESS with DC fast chargers (60 kW) and AC chargers (22 kW) proved effective in reducing peak demand, optimizing energy management, and enhancing grid stability. These findings confirm the critical role of BESSs in establishing a sustainable EV charging infrastructure, demonstrating improvements in power quality and the mitigation of grid impacts. The results presented in this study stem from a project approved under the Research and Development program of the Brazilian Electricity Regulatory Agency (ANEEL) through strategic call No. 022/2018. This initiative aimed to develop a modular EV charging infrastructure for fleet vehicles in Brazil, ensuring minimal impact on the distribution network.

One of the challenges faced by Brazilian distribution utilities to enable the connection and operation of microgrids (MGs) is the absence of a solid set of technical standards in the country. An alternative has been to use and adapt existing standards applied to micro- and mini-distributed generation. In this context, this paper presents an analysis of the development status of norms, standards, and general requirements for the connection and operation of microgrids, as well as a proposal for the regulation and structuring of technical and operational requirements related to the implementation of microgrid projects. Some critical points highlighted in the paper include: the modes of operation, the minimum requirements for the different modes of operation, interoperability of systems, a conceptual model with attribution of responsible actors for the decentralized management of microgrids adapted to the institutional standards of the Brazilian sectorial model, a proposal for a standard connection structure considering the point of connection (PoC) implanted using multifunctional relay and recloser, procedures for technical feasibility assessment (operational studies) of MGs connection, and, finally, a discussion of operational issues of storage systems in a microgrid environment.

This work discusses the use of a battery energy storage system applied to the smoothing of power generated at the output of wind turbines based on a fuzzy logic power control. The fuzzy control logic proposed can perform the aforementioned activity while the state of charge of the energy storage system is maintained within operational limits. In order to assess the fuzzy logic power control’s effectiveness at maintaining the state of charge levels within the allowed range, two operating situations are explored: one in which the state of charge is above the upper limit allowed, and another in which the state of charge is in the minimum value allowed. The numerical results show that, when using the battery energy storage system in conjunction with the control logic proposed, the active power provided as the point of common coupling by the wind turbines can be smoothed, thus contributing to the Electric Power System reliability and stability. The main results of this paper are based on measurements of wind and active power associated with a wind generation plant installed in the northeast region of Brazil and equipped with 2.1 MW wind turbines.

Increasing wind generation insertion levels on electrical grids through power converters may cause instabilities in the AC grid due to the intermittent wind nature. Integrating a Battery Electric Energy Storage System (BESS) in wind generation can smooth the power injection at the Common Coupling Point (PCC), contributing to the power system voltage and frequency stability. In this article, it is proposed to analyze the operation of a lithium-ion battery technology based 1 MW/1.29 MWh BESS connected in parallel with wind generation with a capacity of 50.4 MW. The main characteristics investigated are power smoothing and power factor correction. Experimental results show that BESS contributes to smoothing the active power and correcting the power factor of wind generation, improving the quality of electrical energy at the PCC.