Microgrid Fast Charging Station (MFCS) platform and its impact on the utility grid

Abstract

This paper presents the development, modeling and validation of a microgrid fast charging station modeling (MFCS) platform and its impact on the distribution grid. We present two use cases for a community microgrid, modeled in offline simulation and validated using digital real-time simulator (DRTS). The two use cases are a grid-connected MFCS with 5.83 MW of fast charging capabilities and an islanded MFCS with 3.75 MW of fast charging capacities. The use cases integrate a microgrid for vehicle charging with distributed energy resources (DERs) that connects with the local distribution system and interacts with the utility. Initial studies are conducted for voltage and current variations by placing DERs at optimal locations in the microgrid and changing electric vehicle (EV) loads at certain locations. The results show that the system can handle a sudden EV load increase while maintaining the system stability.