Simulation Study for the Comparison of Power Flow Models for a Line Distribution Network with Stochastic Load Demands

Abstract

We use simulation to compare different power flow models in the process of charging electric vehicles (EVs) by considering their random arrivals, their stochastic demand for energy at charging stations, and the characteristics of the electricity distribution network. We assume the distribution network is a line with charging stations located on it. We consider the Distflow and the Linearized Distflow power flow models and we assume that EVs arrive at the network with an exponential rate, have an exponential charging requirement, and that voltage drops on the distribution network stay under control. We provide extensive numerical results investigating the effect of using different power flow models on the performance of the network.