The role and the impact of electric vehicles on the local power grid within the Northern Finland climatic conditions

A. Caló, J. N. Louis, E. Pongrácz

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle in a proceedings journalScientificpeer-review

Abstract

Large scale electrification of the transportation sector is generally considered a promising strategy for improving efficiency and reducing greenhouse gases emissions. Within a broader decarbonization strategy, the development of the electric vehicles sector, including its integration within a smarter energy network, it is considered one of the cornerstones of the future energy and transportation development strategy. On the other hand, feasibility and sustainability studies on the performance of electric vehicles are performed without taking in full consideration the overall impact on the energy infrastructure that so much depends on specific local environmental and climatic conditions. In our work, we assessed the impacts electric vehicles could have on the local (smarter) power network and the infrastructure underlying critical issues in the systems within the Northern Finland winter conditions. Considering the case study of the city of Oulu, we developed a MATLAB based simulation assessing the role a fleet of electric vehicles could play within a smart grid based power system. Analysis results strongly suggest that, within the current logistical and environmental limitations, electric vehicle cannot play an active role on the flattening of the network peaks loads. Furthermore, unless a number of coordinated efforts for the improvement of the existing urban infrastructure are considered, they are likely to significantly increase the overall power consumption opening new questions related to the necessary increase of power production.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)886-891
Number of pages6
JournalIFAC-PapersOnLine
Volume28
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Feb 2015
MoE publication typeA4 Article in a conference publication
Event8th Vienna International Conference on Mathematical Modelling, MATHMOD 2015 - Vienna, Austria
Duration: 18 Feb 201520 Feb 2015

Keywords

  • Electric vehicles
  • Northern Finland
  • Oulu infrastructure
  • Urban infrastructure
  • Vehicle to grid

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The role and the impact of electric vehicles on the local power grid within the Northern Finland climatic conditions'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this