Enhancing EV Hosting Capacity in Distribution Networks Using WAPE-Based Dynamic Control

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Abstract
Precisely assessing electric vehicle hosting capacity (EVHC) is critical for ensuring the secure integration of EVs and optimizing the use of distribution network resources. Although optimization-based methods such as Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) can identify a high theoretical HC under steady-state voltage constraints, these static formulations fail to capture short-term dynamics such as photovoltaic (PV) intermittency and uncoordinated EV arrivals. As a result, the hosting capacity that can actually be used in practice is often reduced to a much lower capacity to keep the system operating safely. This study compares optimization-based and simulation-based HC assessments and introduces a Weighted Average Power Estimator (WAPE)-based dynamic control framework to preserve the higher HC identified by optimization under real-world conditions. Case studies on a modified IEEE 13-bus system show PV drops of 90% during a 4-s cloud event. Studies also demonstrate that a sudden clustering of multiple EVs would significantly lower effective HC. With WAPE control, the system maintains stable operation at full HC, holding the bus voltage within an acceptable range (400–430 V) during the two events, representing a 2–3% voltage improvement. In addition, WAPE allows the EV to continue charging at a lower rate during disturbances, reducing the total charging time by almost 10% compared with completely stopping the charging process. Overall, the proposed WAPE substantially improves the usable and sustainable HC of distribution networks, ensuring reliable EV integration under dynamic and uncertain operating conditions.

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