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How Norway's largest distribution company deals with electrical vehicles

Panel: 6. Energy-efficient and low-carbon mobility for all

Authors:
Christina Wolan, The Norwegian Smartgrid Centre, Sintef Energi, Norway
Alf Inge Tunheim, Elvia, Norway
Hans Christian Bolstad, Sintef Energi, Norway

Abstract

The Norwegian electricity distribution grid is conventional, inflexible and it has few solutions for remote measurements, monitoring and control. From a system perspective, it is important to demonstrate innovative solutions on a large scale so new technologies and systems become a real alternative to conventional solutions.

Norway is the country with the highest share of electrical vehicles, and the challenges we see today, is expected to come in Europe within 8 years. Analysis of the electrical grid for the Norwegian Distribution System Operator (DSO), Elvia, indicated that more than 2000 distribution transformers in the grid stations are in overload. This number is expected to increase in the future. Calculations also show that voltage drops >10% is a problem for a significant proportion of the end customers in the electrical distribution grid.

Elvia is testing if they can compensate for under voltage and overload in the low voltage grid by using batteries or consumer flexibility in form of smart water heaters (SWH) and smart electrical car chargers. SWH are deployed in 20 regular households and 40 cabins (with high variability of use). The hypothesis of the pilot is that grid batteries and smart water heater control can raise the min. voltage in the low voltage grid, and thereby defer necessary traditional investments to the grid. A close collaboration between the DSO, technology supplier and customers can contribute to a sustainable solution.

The key outcome of the demonstration is:

• Practical experience with smart water heaters, smart electrical chargers, electrical grid batteries, and consumer flexibility and associated contractual frameworks.

• Evaluation of how solutions can solve the challenges of under voltage and overload in the low-voltage grid.

• Cost comparisons for the solutions and verification of cost reductions

We will present the first results, learnings and experiences of this ongoing pilot. The project is 1 of 4 pilots in the project IDE led by the Norwegian Smartgrid Centre.

Downloads

Download this presentation as pdf: 6-177-22_Wolan_pres.pdf