Integration of Electric Vehicles as Non-Wires Alternatives: A Virtual Power Line Approach

The increase in electric vehicles (EVs) is accelerating the transition to an electrified transportation system, strengthening the interdependence between power and transportation networks. This creates an opportunity for EVs to serve as non-wires alternatives (NWAs), reducing the need for conventional power system expansions. This article proposes a method to implement a virtual power line (VPL) using EVs, considering traffic conditions and power system constraints. VPL reduces costs by using alternative resources instead of traditional grid reinforcement, ensuring stable power system operation amid growing renewable energy and demand. EV patterns are analyzed and separated into scheduling and routing. EV routing (EVR) increases power system hosting capacity and reduces photovoltaic (PV) curtailment while minimizing travel time for EV users. This approach highlights the synergy between power and transportation networks, providing a sustainable solution to minimize power system expansions through EV as NWA resources. The proposed algorithm is validated in MATSim and MATLAB through scenarios that closely emulate real-world conditions. Simulation results show that the VPL algorithm reduces traffic congestion costs by 43.67%, increases hosting capacity by 14.8%, and enhances power grid stability.