Enhancing Hosting Capacity and Voltage Security in EV Transportation-Rich Networks: A Fast Reconfiguration Algorithm with Protection Coordination

The accelerating integration of electric vehicles (EVs) presents considerable operational challenges for distribution networks, particularly through aggravated voltage deviations and compromised protection coordination during periods of simultaneous charging. In response, this study introduces a novel protection-constrained Binary Evolutionary Algorithm (BEA) designed for expedited electric vehicle-oriented Distribution Network Reconfiguration (DNR) to enhance EV hosting capacity without necessitating costly infrastructure upgrades. The proposed framework uniquely embeds the inverse time–current characteristics of protective fuses—termed Protection Curve Consideration (PCC)—within the optimization process. By explicitly accounting for the thermal inertia of protection devices, the algorithm identifies reconfiguration strategies that uphold voltage stability under elevated EV transportation loading, including configurations typically deemed infeasible by conventional voltage-driven approaches. This selective coordination precludes unnecessary fuse operations, thereby preserving the continuity of electric vehicle charging services. Simulation results on a 16-bus radial distribution system, evaluated under four high-demand scenarios reflective of concentrated EV transportation charging, validate the efficacy of the BEA-PCC methodology. The approach achieves a maximum voltage deviation reduction of up to 15.2%, thereby enhancing power quality for all consumers. Moreover, compared to standard metaheuristic techniques, it reduces Energy Not Supplied (ENS) by 8% and switching operations by 20%, contributing to improved grid resilience and operational efficiency. These outcomes underscore the potential of BEA-PCC as an effective real-time control strategy for distribution system operators seeking to accommodate increasing electric vehicle penetration while safeguarding protection coordination and minimizing customer disruptions.