Izvorni znanstveni članak

https://doi.org/10.37798/2025744733

Assessing the Impact of Transport Electrification on Distribution Networks - A Case Study of the Croatian Region of Istria

Tomislav Antić orcid.org/0000-0002-4183-0735 ; Fakultet elektrotehnike i računarstva Sveučilište u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska *
Klemen Knez ; Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Darko Hecer ; Ekonerg Ltd., Zagreb Croatia
Lara Buljan ; Institut za elektroprivredu d.d., Zagreb, Croatia
Miljan Lenić orcid.org/0009-0006-0447-4264 ; HEP-Operator distribucijskog sustava d.o.o., Zagreb, Croatia
Anđelko Tunjić ; HEP-Operator distribucijskog sustava d.o.o., Zagreb, Croatia
Denis Brajković ; HEP-Operator distribucijskog sustava d.o.o., Zagreb, Croatia
Zoran Pećarić orcid.org/0009-0001-4349-0324 ; HEP-Operator distribucijskog sustava d.o.o., Zagreb, Croatia
Goran Jerbić orcid.org/0009-0005-7738-4342 ; Institut za elektroprivredu d.d., Zagreb, Croatia

* Dopisni autor.

Sažetak

The increasing number of electric vehicles (EVs) introduces significant challenges for distribution networks planning and operation, including higher loading levels, voltage deviations, and potential transformer and line overloads. These challenges are amplified by the requirements of European Union Directive 2014/94/EU on alternative fuels infrastructure and Croatia’s National Energy and Climate Plan for the period 2021–2030. This paper analyzes the impact of transport electrification on the distribution network of the Croatian region of Istria, selected due to its pronounced seasonality and specific geographical conditions. The analysis is based on a detailed network model consisting of nearly 2,500 medium to low voltage substations and more than 170,000 end users, incorporating real data on existing and planned charging stations, tourism related load variations, and EV growth projections. The methodology applies a k-medoids approach to identify representative low voltage networks, enabling the assessment of load increases and the identification of necessary grid reinforcements. The results show that EV growth combined with uncoordinated infrastructure deployment leads to voltage
and current congestion. Based on these findings, the paper proposes a timeline of required investments, including conductor replacements and the construction of new and replacement of existing substations,
to ensure reliable and efficient network operation as transport electrification progresses.

Ključne riječi

charging points; distribution networks planning; e-mobility; k-means clustering; network reinforcement

Hrčak ID:

343163

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/343163

Datum izdavanja:

1.12.2025.

Posjeta: 170 *