Smart Electric Vehicle Charging for Enhancing Renewable Energy Utilization and Mitigating Net Metering Export in Palestinian Distribution Networks: A Real Case Study

Abstract

The rapid deployment of distributed photovoltaic (PV) systems has increased renewable energy generation while introducing operational challenges for distribution networks, particularly surplus PV export during periods of high solar production. This study proposes a measurement-driven, rule-based smart electric vehicle (EV) charging framework to enhance the local utilization of surplus PV generation using real operational measurements acquired from a Siemens PAC3200T power quality analyzer installed at the point of common coupling (PCC) of the Far’ata–Immatain distribution feeder in Palestine. The proposed framework coordinates EV charging based on representative surplus PV operating states and PCC operating conditions while considering user charging requirements and network operational limits. Four MATLAB-based simulation scenarios representing increasing EV penetration were evaluated. The results demonstrate progressive reductions in reverse active power export together with corresponding improvements in local PV utilization as EV penetration increases. Under the highest investigated charging scenario, up to 200 kW of the investigated surplus PV generation was locally utilized, and reverse active power export was eliminated under the investigated operating conditions. Overall, the proposed framework provides a practical and scalable approach for improving renewable energy utilization in data-limited distribution networks without requiring comprehensive feeder models or immediate network reinforcement.