Multi-Terminal Smart Soft Open Point for Reinforcement Deferral in Low-Voltage Networks Under Sudden Load Growth and Transport Electrification
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Rapid electric vehicle adoption can create severe voltage, loading, and service-continuity constraints in low-voltage networks when demand growth is spatially uneven. This study evaluates a multi-terminal Smart Soft Open Point (SOP) framework for reinforcement deferral using a modified 47-bus CIGRE low-voltage benchmark and 8760-h nonlinear AC optimization. The principal case combines 1.5 times base demand with 200 electric vehicles and compares the existing benchmark network (BMK), Smart SOP, and conventional grid reinforcement (GRU). Smart SOP coordinates bidirectional active-power exchange, capacitive reactive support, and feeder-level served-load variables. It reduces annual energy not served from 15.36% to 3.72%, mean load-balancing index from 23.57% to 11.96%, and hours with more than 5% service reduction from 7059 to 2670. GRU nearly eliminates energy not served (0.04%) and provides the strongest voltage performance, but at substantially higher annual system cost. Capacity sensitivity shows diminishing returns beyond the baseline 402 kVA SOP rating, while Monte Carlo load uncertainty gives Smart SOP the highest median annual net value. The results indicate that Smart SOP can provide a lower-capital alternative to conventional reinforcement for concentrated electrification-driven growth while preserving substantially more service than the unreinforced network.
Source: Energies
DOI: 10.3390/en19215349
Institutions: İzmir University of Economics, Izmir Kâtip Çelebi University
Language: English
Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
OpenAlex ID: W7225646367