Exploring the Use of Batteries to Permit Connection of New DSO Customers
(2025) In CODEN:LUTEDX/TEIE EIEM01 20251Industrial Electrical Engineering and Automation
- Abstract
- The accelerating electrification of urban infrastructure and the transport sector is placing in- creasing stress on distribution grid capacity. Distribution system operators (DSOs) are in- creasingly challenged by infrastructure constraints that delay or prevent the connection of new customers. This thesis investigates the use of battery energy storage systems (BESS) as a flexi- ble alternative to traditional grid reinforcement for managing localized overcapacity in medium- voltage (MV) networks. Through a case study in G ̈oteborg Energi’s 10 kV grid, where additional electric vehicle (EV) charging stations are expected to overload a 7.5km cable, different battery configurations are modeled using quasi-dynamic simulations in PowerFactory.... (More)
- The accelerating electrification of urban infrastructure and the transport sector is placing in- creasing stress on distribution grid capacity. Distribution system operators (DSOs) are in- creasingly challenged by infrastructure constraints that delay or prevent the connection of new customers. This thesis investigates the use of battery energy storage systems (BESS) as a flexi- ble alternative to traditional grid reinforcement for managing localized overcapacity in medium- voltage (MV) networks. Through a case study in G ̈oteborg Energi’s 10 kV grid, where additional electric vehicle (EV) charging stations are expected to overload a 7.5km cable, different battery configurations are modeled using quasi-dynamic simulations in PowerFactory. The scenarios include standalone batteries as well as coordinated setups forming a Virtual Power Line (VPL), where batteries are installed at both ends of the overloaded cable. The study examines how bat- tery sizing, placement, and control strategies influence grid loading and voltage performance, and compares the cost-effectiveness of battery-based solutions to conventional cable reinforcement. Results show that both single and dual-battery configurations can resolve overloads under cur- rent conditions, with the VPL setup offering increased operational flexibility. More specifically, the study finds that a single 0.4 MW/2.4 MWh battery is sufficient to completely eliminate over- loading for one critical year, but larger capacities would be more robust for long-term operation. The economic viability depends on several assumptions, including battery prices, lifetime, and regulatory conditions around DSO ownership. The cost analysis shows that only a single battery configuration becomes economically favorable compared to traditional reinforcement when the battery lifetime exceeds 15 years, while VPL-based setups are not yet cost-competitive under current market conditions. Overall, batteries emerge as a promising and flexible tool to enable faster and sometimes more cost-effective grid connections for new demand sources, especially in dense urban environments where traditional reinforcement is often slow, expensive and further complicated by the involvement of multiple stakeholders. (Less)
- Popular Abstract
- The world is rapidly moving towards electrification, replacing fossil fuels with electric vehicles, electric heating, and renewable energy. In cities like Gothenburg in Sweden, this transition is leading to a significant increase in electricity demand. However, urban power grids are not always prepared to handle this growth. Reinforcing the grid by installing new cables is costly, disruptive, and can take more than a decade to complete. In the meantime, new projects and customers may face delays or be denied access simply because the grid cannot support additional load.
This thesis investigates whether Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) can offer a faster and more flexible alternative to traditional grid reinforcement. The study... (More) - The world is rapidly moving towards electrification, replacing fossil fuels with electric vehicles, electric heating, and renewable energy. In cities like Gothenburg in Sweden, this transition is leading to a significant increase in electricity demand. However, urban power grids are not always prepared to handle this growth. Reinforcing the grid by installing new cables is costly, disruptive, and can take more than a decade to complete. In the meantime, new projects and customers may face delays or be denied access simply because the grid cannot support additional load.
This thesis investigates whether Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) can offer a faster and more flexible alternative to traditional grid reinforcement. The study focuses on a real case within Gothenburg’s medium-voltage distribution grid, where a cable is projected to become overloaded due to increasing demand from high-power electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Rather than replacing the cable, the work explores whether strategically placed batteries can absorb peak loads and free up capacity to connect new users.
Two battery-based solutions are tested. The first involves placing a single battery near the EV charging station to help smooth out demand during peak periods. The second, more advanced option, is known as a Virtual Power Line (VPL). In this setup, two batteries are installed at opposite ends of the congested cable. They operate in coordination, with one charging while the other discharges, to simulate power transfer without physically sending current through the overloaded cable. This reduces strain on the system and increases operational flexibility.
The system is modeled using PowerFactory, a specialized power system analysis tool. Different battery sizes and configurations are tested to assess their ability to reduce cable loading and maintain voltage stability. Results show that a single 0.4 MW / 2.4 MWh battery is already sufficient to eliminate overloads for a full year. While the VPL approach does not change the required battery size, it improves the system’s adaptability to future changes in demand.
However, the economic viability of these solutions depends on factors like battery price and lifespan. The analysis reveals that only the single-battery solution becomes more cost-effective than traditional reinforcement if the battery lasts at least 15 years. The VPL configuration, although more flexible, is not yet financially competitive under current market conditions.
In addition, regulatory constraints in Sweden limit how batteries can be used in the power grid. Distribution System Operators (DSOs) are not permitted to own or operate battery storage if it can influence the electricity market. This means that in the single-battery scenario, the DSO would need to rely on a third party to own and operate the battery, using it through a service-based agreement. In contrast, VPLs do not participate in market activity, since they strictly support the grid by managing internal flows. So DSOs are legally allowed to own and control them directly. This makes the VPL concept especially attractive, despite its higher cost.
In conclusion, this thesis shows that BESS can play a valuable role in managing urban grid congestion. While not a full substitute for conventional upgrades, batteries offer a quicker, more flexible alternative. Particularly in areas where time, cost, or space limit traditional reinforcement. As electricity demand continues to grow, flexible technologies like BESS and innovative solutions like the VPL may become essential for building stronger, more resilient power grids. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
http://lup.lub.lu.se/student-papers/record/9201191
- author
- van Calck, Daphné LU
- supervisor
- organization
- course
- EIEM01 20251
- year
- 2025
- type
- H3 - Professional qualifications (4 Years - )
- subject
- keywords
- Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), Virtual Power Line (VPL), distribution grid, electric vehicle (EV) charging, medium-voltage network, grid reinforcement, PowerFactory simulation
- publication/series
- CODEN:LUTEDX/TEIE
- report number
- 5536
- language
- English
- id
- 9201191
- date added to LUP
- 2025-06-19 12:10:29
- date last changed
- 2025-06-19 12:10:29
@misc{9201191,
abstract = {{The accelerating electrification of urban infrastructure and the transport sector is placing in- creasing stress on distribution grid capacity. Distribution system operators (DSOs) are in- creasingly challenged by infrastructure constraints that delay or prevent the connection of new customers. This thesis investigates the use of battery energy storage systems (BESS) as a flexi- ble alternative to traditional grid reinforcement for managing localized overcapacity in medium- voltage (MV) networks. Through a case study in G ̈oteborg Energi’s 10 kV grid, where additional electric vehicle (EV) charging stations are expected to overload a 7.5km cable, different battery configurations are modeled using quasi-dynamic simulations in PowerFactory. The scenarios include standalone batteries as well as coordinated setups forming a Virtual Power Line (VPL), where batteries are installed at both ends of the overloaded cable. The study examines how bat- tery sizing, placement, and control strategies influence grid loading and voltage performance, and compares the cost-effectiveness of battery-based solutions to conventional cable reinforcement. Results show that both single and dual-battery configurations can resolve overloads under cur- rent conditions, with the VPL setup offering increased operational flexibility. More specifically, the study finds that a single 0.4 MW/2.4 MWh battery is sufficient to completely eliminate over- loading for one critical year, but larger capacities would be more robust for long-term operation. The economic viability depends on several assumptions, including battery prices, lifetime, and regulatory conditions around DSO ownership. The cost analysis shows that only a single battery configuration becomes economically favorable compared to traditional reinforcement when the battery lifetime exceeds 15 years, while VPL-based setups are not yet cost-competitive under current market conditions. Overall, batteries emerge as a promising and flexible tool to enable faster and sometimes more cost-effective grid connections for new demand sources, especially in dense urban environments where traditional reinforcement is often slow, expensive and further complicated by the involvement of multiple stakeholders.}},
author = {{van Calck, Daphné}},
language = {{eng}},
note = {{Student Paper}},
series = {{CODEN:LUTEDX/TEIE}},
title = {{Exploring the Use of Batteries to Permit Connection of New DSO Customers}},
year = {{2025}},
}