Research on the assessment of the capacity of urban distribution networks to accept electric vehicles based on the improved TOPSIS method

Abstract This study proposes a TOPSIS‐based method for assessing the ability of distribution networks to accept electric vehicles. This method establishes an assessment index system in terms of the rationality, safety, and economy of the distribution network operation, and assesses the capacity of the distribution network in all aspects. Firstly, a fuzzy theory‐based model of users' charging psychology under the influence of time‐of‐use electricity price was constructed, and the spatio‐temporal distribution of EV charging loads in the target area was predicted using travel chain theory and Monte Carlo methods. Secondly, considering the rationality, safety and economy of the distribution network operation, a comprehensive evaluation index system for acceptability has been constructed. Then, a comprehensive weighting method for evaluation indexes based on AHP and entropy weight method is proposed, and the improved TOPSIS is used to evaluate the acceptance capacity of the distribution network when EV charging loads are connected in different ways. Finally, a typical IEEE33 distribution network is used to simulate the time and space distribution of the charging load, and taking the charging load access schemes proposed in this paper to verify the effectiveness of the evaluation method.