Impacts on Distribution Network due to Coordinated Electric Ferry Charging

The shipping industry plays a major role in greenhouse gas emissions, driving the transition to electric vessels powered by renewable energy. This study examines the effects of coordinated EF (electric ferry) charging on the local distribution network in Gladstone, Queensland, Australia. Utilizing DIgSILENT PowerFactory and real-world load data, the simulation models a network with four proposed charging stations equipped with BESSs (battery energy storage systems). A dynamic BESS model from MATLAB Simulink and a hybrid GA-PSO-BFO control algorithm optimize BESS operations which is based on load demand and network parameters. Since the transformers of the test network is only 15% loaded, initial power flow analysis is conducted without BESS integration (base case) at $\mathbf{8 0 \%}$ transformer loading which is then compared with fully utilized charging stations (with BESSs) at similar load in coordinated charge-discharge mode. Results show a 2%-3% increase in bus voltages and a 6% decrease in transformer loading in coordinated charge-discharge mode, with line loading dropping by $1 \%-2.8 \%$. The results indicate that the coordinated charge-discharge operations enhance system performance, allowing BESSs to assist with peak shaving and valley filling, while also serving as a backup for the shore-side distribution network. This highlights the capability of electric ferry storage systems to stabilize and support local power grids.