Volume 65

Impact of Electrified Construction Machinery Integration on Distribution Grids during New District Construction and Improvements via Renewable-Based Smart Charging Reza Fachrizal, Maher Azaza, André Knutsson, Oscar Gillström, Hailong Li

Abstract

Electrification across sectors such as transport, heating, and industry has accelerated in recent years, with battery electric construction machinery emerging as a promising alternative in the construction industry. However, the high charging demand of such equipment can stress the grid through transformer overload and voltage deviations, while local renewable generation introduces challenges of overproduction and intermittency. This paper assesses the grid impact of electrifying construction equipment in a new district in a Swedish city, considering local solar and wind generation, and evaluates renewable-based smart charging strategies aimed at maximizing load matching and self-consumption. Results show that the integration of electric construction machinery and renewables increases voltage fluctuations, with renewables causing more severe overvoltage than machinery-induced undervoltage. Smart charging improves voltage stability by reducing the frequency of renewable-induced overvoltage events. The findings provide practical insights for construction site and system operators, showing that electrification of construction machinery, when paired with renewable-based smart charging, can support grid stability and sustainable operation.

Keywords Distribution grid analysis, electric construction machinery, construction electrification, smart charging, developing urban areas, urban solar and wind power