Novel Technical Planning Tool for Hosting Capacity With Optimization Techniques for Solar PV-Grid Integration

The impact of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on power distribution systems has attracted significant research interest. However, integrating large-scale PV systems into low-voltage (LV) networks poses several technical challenges. Hence, penetration limits and hosting capacity are essential for high PV penetration LV networks. This study proposes a novel perspective to develop a technical planning framework for large-scale PV integration through steady-state analysis in LV networks. The objective is to determine global hosting capacity by introducing a novel harmonization concept of derived penetration depth. The methodology, tested on a modified IEEE European network, combines simulation-based optimization and statistical methods. The ETAP software runs an optimal power flow on the test network to optimize PV power output at each of the three bus locations. The goal is to improve network bus voltages based on network-wide and location-based constraints. The simulation results form the basis for developing global hosting capacity models using an Excel spreadsheet. These models estimate the global hosting capacities of 0.0334 MW for bus 74, 0.0337 MW for bus 55, and 0.0335 MW for bus 24. The proposed global hosting capacity concept can aid system planners and grid operators in making informed decisions by considering network-wide and location-based constraints when integrating PV systems into LV networks.