A Comprehensive Solar PV Hosting Capacity in MV and LV Radial Distribution Networks
A Comprehensive Solar PV Hosting Capacity in MV and LV Radial Distribution Networks
A Comprehensive Solar PV Hosting Capacity in MV and LV Radial Distribution Networks
Abstract—With the increasing adoption of solar PV generation of these facilities [2]-[5]. The common practice of most
system, it is essential to analyze the impacts to the distribution distribution utilities is the determination of Hosting Capacity
system especially if PV units is installed in both MV and LV (HC) and is defined as the maximum solar PV generation that
network. This paper develops a methodology that determines the can be integrated in the distribution system without causing
solar PV hosting capacity of a distribution network considering
any adverse effect on the normal system operation [3]-[4], [6]-
the effect between the interactions of MV and LV network at
different voltage levels. A comprehensive approach was used [10].
including complete LV network modeling characteristics. The The methodology to quantify solar PV hosting capacity is
interaction between the MV and LV network offers an advantage examined in the literature considering planning and
to other approaches described in the literature. A modified 25- optimization strategies [11]-[20]. Operational perspectives
bus test system with complete MV and LV network model was have been investigated considering smart technologies [21] and
tested and an integrated MV-LV power flow solution was used to pricing consideration [22]. Likewise, the optimal hosting
analyze the impacts on its interactions. Peak and off-peak load capacity of DG integration has been described with the
conditions of different customer types were also considered. inclusion of electric vehicles (EV) and energy storage systems
Aggregate installation was examined and it was shown that single
solar PV installation is sufficient for the hosting capacity
(ESS) employing different methodologies and techniques [23]-
quantification. Also, LV network hosting capacity installations [27].
have minimal effect on the MV network. Results show that the MV-LV hosting capacity interactions have been
main limitation of MV hosting capacity is the LV network investigated in the literature using real MV distribution
voltage problems. network. This was achieved by adopting a simplified integrated
MV-LV network analysis considering realistic generation and
Index Terms—Distribution network, hosting capacity, LV demand profiles. LV network modeling have not been included
network, MV network, solar PV generation system due to their number and lack of data and results show that LV
networks represent a major limitation to the MV hosting
I. INTRODUCTION capacity [28].
The presence of distributed generation (DG) has significant This paper aims to develop a methodology that determines
effect on distribution network such as efficiency, reliability, solar PV hosting capacity (HC) of a distribution network
power flow, voltage profile, protection, and stability. It brings considering the effect between the interactions of MV and LV
challenges to traditional distribution network especially if the network at different voltage levels. This paper properly
DG is installed both in medium voltage (MV) and low voltage modeled the LV network as a result of a comprehensive
(LV) distribution network. As distributed generation gains approach. A modified backward/forward sweep power flow
popularity, utilities and distribution companies are frequently solution was used to analyze the MV-LV interactions [29]. In
asked by customers for interconnection of these systems [1]. addition, the overall hosting capacity for MV and LV network
Distributed generation plays a key role in residential, is quantified based on the results of performance criteria of the
commercial, and industrial customers on the power system. DG distribution network.
provides an alternative supply of power. A rooftop solar
photovoltaic (PV) generation system is an example of DG that II. METHODOLOGY
can be connected to the utility’s service from its MV and LV The comprehensive solar PV hosting capacity is composed
distribution network. When numerous solar PV generation of two phases. First, the hosting capacity quantification in the
systems are installed, the impact could be detrimental to LV distribution network only. In this phase, all network
maintaining normal system operation. calculation is done only at LV neglecting the effect in the MV
Taking into consideration these conditions, distribution by taking a source voltage or root node as 1.00 per unit.
utilities investigate and analyze the impact of solar PV Second, the hosting capacity quantification in the MV
installations and develop different strategies that will served as distribution network including the results of LV distribution
a mandatory requirement to ensure safe and reliable integration network hosting capacity. Furthermore, the adopted