Hosting Capacity In Smart Distribution Network – Definitions, Calculation, Constraints And Improvement

Abstract

Renewable sources offer benefits including more efficient power system operation and management and reduction of CO2. Recent increases in distributed generation cause operational and technical challenges such as voltage rise. Hosting capacity aims to estimate how much additional generation can be integrated into the existing network without breaching prescribed technical and operational constraints. The aim of this paper is to explore in the recent literature answers to questions: how HC can be calculated, what factors influence it and how it can be improved. The most common HC improvement methods are photovoltaic inverter reactive power control, voltage control, network reconfiguration and soft open points usage, conductor reinforcement and classical reconstruction of the network, active operational strategies based on control of the active and reactive power, active power curtailment, battery energy storage systems, power quality improvement and electrical vehicles. To achieve advantages like reducing calculation time and improving accuracy, state-of-the-art research enhancements are built on a unique combination of techniques from earlier studies. They take into account both technological and economical constraints, in comparison to earlier approaches where only technological constraints were considered. It also aims to present what are the major contributions in the field, what are the existing research gaps, opportunities and possible future directions. This paper contributes as it presents the state of art in this field and gathers information that can be used as a foundation for future research. It can be concluded that this remains an important area of research with numerous research opportunities.