Distribution network hosting capacity calculation enhancement through time series analysis and performance index

Abstract

The increasingly ambitious renewable energy targets highlight the system integration of intermittent generation as an important research area. Achieving these targets poses a significant challenge for distribution system operators and transmission system operators all around the world. The human resource shortage and time constraints faced by network operators further exacerbate these issues, and as a result, conventional network development solutions do not always provide the optimal solution. The solution to the problem is not solely to be found in new tools. Calculation methods for hosting capacity usually relies on worst case scenario assumptions and artificial system states in practice. In this paper different hosting capacity calculation methods were evaluated to provide specific insight to the characteristic differences. The role of serial voltage regulators and conventional network development tools were also assessed. The paper covers the additional capacity that can be unlocked through network development tools. The methods are compared through time series deterministic load flow simulations for both the base network and certain network development scenarios.