Hosting Capacity Enhancement of Photovoltaic Sources, Using Voltage Controller Devices and Energy Storage Systems

Abstract This paper presents a mathematical model for the Distribution Network (DN) expansion, planning to increase the penetration of Photovoltaic (PV) energy sources in the Distribution Network. The presented model determines the optimal place of PVs in coordination with Energy Storage Systems (ESS). It also identifies the optimal power generation of PVs as well as the optimal amount of energy that must be purchased from the upstream utility grid. The aim of this optimization problem is to maximize the penetration capacity of PVs that the technical constraints of the Distribution Network are satisfied. The proposed optimization problem is formulated as a Mixed-Integer Nonlinear Programming (MINLP) problem, and is solved using SBB solver under GAMS. The uncertainties associated with PV production and electricity demand are modeled by generating different scenarios. The K-means clustering technique is used to reduce the number of scenarios to make the problem tractable. The effectiveness of the presented model is verified on a standard IEEE 33-bus distribution system. The numerical results show that using ESS capabilities On-Load Tap Changer (OLTC), and the reactive power production capability of PVs for controlling voltage profile, increasing the Hosting Capacity of PVs, improving the voltage profile, and thereby decreasing the total investment and operation costs.