Distribution network analysis: A comparison between hosting and loading capacities

Hosting Capacity (HC) of distribution grids represents the maximum level of Distributed Generation (DG) which can be connected at each bus, taking into account technical requirements, in order to guarantee a reliable and secure operation of the system, compliant with the power quality prescriptions. Though HC is usually related to active users, nevertheless, in the perspective of distribution system operators, it is of great importance to make best use of the existing network facilities, without the need for reinforcement, also with respect to the growing energy request of passive users. In this direction, the paper proposes the use of an AC Optimal Power Flow-based mathematical model with the aim of comparing the available hosting capacity, for active users, with the loading margin, for passive users, in order to define the overall correct operation of a distribution network.