Hosting capacity of the power grid for renewable electricity production and new large consumption equipment

Abstract

After a brief historical introduction to the hosting-capacity approach, the hosting capacity is presented in this paper as a tool for distribution-system planning under uncertainty. This tool is illustrated by evaluating the readiness of two low-voltage networks for increasing amounts of customers with PV panels or with EV chargers. Both undervoltage and overvoltage are considered in the studies presented here. Probability distribution functions are calculated for the worst-case overvoltage and undervoltage as a function of the number of customers with PV or EV chargers. These distributions are used to obtain 90th percentile values that act as a performance index. This index is compared with an overvoltage or undervoltage limit to get the hosting capacity. General aspects of the hosting-capacity calculations (performance indices, limits, and calculation methods) are discussed for a number of other phenomena: overcurrent; fast voltage magnitude variations; voltage unbalance; harmonics and supraharmonics. The need for gathering data and further development of models for existing demand is emphasised in the discussion and conclusions.