Improved Inverter Control Techniques in Terms of Hosting Capacity for Solar Photovoltaic Energy With Battery Energy Storage System

Abstract

The integration of solar photovoltaic systems into low-voltage distribution networks is witnessing significant global growth. While solar photovoltaic generation offers numerous benefits, exceeding the hosting capacity limits in these networks remains a major technical challenge for network operation, particularly in terms of voltage management. Modern smart inverters are equipped with reactive power, active power, and Power Factor (PF) control features, which can assist in regulating network voltage levels. This paper presents a comparative evaluation of smart inverter control methods (reactive power and PF) to achieve maximum solar PV system penetration without impacting the voltage profile at the Point of Common Coupling (PCC). Additionally, a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is employed to enhance the system's hosting capacity. The active power, reactive power, and bus voltage of the system are analyzed under different control methods using MATLAB/Simulink to determine the most effective approach for achieving maximum hosting capacity without compromising bus voltage. The modeling includes a PV system connected to the grid with various control strategies. The results demonstrate an increase in the Hosting Capacity (HC) of the network, thereby improving grid characteristics. The integration of smart inverter functionalities will greatly facilitate the integration of PV solar installations into electricity grids.