An Analysis of Photo-Voltaic Hosting Capacity in Finnish Low Voltage Distribution Networks

Abstract

Abstract:The ascending trend of photo-voltaic (PV) utilization on a domestic scale in Finland, calls for a technical aspects review of low voltage (LV) networks. This work investigates the technical factors that limit the PV hosting capacity, in realistic case networks, designed relative to different geographical areas of Finland. A Monte Carlo method based analysis was performed, in order to quantify the hosting capacity of the formulated networks, with balanced and unbalanced feeds, in PV systems and their limiting constraints were evaluated. Finally, the effectiveness of on-load tap changer (OLTC) in increasing the PV penetration, when employed in the LV system, was investigated.

Monte Carlo-Based Comprehensive Assessment of PV Hosting Capacity and Energy Storage Impact in Realistic Finnish Low-Voltage Networks

“…For the determination of HC, this study utilizes Finnish LV networks, formulated in [11]. Networks were constructed while considering voltage drop and current loading as the deciding factors, as they signify the length of the network.…”

“…In [8], voltage unbalance is the constraint utilized for HC definition. Versatilities of size and location of PV are modelled by conducting Monte Carlo (MC)-based studies in [9][10][11]. In [9], HC is measured utilizing the multi-scenario approach, for instance variable positioning of the PVs along the feeder, different power factor of the inverters etc.…”

“…In [9], HC is measured utilizing the multi-scenario approach, for instance variable positioning of the PVs along the feeder, different power factor of the inverters etc. In addition to the various performance indices, different geographic locations and scenarios were considered, for instance rural, intermediate and urban regions, in [10] and [11]. Moreover, in [11], a 100% single-phase scenario of PV connection is depicted by making connections to only one phase rather than randomly dividing it among the three phases.…”

“…In addition to the various performance indices, different geographic locations and scenarios were considered, for instance rural, intermediate and urban regions, in [10] and [11]. Moreover, in [11], a 100% single-phase scenario of PV connection is depicted by making connections to only one phase rather than randomly dividing it among the three phases. It simulates the worst-case scenario but is different from the normal practices of PV integration.…”

“…The study is relevant to other North European countries with sparsely populated areas. Moreover, it compares the MC simulations-based HC values of the LV networks (formulated in [11]), with different voltage limits as described by various countries with the standard EN 50160 [16] i.e., ±10% voltage change from the nominal. The considered voltage bands are ±5% and − 5/+ 3% (German standard [17]).…”