Estimating the Photovoltaic Hosting Capacity of a Low Voltage Feeder Using Smart Meters’ Measurements

Maximizing the share of renewable resources in the electric energy supply is a major challenge in the design of the future energy system. Regarding the low voltage (LV) level, the main focus is on the integration of distributed photovoltaic (PV) generation. Nowadays, the lack of monitoring and visibility, combined with the uncoordinated integration of distributed generation, often leads system operators to an impasse. As a matter of fact, the numerous dispersed PV units cause distinct power quality and cost-efficiency problems that restrain the further integration of PV units. The PV hosting capacity is a tool for addressing such power system performance and profitability issues so that the different stakeholders can discuss on a common ground. Photovoltaic hosting capacity of a feeder is the maximum amount of PV generation that can be connected to it without resulting in unacceptable power quality. This chapter demonstrates the usefulness of smart metering (SM) data in determining the maximum PV hosting capacity of an LV distribution feeder. Basically, the chapter introduces a probabilistic tool that estimates PV hosting capacity by using customer-specific energy flow data, recorded by SM devices. The probabilistic evaluation and the use of historical SM data yield a reliable estimation that considers the volatile character of distributed generation and loads as well as technical constraints of the network (voltage magnitude, phase unbalance, congestion risk). As a case study, an existing LV feeder in Belgium is analysed. The feeder is located in an area with high PV penetration and large deployment of SM devices

Smart Metering Technology and Services

Global energy context has become more and more complex in the last decades; the raising prices of fuels together with economic crisis, new international environmental and energy policies that are forcing companies. Nowadays, as we approach the problem of global warming and climate changes, smart metering technology has an effective use and is crucial for reaching the 2020 energy efficiency and renewable energy targets as a future for smart grids. The environmental targets are modifying the shape of the electricity sectors in the next century. The smart technologies and demand side management are the key features of the future of the electricity sectors. The target challenges are coupling the innovative smart metering services with the smart meters technologies, and the consumers' behaviour should interact with new technologies and polices. The book looks for the future of the electricity demand and the challenges posed by climate changes by using the smart meters technologies and smart meters services. The book is written by leaders from academia and industry experts who are handling the smart meters technologies, infrastructure, protocols, economics, policies and regulations. It provides a promising aspect of the future of the electricity demand. This book is intended for academics and engineers who are working in universities, research institutes, utilities and industry sectors wishing to enhance their idea and get new information about the smart meters

Investigation into Photovoltaic Distributed Generation Penetration in the Low Voltage Distribution Network

Significant integration of photovoltaic distributed generation (PVDG) in the low voltage distribution network (LVDN) could potentially pose threats and challenges to the core activity of distribution system operators (DSO), which is to transport electrical energy in a reliable and cost-effective way. The main aim of this research is to investigate the active planning and operation of LVDNs with increased PVDG integration through steady state power system analysis. To address the impacts of voltage profile fluctuation due to power flow modification, this research proposes a probabilistic risk assessment of power quality (PQ) variations and events that may arise due to significant PVDG integration. A Monte Carlo based simulation is applied for the probabilistic risk assessment. This probabilistic approach is used as a tool to assess the likely impacts due to PVDG integration against the extreme-case scenarios. With increased PVDG integration, site overvoltage is a likely impact, whereas voltage unbalance reduces when compared with no or low PVDG penetration cases. This is primarily due to the phase cancellation between the phases. The other aspect of the work highlights the fact that the implementation of existing volumetric charges in conjunction with net-metering can have negative impacts on network operator’s revenue. However, consideration of capacity charges in designing the existing network tariff structure shows incentivising the network operator to perform their core duties under increased integration of PVDG. The site overvoltage issue was also studied and resolved in a novel way, where the active and reactive power of the PVDG inverters at all the PV installed premises were optimally coordinated to increase the PV penetration from 35.7% to 66.7% of the distribution transformer rating. This work further explores how deficiencies in both reactive power control (RPC) and active power control (APC) as separate approaches can be mitigated by suitably combining RPC and APC algorithms. A novel “Q” or “PF” limiter was proposed to restrict frequent switching between the two droop characteristics while ensuring a stabilizing (smoothened) voltage profile in each of the PV installed nodes. This novel approach not only alleviates the voltage fluctuation but also reduces the overall network losses

A comprehensive review of renewables and electric vehicles hosting capacity in active distribution networks

© Copyright 2023 The Author(s). The excessive integration of renewable distributed generation (RDG) and electric vehicles (EVs) could be considered the two most problematic elements representing the greatest threat to the distribution network (DN) technical operation. In order to avoid going beyond technical limitations, the term hosting capacity (HC) was proposed to define the highest permitted amount of distributed generation (DG) or EVs that can be integrated safely into the DN. The connection of RDGs was first brought to the attention of researchers and DN operators since it accounts for the most notable portion of these technical issues. Hence, the phrase ‘DG-HC’ was initially proposed and evolved significantly over the last few years. Currently, EV integration in most DNs worldwide is still low, but given the worldwide support for clean transportation options, expectations are raised for a significant increase. As a result, it is anticipated that over the next years, the effect of EV integration on the DN will be highly noticeable, requiring greater attention from researchers and DN operators to define the accepted limits of EV penetration levels, ‘EV-HC,’ which is expected to pass along the same line of DG-HC. This article provides an in-depth review of both DG-HC and EV-HC. It first analyses how the DG-HC research has grown over the years and then studies the published EV-HC papers, illustrating to what extent there is a similarity between them and, finally, employs these analyses to expect future development in the EV-HC research area. This article includes the different uses of the term HC, the most common performance indices of DG-HC, the various methods for assessing DG-HC, the different techniques for DG-HC enhancement, the effects of integrating EVs on the DG-HC, and finally, calculating and enhancing methods for EV-HC

Towards Intelligent Distribution Systems: Solutions for Congestion Forecast and Dynamic State Estimation Based Protection

The electrical distribution systems are undergoing drastic changes such as increasing penetration level of distributed renewable energy sources, energy storage, electrification of energy-efficient loads such as heat pumps and electric vehicles, etc., since the last decade, and more changes are expected in the future. These changes pose challenges for the distribution system operators such as increased level of network congestions, voltage variations, as well as protection settings and coordination, etc. These will require the development of new paradigms to operate distribution systems securely, safely, and economically while hosting a large amount of renewable energy sources.First, the thesis proposed a comprehensive assessment framework to assess the distribution system operator’s future-readiness and support them in determining the current status of their network infrastructures, business models, and policies and thus to identify areas for required developments. The analysis for the future-readiness of the three distribution system operators (from France, The Netherlands, and Sweden) using the proposed assessment framework has shown that presently the distribution system operators have a rather small penetration of renewable energy sources in their grids, however, which is expected to increase in the future. The distribution system operators would need investments in flexibilities, novel forecasting techniques, advanced grid control as well as improved protection schemes. The need for the development of new business models for customers and changes in the policy and regulations are also suggested by the analysis. Second, the thesis developed a congestion forecast tool that would support the distribution system operators to forecast and visualize network overloading and voltage variations issues for multiple forecasting horizons ranging from close-to-real time to day-ahead. The tool is based on a probabilistic power flow that incorporates forecasts of production from solar photovoltaic and electricity demand combined with load models along with the consideration of different operating modes of solar photovoltaic inverters to enhance the accuracy. The congestion forecast tool can be integrated into the existing distribution management systems of distribution system operators via an open cross-platform using Codex Smart Edge technology of Atos Worldgrid. The congestion forecast tool has been used in a case study for two real distribution systems (7-bus feeder and 141-bus system). It was demonstrated in the case study that the tool can predict the congestion in the networks with various prediction horizons. The congestion forecast tool would support distribution system operators by forecasting the network congestion and setting up a congestion management plan.Finally, the dynamic state estimation based protection scheme supported by advanced measurement technologies developed within EU project UNITED-GRID has been implemented and validated experimentally at Chalmers power system laboratory. This dynamic state estimation based protection scheme has a strong advantage over the traditional protection scheme as it does not require any relay settings and coordination which can overcome the protection challenges arising in distribution grids with a large amount of renewable energy sources. The results from the validation of the dynamic state estimation based protection scheme at Chalmers laboratory have shown that the fault detection using this scheme has worked properly as expected for an application of the line protection

A review of the tools and methods for distribution networks' hosting capacity calculation

Integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) has numerous advantages as well as some disadvantages. To safely integrate DERs into a given distribution network and to maximize their benefits, it is important to thoroughly analyze the impact of DERs on that particular network. The maximum amount of DERs that a given distribution network can accommodate without causing technical problems or without requiring infrastructure modifications is defined as the hosting capacity (HC). In this work, a review of the recent literature regarding the HC is presented. The major limiting factors of HC are found to be voltage deviation, phase unbalance, thermal overload, power losses, power quality, installation location and protection devices’ miscoordination. The studies are found to employ one of four different methods for HC calculation: (i) deterministic, (ii) stochastic, (iii) optimization-based and (iv) streamlined. Commercially available tools for HC calculation are also presented. The review concludes that the choice of tools and methods for HC calculation depends on the data available and the type of study that is to be performed

Probabilistics Risk Assessment of Power Quality Variations and Events Under Temporal and Spatial Characteristic of Increased PV Integration in Low Voltage Distribution Networks

Integration of PVDG reduces the voltage unbalance as compared with no or low PVDG penetration. There is a higher probability of observing deep sag at the site as PVDG integration increases. This probabilistic approach can be used as a tool to assess the likely impacts due to PVDG integration against the worst-case scenarios

Aspects industriels de la gestion de tension et la capacité d'accueil de la génération photovoltaïque dans les réseaux basse tension

In this thesis, voltage measurements provided by the advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) are used to control an on-load tap changer located at the secondary substation. The thesis presents a practical and a straightforward method of selecting the low voltage customers whose voltage measurements are used as an input to the controller of the on-load tap changer. The developed method takes into account the load and the topology of the network. Furthermore, a simple method of creating synthetic and statistically correct load curves for networks studies is presented. The created methods have been tested by using real data of low voltage networks on a common platform in the power distribution industry leading to encouraging results; a few customers per low voltage network should be monitored in order to achieve accurate voltage measurements.This methodology is further applied to estimate the hosting capacity of photovoltaic power generation in a given low voltage network.In the first part, the evolution of the hosting capacity by using three different types of voltage control; an on-load tap changer of five and nine tap positions and voltage control through photovoltaic power generators, is studied. The study considers two different cases for placing and sizing the photovoltaic generators in a low voltage network. The results of 38 low voltage networks are provided.In the second part, the hosting capacities of 631 low voltage networks, located in a French metropolitan area, are analysed by using an on-load tap changer of five and an on-load tap changer of nine tap positions.The work has been together with Électricité Réseau Distribution France (ERDF), the major French distribution system operator. All studies presented in the thesis are based on the real operational data of the company. Moreover, all studies are implemented on a platform that is widely used in the power distribution industry.As an introductory part to low voltage networks, the thesis provides a general view about the French power system. In addition, the thesis presents a number of selected technologies considering low voltage networks that seem promising in the future.Dans cette thèse, les mesures de tension fournies par l'infrastructure de comptage avancé (Advanced Metering Infrastructure, AMI) sont utilisées pour contrôler un régleur en charge situé à la sous station HTA/BT. La thèse présente une méthode simple permettant de sélectionner les clients basse tension pour lesquels les mesures de tension sont utilisées comme une entrée au contrôleur du régleur en charge. Le procédé mis au point tient compte de la charge et de la topologie du réseau. En outre, une méthode simple pour créer des courbes réalistes et statistiquement correctes pour les études de réseaux est présenté. Les méthodes créées ont été testées en utilisant des données réelles de réseaux basse tension sur un logiciel très utilisé dans le secteur de la distribution d'électricité ont conduit à des résultats encourageants; quelques clients par réseau basse tension doivent être surveillés afin d’estimer avec une grande précision où se situe les extremums de tension sur le réseau.Cette méthodologie est également utilisée pour estimer la capacité d'accueil de génération d'énergie photovoltaïque dans un réseau à basse tension donné.Dans la première partie, l'évolution de la capacité d'accueil en utilisant trois types de contrôle de tension différents; un régleur en charge de cinq et neuf positions et le contrôle de la tension à travers les générateurs photovoltaïques, sont étudiés. L'étude considère deux cas différents pour le placement et le dimensionnement des générateurs photovoltaïques dans un réseau basse tension. Les résultats sur 38 réseaux basse tension sont fournis.Dans la deuxième partie, les capacités d'accueil de 631 réseaux basse tension, situés dans une région métropolitaine française, sont analysés en utilisant un régleur en charge de cinq et neuf positions.Le travail a été réalisé en collaboration avec Électricité Réseau Distribution France (ERDF), le principal opérateur du réseau de distribution français. Toutes les études présentées dans la thèse reposent sur les données réelles de fonctionnement normal. En outre, toutes les études sont mises en œuvre sur un logiciel largement utilisé dans l'industrie de la distribution d'énergie.Comme une partie introductive aux réseaux basse tension, la thèse fournit une vue générale sur le système électrique français. De plus, la thèse présente un certain nombre de technologies sélectionnés en tenant compte des réseaux basse-tension qui semblent prometteurs pour le futur

Aspects industriels de la gestion de tension et la capacité d'accueil de la génération photovoltaïque dans les réseaux basse tension

In this thesis, voltage measurements provided by the advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) are used to control an on-load tap changer located at the secondary substation. The thesis presents a practical and a straightforward method of selecting the low voltage customers whose voltage measurements are used as an input to the controller of the on-load tap changer. The developed method takes into account the load and the topology of the network. Furthermore, a simple method of creating synthetic and statistically correct load curves for networks studies is presented. The created methods have been tested by using real data of low voltage networks on a common platform in the power distribution industry leading to encouraging results; a few customers per low voltage network should be monitored in order to achieve accurate voltage measurements.This methodology is further applied to estimate the hosting capacity of photovoltaic power generation in a given low voltage network.In the first part, the evolution of the hosting capacity by using three different types of voltage control; an on-load tap changer of five and nine tap positions and voltage control through photovoltaic power generators, is studied. The study considers two different cases for placing and sizing the photovoltaic generators in a low voltage network. The results of 38 low voltage networks are provided.In the second part, the hosting capacities of 631 low voltage networks, located in a French metropolitan area, are analysed by using an on-load tap changer of five and an on-load tap changer of nine tap positions.The work has been together with Électricité Réseau Distribution France (ERDF), the major French distribution system operator. All studies presented in the thesis are based on the real operational data of the company. Moreover, all studies are implemented on a platform that is widely used in the power distribution industry.As an introductory part to low voltage networks, the thesis provides a general view about the French power system. In addition, the thesis presents a number of selected technologies considering low voltage networks that seem promising in the future.Dans cette thèse, les mesures de tension fournies par l'infrastructure de comptage avancé (Advanced Metering Infrastructure, AMI) sont utilisées pour contrôler un régleur en charge situé à la sous station HTA/BT. La thèse présente une méthode simple permettant de sélectionner les clients basse tension pour lesquels les mesures de tension sont utilisées comme une entrée au contrôleur du régleur en charge. Le procédé mis au point tient compte de la charge et de la topologie du réseau. En outre, une méthode simple pour créer des courbes réalistes et statistiquement correctes pour les études de réseaux est présenté. Les méthodes créées ont été testées en utilisant des données réelles de réseaux basse tension sur un logiciel très utilisé dans le secteur de la distribution d'électricité ont conduit à des résultats encourageants; quelques clients par réseau basse tension doivent être surveillés afin d’estimer avec une grande précision où se situe les extremums de tension sur le réseau.Cette méthodologie est également utilisée pour estimer la capacité d'accueil de génération d'énergie photovoltaïque dans un réseau à basse tension donné.Dans la première partie, l'évolution de la capacité d'accueil en utilisant trois types de contrôle de tension différents; un régleur en charge de cinq et neuf positions et le contrôle de la tension à travers les générateurs photovoltaïques, sont étudiés. L'étude considère deux cas différents pour le placement et le dimensionnement des générateurs photovoltaïques dans un réseau basse tension. Les résultats sur 38 réseaux basse tension sont fournis.Dans la deuxième partie, les capacités d'accueil de 631 réseaux basse tension, situés dans une région métropolitaine française, sont analysés en utilisant un régleur en charge de cinq et neuf positions.Le travail a été réalisé en collaboration avec Électricité Réseau Distribution France (ERDF), le principal opérateur du réseau de distribution français. Toutes les études présentées dans la thèse reposent sur les données réelles de fonctionnement normal. En outre, toutes les études sont mises en œuvre sur un logiciel largement utilisé dans l'industrie de la distribution d'énergie.Comme une partie introductive aux réseaux basse tension, la thèse fournit une vue générale sur le système électrique français. De plus, la thèse présente un certain nombre de technologies sélectionnés en tenant compte des réseaux basse-tension qui semblent prometteurs pour le futur