Distributionally robust distributed generation hosting capacity assessment in distribution systems

© 2018 by the authors. Uncertainties associated with the loads and the output power of distributed generations create challenges in quantifying the integration limits of distributed generations in distribution networks, i.e., hosting capacity. To address this, we propose a distributionally robust optimization-based method to determine the hosting capacity considering the voltage rise, thermal capacity of the feeders and short circuit level constraints. In the proposed method, the uncertain variables are modeled as stochastic variables following ambiguous distributions defined based on the historical data. The distributionally robust optimization model guarantees that the probability of the constraint violation does not exceed a given risk level, which can control robustness of the solution. To solve the distributionally robust optimization model of the hosting capacity, we reformulated it as a joint chance constrained problem, which is solved using the sample average approximation technique. To demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed method, a modified IEEE 33-bus distribution system is used as the test-bed. Simulation results demonstrate how the sample size of historical data affects the hosting capacity. Furthermore, using the proposed method, the impact of electric vehicles aggregated demand and charging stations are investigated on the hosting capacity of different distributed generation technologies

Probabilistic assessment of hosting capacity in radial distribution systems

High penetration of distributed generation (DG) is mainly constrained by voltage-related issues. Due to the uncertainties associated with type, size, and location of DGs, it is difficult to quantify their integration limits in distribution networks, i.e., hosting capacity (HC). To address this issue, this paper proposes a probabilistic-based framework to determine the maximum integration limits of DGs considering the voltage rise and voltage deviation constraints. Such framework requires the use of the HC model, which can be formulated as a nonlinear optimization problem. Adding the voltage deviation constraint in the HC problem makes the model unsolvable. We address this issue by proposing a two-step algorithm to linearize the HC model. Then, using the linearized model, a probabilistic framework is proposed for considering the load variability and DGs uncertainties. To validate the efficacy and accuracy of the proposed framework, we identify the HC of a balanced and an unbalanced distribution networks and compare our results with those obtained from comprehensive power flow method and the traditional conservative planning. Finally, using the proposed framework, the impact of voltage deviation constraint, load growth, DG type and network structure on the HC are comprehensively studied using different DG technologies (i.e., Photovoltaics and wind). © 2010-2012 IEEE