Tutorial T6 (Half day – afternoon)

Increasing the PV Hosting Capacity of Distribution Networks: The role of Smart Inverters and Storage

Organizers:

  • Luis (Nando) Ochoa, The University of Melbourne and The University of Manchester, luis.ochoa@unimelb.edu.au
  • Andreas Procopiou, The University of Melbourne, andreas.procopiou@unimelb.edu.au

Abstract:

Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) in many countries are finding it challenging to allow residential customers to continue to install photovoltaic (PV) systems due to the potential technical impacts resulting from high penetrations. To remove these barriers, speed up connection times, and reduce costs, it is crucial for DNOs to increase the PV hosting capacity of their low and medium voltage networks. Adequately exploiting the capabilities of smart inverters and residential battery energy storage systems will be key. This half-day tutorial will present and discuss different aspects required to assess the residential PV hosting capacity of distribution networks. Furthermore, it will explain and demonstrate the benefits but also the potential challenges from exploiting the capabilities of smart inverters (Volt-Watt, Volt-var, export limits) and residential storage systems to increase hosting capacity. Real case studies from Australia will be used to demonstrate the quantification of PV hosting capacity considering potential strategies to make the most of smart inverters and storage.

Structure:

13:00-13:30 Registration
13:30-15:00 Part 1. Distribution Networks and Solar PV (Ochoa)
– PV Hosting Capacity, Challenges, and Potential Solutions
– Modelling of Distribution Networks
Part 2a. PV Hosting Capacity and PV Inverters (Procopiou)
– Estimating Hosting Capacity with Stochastic Approaches
15:00-15:15 Coffee break
15:15-16:45 Part 2b. PV Hosting Capacity and PV Inverters (Procopiou)
– Increasing PV Hosting Capacity with Smart Inverter Functions and Active Control
– Case Studies with French and Australian Networks
Part 3. PV Hosting Capacity and Residential Battery Storage Systems (Ochoa)
– Limitations of Off-the-shelf Batteries and Solutions with Advanced Control
– Case Studies with Australian Networks
16:45-17:00 Questions and Answers

Short Biographies:

Luis (Nando) Ochoa

Andreas Procopiou