Evaluation and Enhancement of Solar PV Hosting Capacity for Management of Voltage Rise in LV Networks

Proliferation of solar photovoltaics (PV) in low-voltage (LV) distribution networks is inciting technical challenges in network design and operation with regard to the quality of power. Violations of operational performance limits are increasingly evident at higher solar PV penetration levels, in particular, local voltage rise has become the major issue of concern in LV distribution networks. As the solar PV industry continues to grow, emerging challenges need to be addressed by adopting best policies and practices at a utility level. Thus, to comply with stipulated network operational limits, distribution network operators (DNOs) are compelled to develop comprehensive techniques to determine acceptable levels of solar PV hosting capacity (HC) and explore HC enhancement options. Complexity of modelling distribution networks is a barrier for DNOs to decide levels of maximum solar PV penetration using stochastic approaches. Thus, there is a necessity to develop a systematic approach to assess solar PV HC, considering factors such as geographic layout of networks and their electrical characteristics. This thesis extends the knowledge of managing of solar PV integration in LV networks by developing systematic approaches to evaluate solar PV HC subjected to over voltage curtailment. In this regard, a novel feeder based solar PV HC evaluation approach was developed to address the diverse network characteristics of multi feeder systems in LV distribution networks. To assess the voltage violations and critical factors a ecting the solar PV HC, a comprehensive analysis of potential power quality issues was conducted on a practical LV distribution network in Sri Lanka.