Photovoltaic Hosting Capacity Maximization of Low-Voltage Distribution Systems Based on Search of Optimal Power Factor for Interface Inverters Through Particle Swarm Optimization

Photovoltaic (PV) in low-voltage distribution systems (LVDS) becomes problematic when the penetration level exceeds system photovoltaic hosting capacity (PVHC), since it leads to violations of power quality constraints. Maximizing PVHC enables customer service expansion by allowing more power from prosumers and load attendance. Although several works propose quantifying PVHC, methodologies to maximize it in LVDS are scarce. Some works propose the installation of additional equipment, such as var compensators, resulting in costly solutions, others propose solutions without cost to medium-voltage distribution systems. Therefore, this paper’s main objective is to propose a cost-effective approach with the purpose of maximizing PVHC of LVDS by searching the optimal power factor for interface inverters of each PV unit in the system. Additionally, this study aims to consider the uncertainties of PV penetration, solar irradiance, locations and sizes of PV units, and system loads through the Monte Carlo simulation. A modified particle swarm optimization is adopted to search power factors to avoid voltage violations for as many Monte Carlo scenarios as possible, guaranteeing PVHC maximization. Test results for a real system show the proposed method maximizes PVHC of LVDS by reducing the number of scenarios that violate the voltage constraint and improving the system voltage profile even for great amounts of installed PV units.