Photovoltaic Hosting Capacity: An Approach Based on Optimal Power Flow

The growing integration of photovoltaic (PV) distributed generation (DG) presents challenges and opportunities for distribution networks, requiring a precise evaluation of the network’s Maximum Hosting Capacity (MHC). This study aims to determine the Maximum Hosting Capacity (MHC) of the EPRI ckt5 distribution system using optimization techniques based on the optimal power flow (OPF) approach, considering technical constraints such as voltage limits. The methodology for simulation was implemented in Python using OpenDSS. Two methods were applied: centralized allocation, which evaluates each bus individually, and distributed allocation, which considers simultaneous PV allocation across multiple buses. The results show an average MHC of 75.40 kW in the centralized approach, while the distributed approach resulted in a lower average of 35.84 kW, reflecting the impact of equitable resource allocation. The study highlights the trade-offs between maximizing technical capacity and promoting fair access to PV generation.