Evaluating hosting capacity of an active low voltage distribution network with stochastic approach

The aim of this paper is to conduct a performance analysis of the medium voltage distribution network of the Skellefteå campus of Luleå University of Technology in Skellefteå to evaluate the hosting capacity of the network for additional load and propose potential enhancements without any extensive network reconfiguration. The network is simulated in the Electrical Transient Analysis Program (ETAP) software, which is a widely used tool in industry to simulate the performance of the network. ETAP not only facilitates an understanding of the network’s operational state but also serves as a valuable tool for anticipating future power quality requirements. Additionally, the simulation results help the operators for future strategic planning for network expansion by identifying the potential areas for expansion within the distribution network. The study investigates the operational behaviour of the distribution network through load flow analysis, considering two distinct scenarios for one month timeframe. Performance indices, such as load bus voltage limits and element´s capacity have been taken into consideration for the performance analysis. The variation in the power consumption of connected loads is influenced by the factors such as time, weather conditions, and energy price variations in the energy market. Hence, the paper adopts stochastic time series load modelling technique to capture the uncertainty in the bus load profiles based on the historical load data at different load buses in the distribution network. By evaluating hosting capacity in this manner, the research aims to contribute valuable insights into the network's adaptability and potential for accommodating increased demand while maintaining optimal performance.