Hosting capacity calculation of photovoltaic penetration in a closed loop distribution network: a case study

Investment in photovoltaic plants (PV) by consumers in the low voltage (LV) distribution grid requires special attention regarding their impact on the existing network. Depending on their capacity, these microgenerators can produce enough energy to meet their own needs as well as feed energy into the network, generating extra incomes in the process. The current network was not designed with these PV microsources in mind, therefore connecting them indefinitely could lead to operational and technical issues. The calculation of a maximum value known as Hosting Capacity (HC), that will penetrate the system without negatively affecting the network parameters is necessary to ensure safe operation and management in the future. This value is computed in a closed loop distribution (CLD) network type from Durres region of Albania, accounting for losses, voltage level, element loading and harmonic distortion. The PV penetration of these microgenerators value is approximately 60% of the grid's maximum load, with harmonic distortion of the voltage acting as the limiting factor.