Is the Minimum or Maximum Value between DG-HC and EV-HC always the Combined HC?

This paper explores the integration of electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable-based distributed generation (RDG) into distribution systems (DSs) as a strategy for sustainable development. This integration offers benefits such as reducing emissions and enhancing renewable energy use. However, improper integration can compromise the reliability of DSs, particularly due to issues like overvoltage, overload, and under voltage during peak demand. A key challenge for distribution network operators (DNOs) is determining the optimal hosting capacity for both DG and EVs, known as distributed generation hosting capacity (DG-HC) and electric vehicles hosting capacity (EV-HC), to prevent these technical issues. Recent studies have introduced the concept of “combined hosting capacity” (CHC), which addresses the simultaneous management of both RDG and EV demands. This paper aims to provide a precise definition of CHC, addressing whether the minimum or maximum values of DG-HC and EV-HC can determine it. A multi-objective optimization function is proposed to maximize both DG-HC and EV-HC, evaluated using three algorithms, with the Ant Lion Optimizer (ALO) performing best. The study examines two scenarios, setting DG and EV power outputs to either maximum or minimum values while considering three different time-varying load profiles to reflect real conditions.