A Configuration Method for Energy Storage Systems in Distribution Networks by Simultaneously Improving Operation Stability and Photovoltaic Hosting Capacity

Due to the development of renewable energy and the requirement of environmental friendliness, more distributed photovoltaics (DPVs) are connected to distribution networks. The optimization of stable operation and the improvement of DPV hosting capacity are urgently needed. Energy storage systems (ESSs), as a flexible resource, show great promise in DPV integration and optimal dispatching. Thus, an optimal configuration method for ESSs is proposed. Firstly, a two-layer, double-stage configuration model of ESSs is constructed. The inner layer contains two stages of network operation optimization and DPV hosting capacity improvement. The daily cost, voltage deviation and net load fluctuation rate are optimized in the first stage. The hosting capacity of the DPV is maximized in the second stage. The position and capacity of the ESS are configured in the outer layer. Secondly, a solution strategy for the proposed model is designed. Focusing on different problem-solving intelligence algorithms, solvers and analytic hierarchy process–anti-entropy weighting methods are used for effectively selecting comprised optimal solutions. Simulations verified the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed method. This method comprehensively considers the stable operation of distribution networks and the improvement of DPV hosting capacity, which provides scientific guidance for the orderly access of DPVs in distribution networks.