Dynamic curtailment strategies for optimizing PV hosting capacity in unbalanced distribution networks

This paper presents a dynamic curtailment strategy for optimizing photovoltaic (PV) power hosting capacity in unbalanced low-voltage distribution networks. Sustaining grid stability and maximizing renewable energy utilization have become critical challenges with the rapid growth of distributed PV systems. The proposed framework would evaluate non-curtailment, full curtailment, and partial curtailment power strategies to achieve a balance between grid stability and PV utilization. A time-series simulation for 15-minute intervals using the IEEE European Low Voltage Test Feeder is conducted to evaluate the balance between network performance and curtailment strategies at different levels of PV penetration. Key indices like self-consumption, power exported, and power curtailed are introduced for the quantification of PV penetration levels. The results show partial curtailment as being the optimum balance for minimizing curtailment while maintaining voltage stability and reducing system losses. The analysis also indicates that power losses increase rapidly above the saturation point of PV penetration while the dependence on the upstream grid does not decrease. Moreover, the results demonstrate the importance of dynamic strategies in maximizing PV hosting capacity while addressing operational constraints.