Strategy for Enhancing Hosting Capacity of Distribution Lines Using a Vertical Photovoltaic System

Abstract

Renewable energy sources are being increasingly deployed to achieve carbon neutrality, thereby boosting photovoltaic (PV) system adoptions. Accordingly, vertical PV systems designed for specific installations have been developed. We propose a strategy to enhance the PV hosting capacity of a connected distribution line (DL) by combining vertical installations with modules facing east-west and conventional PV systems with modules facing south at an installation angle of approximately 30°. The data were obtained from a real testbed located in South Korea, which is situated in a mid-latitude region. We analyzed the generation patterns of vertical and combined PV systems (vertical and conventional) to enhance the hosting capacity. The results showed that vertical PV combination ratios of 40–60% effectively flattened the peak generation curve. Additionally, the DL hosting capacity improved by 40% under real-world conditions. In an actual industrial scenario, the system feasibility was validated to be within the voltage maintenance range and thermal capacity of lines in South Korea, indicating that this approach can mitigate the need for additional line installations and renewable energy curtailments. Furthermore, the issue of Duck Curves in the power grid can be addressed by smoothing the power production of the PV systems, particularly during low-demand periods.

Export Constraints Applicable to Renewable Generation to Enhance Grid Hosting Capacity

“…Moreover, the authors of [48] explored various methods of active power management for PVs, including static curtailment approaches. In [49], the flattening of the peak generation curve is used for hosting capacity enhancement and is achieved through installations of PVs with various orientations, i.e., with vertical modules facing east-west and with conventional modules facing south at an installation angle of 30 This paper introduces a methodology designed to determine the specific output power constraints of static form, across various RES technologies. The study comprehensively covers not only stand-alone PVs and stand-alone WFs, but also PVs and WFs integrated with behind-the-meter storage, as the growing significance of such hybrid stations in reducing energy curtailments and in capacity adequacy renders them compelling investment options in recent years [50,51].…”