Review of Studies and Operational Experiences of PV Hosting Capacity Improvement by Smart Inverters

Abstract

This paper presents a review of case studies and operational experiences of smart inverters in increasing hosting capacity in real distribution systems, worldwide. The phenomenal increase in penetration of solar PV systems has caused several grid integration challenges. Overvoltage due to active power injection by solar PV systems is a prominent factor that restricts hosting capacity of PV systems in distribution networks. Smart inverter functions on PV inverters have been shown to obviate this challenge and enhance hosting capacity. This paper presents a comparative evaluation of different smart inverter functions such as constant power factor, volt-var, and volt-watt in improving hosting capacity. Key takeaways from various simulation studies and operating experiences of smart inverters in actual distribution systems across the world are described. This paper provides useful insights to utilities in understanding the impact of smart inverters for improving PV hosting capacity in their distribution systems.