Distribution Network Reconfiguration to Increase Photovoltaic Hosting Capacity

A stochastic model is developed for analyzing the impact of network reconfiguration on improving photovoltaic hosting capacity (PVHC) of distribution networks. System voltage is used as the criterion to determine the PVHC of the network. The distribution network reconfiguration is modeled as an optimization problem to minimize voltage violations associated with increasing solar penetration in the network. The proposed methodology is evaluated in a three-phase, unbalanced, IEEE 37-node distribution test system. The effect of optimal reconfiguration on PV deployments in specific locations is also investigated. Results show that network reconfiguration could significantly improve PVHC, especially when PV units are located nearer to feeder ends and tie switches.