Combining Volt/Var & Volt/Watt modes to increase PV hosting capacity in LV distribution networks

The PV hosting capacity of a LV distribution feeder is directly affected by how much deterioration happens to the feeder power quality as a result of increased PV resources penetration. This paper focuses on the feeder voltage regulation and the use of local voltage control algorithms to improve the issue. Test simulations have been performed on a typical LV distribution feeder with a heavy load demand scenario and another for light load demand. Firstly, no voltage control is being implemented to demonstrate the full extent of voltage limit violation. Then, Volt/Var and Volt/Watt are used individually and afterwards, combining both algorithms is implemented. The results show that overvoltage violation occurs when the feeder is lightly loaded. Volt/Var control lowers the feeder voltage but it does not prevent limit violation. Volt/Watt prevents limit violation but it reduces the hosting capacity considerably. Combing both Volt/Var and Volt/Watt prevents overvoltage violation and improves the PV hosting capacity of the feeder.