Estimating Hosting Capacities and Flexibility Potential in Different European Low Voltage Networks

New electric units in the low voltage network, such as photovoltaics (PVs), electric vehicles (EVs) or heat pumps (HPs) can have a great impact on the low voltage network if not properly planned. The distribution system operators’ (DSOs) role is to plan their network development and operation in order to enable the safe integration of such electrical devices. The hosting capacity for such technologies in a low-voltage network varies greatly from one network to another and the estimation of their impact on the network's load profile, power flow and voltage is not systematically analysed by DSOs in Europe. This paper presents the results from a grid planning tool that uses algorithms to place new electric loads and production units, generate power profiles and run power flow simulations. The general objective is to estimate the benefits of installing, operating, and controlling distributed assets for DSOs and define the limit of the low-voltage networks in terms of new connections without the need of grid reinforcement. The initial estimations from the X-FLEX project for two different low-voltage networks, one in Slovenia and one in Greece are presented. A sensitivity analysis is performed for additional EVs, HPs, and PVs. The results indicate that EVs as well as PVs are highly problematic when operated without any control programs, whereas HPs do not present any implementation challenges. Some potential lies in the synergies of PV production periods and load shifting processes, but EVs alone cannot provide all the flexibility required as they are not always connected to the network. If these electric devices were relatively controlled, the grid's reliability and security could be enhanced. Compared to EVs and PVs, static batteries could be significantly more beneficial for increasing hosting capacities.