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Abstract
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With the penetration of distributed energy resources (DERs), new network challenges arise
that limit the hosting capacity of the network, which consequently makes the current expansionplanning
models inadequate. Smart inverters as a promising tool can be utilized to enhance the
hosting capacity. Therefore, in response to technical, economic, and environmental challenges, as
well as government support for renewable resources, especially domestic solar resources located at
the point of consumption, this paper is an endeavor to propose a smart-inverter-based low-voltage
(LV) distribution expansion-planning model. The proposed model is capable of dynamic planning,
where multiple periods are considered over the planning horizon. In this model, a distribution
company (DISCO), as the owner of the network, intends to minimize the planning and operational
costs. Optimal loading of transformers is considered, which is utilized to operate the transformers
efficiently. Here, to model the problem, a mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) model is
utilized. Using the GAMS software, the decision variables of the problem, such as the site and size of
the installation of distribution transformers, and their service areas specified by the LV lines over the
planning years, and the reactive power generation/absorption of the smart inverters over the years,
seasons, and hours are determined. To tackle the operational challenges such as voltage control in
the points of common coupling (PCC) and the limitations in the hosting capacity of the network for
the maximized penetration level of PV cells, a smart-inverter model with voltage control capability
in PCC points is integrated into the expansion-planning problem. Then, a two-stage procedure is
proposed to integrate the reactive power exchange capability of smart inverters in the distribution
expansion planning. Based on the simulations of a residential district with PV penetration, results
show that by a 14.7% share of PV energy ge
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