Advances in Hosting Capacity Assessment and Enhancement Techniques for Distributed Energy Resources: A Review of Dynamic Operating Envelopes in the Australian Grid

Naveed Ali Brohi (), Gokul Thirunavukkarasu (), Mehdi Seyedmahmoudian, Kafeel Ahmed, Alex Stojcevski and Saad Mekhilef
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Naveed Ali Brohi: Siemens Swinburne Energy Transition Hub, School of Engineering, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia
Gokul Thirunavukkarasu: Siemens Swinburne Energy Transition Hub, School of Engineering, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia
Mehdi Seyedmahmoudian: Siemens Swinburne Energy Transition Hub, School of Engineering, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia
Kafeel Ahmed: Siemens Swinburne Energy Transition Hub, School of Engineering, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia
Alex Stojcevski: Curtin University, Singapore 117684, Singapore
Saad Mekhilef: Siemens Swinburne Energy Transition Hub, School of Engineering, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 11, 1-33

Abstract: The increasing penetration of distributed energy resources (DERs) such as solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, battery energy storage systems (BESSs), and electric vehicles (EVs) in low-voltage (LV) and medium-voltage (MV) distribution networks is reshaping traditional grid operations. This shift introduces challenges including voltage violations, thermal overloading, and power quality issues due to bidirectional power flows. Hosting capacity (HC) assessment has become essential for quantifying and optimizing DER integration while ensuring grid stability. This paper reviews state-of-the-art HC assessment methods, including deterministic, stochastic, time-series, and AI-based approaches. Techniques for enhancing HC—such as on-load tap changers, reactive power control, and network reconfiguration—are also discussed. A key focus is the emerging concept of dynamic operating envelopes (DOEs), which enable real-time allocation of HC by dynamically adjusting import/export limits for DERs based on operational conditions. The paper examines the benefits, challenges, and implementation of DOEs, supported by insights from Australian projects. Technical, regulatory, and social aspects are addressed, including network visibility, DER uncertainty, scalability, and cybersecurity. The study highlights the potential of integrating DOEs with other HC enhancement strategies to support efficient, reliable, and scalable DER integration in modern distribution networks.

Keywords: hosting capacity assessment; distributed energy resources; dynamic operating envelopes (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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