Maximum Penetration Level Research Articles

Optimal sizing and placement of battery energy storage system for maximum variable renewable energy penetration considering demand response flexibility: A case in Lombok power system, Indonesia

Indonesia is a tropical climate country with considerable renewable electrical energy source prospects, including photovoltaic (PV) and wind energies. Nevertheless, several variable renewable energy sources (VREs) have exhibited uncertain attributes and substantial reliance on natural conditions, leading to unstable load-related power supply risks. Hence, integrating battery energy storage systems (BESSs) with VRE generators is a dependable approach to bolster renewable energy generator applications on a large-scale grid while providing load demand flexibility. This study determined adequate sizing and placement of the BESS to achieve maximum VRE generator penetration while considering the demand response flexibility. Key indicators, including technical minimum load and system ramp capacity, were identified to achieve maximum penetration of thermal generators. This study also combined a unit commitment procedure with direct current optimal power flow (DC-OPF) as a novel approach to determine the maximum VRE penetration level. An optimization problem model concerning mixed integer linear programming (MILP) was subsequently employed in this study using the CPLEX solver in the general algebraic modeling system (GAMS). The study is based on the IEEE RTS-24 system modified and a real-life case study of the Lombok energy system in Indonesia. Results from the simulated Lombok power system highlighted that optimal sizing and placement of the BESS could lower system costs by 37.66%, 33.63%, and 22.26% compared to the current system conditions during the weekday, weekend, and the lowest day scenarios, respectively. The VRE penetrations of the generators were also higher than the current system conditions by 83%, 51%, and 39% during the weekday, weekend, and the lowest day scenarios, respectively.

A method for determining the maximum P2P penetration considering stakeholder benefits

AbstractThe rise of distributed energy resources has empowered consumers to become prosumers, generating their own electricity. This trend has led to the development of peer‐to‐peer (P2P) energy trading, where P2P participants trade energy among themselves. Since the integration of P2P energy trading can influence retail markets in distribution systems, the focus is on its effects on retail markets. Therefore, this paper proposes a method to determine the maximum P2P penetration levels on distribution systems while considering the effects on the benefits of stakeholders, including P2P participants, retail customers, and distribution system operators. The proposed method also assesses the impact of P2P energy trading on two schemes: the impact on buy‐from‐grid prices for retail customers and the impact on social benefits. The analysis revealed three distinct zones of photovoltaic and P2P penetration: the P2P restricted zone, the P2P with curtailment zone, and the P2P free trading zone. By examining these zones, the maximum P2P penetration levels—which ensure that buy‐from‐grid prices and social benefits remain within acceptable thresholds—can be determined. This study enables DSOs to find the maximum P2P penetration level at which a balance of stakeholders’ benefits can be achieved and non‐beneficial effects on retail customers do not occur.

A novel method to estimate maximum wind energy penetration level considering potential frequency support of wind power plants

Wind turbines’ installed capacity is expected to increase significantly in future power grids due to environmental concerns. Reductions in the power system inertia and frequency response due to increasing penetration levels of wind energy lead to a decrement in the frequency stability margin. This paper focuses on the frequency stability issue in power grids with high penetration level of wind turbines. The maximum allowable wind generation penetration level is first formulated as a function of primary frequency response and system inertia with/without considering operating reserve limits. Following that, the possibility of participation of wind turbines in the frequency stability improvement is investigated and the minimum required wind turbine participation is estimated as a function of wind energy penetration level. In this trend, a time-independent formulation for power system frequency response is utilized to increase the accuracy and reduce the computational complexity. A comprehensive analysis is performed on IEEE 39-bus test system to investigate the proposed methodologies. As results confirm, participation of wind turbines in the frequency control task leads to more secure operation of the power system.

Battery energy storage systems reinforcement control strategy to enhanced the maximum integration of PV to generation systems

Java Bali area has high potential of renewable energy resources (RES) especially for photovoltaic (PV) energy which can supply the power system electricity. However, the PV generation has intermittent characteristic, which in may disturb the power system operation. The disturbance is related to the system technical minimum load (TML) and system ramping capability. For that purpose, the maximum size of PV generation should be determined and regulated since it depends on generating unit size and type. The regulation can be realized using the reinforcement of battery energy storage system (BESS) which can provide the system flexibility, frequency regulation and energy management. The method to determine maximum penetration level of PV penetration is proposed in this research, which is based on the unit commitment (UC) procedure. The BESS facilities are also included as the technology option which can provide more flexibility. The proposed method will determine penetration level, periodically committed generating unit, dispatched generating unit, BESS charging and discharging status. The method is simulated in simplified Java Bali System under three different period that are weekdays, weekend and lowestday scenario having different demand and peakload combining to BESS facilities as the options. The result shows that under BESS reinforcement the PV integration are 49%, 35% and 23% during weekdays, weekend and lowestday, respectively. On contrary, without BESS reinforcement the PV integration are only 45%, 31% and 17%.

Stochastic Optimal Selection and Analysis of Allowable Photovoltaic Penetration Level for Grid-Connected Systems Using a Hybrid NSGAII-MOPSO and Monte Carlo Method

Generally, the main focus of the grid-linked photovoltaic systems is to scale up the photovoltaic penetration level to ensure full electricity consumption coverage. However, due to the stochasticity and nondispatchable nature of its generation, significant adverse impacts such as power overloading, voltage, harmonics, current, and frequency instabilities on the utility grid arise. These impacts vary in severity as a function of the degree of penetration level of the photovoltaic system. Thus, the design problem involves optimizing the two conflicting objectives in the presence of uncertainty without violating the grid’s operational limitations. Nevertheless, existing studies avoid the technical impact and scalarize the conflicting stochastic objectives into a single stochastic objective to lessen the degree of complexity of the problem. This study proposes a stochastic multiobjective methodology to decide on the optimum allowable photovoltaic penetration level for an electricity grid system at an optimum cost without violating the system’s operational constraints. Five cutting-edge multiobjective optimization algorithms were implemented and compared using hypervolume metric, execution time, and nonparametric statistical analysis to obtain a quality solution. The results indicated that a Hybrid NSGAII-MOPSO had better convergence, diversity, and execution time capacity to handle the complex problem. The analysis of the obtained optimal solution shows that a practical design methodology could accurately decide the maximum allowable photovoltaic penetration level to match up the energy demand of any grid-linked system at a minimum cost without collapsing the grid’s operational limitations even under fluctuating weather conditions. Comparatively, the stochastic approach enables the development of a more sustainable and affordable grid-connected system.

Applications of Recent Metaheuristic Algorithms for Loss Reduction in Distribution Power Systems considering Maximum Penetration of Photovoltaic Units

Radial distribution power systems (RDPSs) are essential in the power system to supply electricity to loads for developing industries, commerce, and services in countries. However, RDPSs have many distribution lines with high resistance, causing high active power loss. So, the core target of the study is to reduce the total active power loss, considering the highest penetration level of installed PVUs. Photovoltaic units (PVUs) are placed optimally by implementing the Coot optimization algorithm (COOA), the archimedes optimization algorithm (AOA), the transient search optimization algorithm (TSOA), the crystal structure algorithm (CrSA), the war strategy optimization algorithm (WSA), and the average and subtraction-based optimizer (ASBO). Two test RDPSs with 33 and 69 nodes are employed for four different study cases, including (1) the number of PVUs is three and the power factor is 1.0; (2) the number of PVUs is three, and the power factor is optimally determined; (3) the number of PVUs is determined optimally while the power factor is 1.0; and (4) the number of PVUs and the power factor of PVUs are optimally determined. For the first system, COOA can reach smaller power losses than others by 0.14% to 13.059% for Case 1, 0.5% to 77.89% for Case 2, 0.101% to 10.126% for Case 3, and 11.818% to 88.492% for Case 4. For the second system, COOA can reach a lower loss than others by 0.164% to 15.511% for Case 1, 0.774% to 78.6% for Case 2, 0.173% to 15.104% for Case 3, and 46.201% to 95.389% for Case 4. Especially in Case 4, the power loss is approximately equal to zero. The loss reduction is the first significant contribution of the study. In addition, the study also investigated the difference between the four cases for obtaining power loss reduction, the maximum penetration level of active and reactive power of PVUs, and the improvement of load voltage. As a result, Case 4 is superior to the three other cases. Thus, the number, peak power, power factor, and location of added PVUs in RDPSs should be simultaneously optimized, and one of the most effective optimization tools is COOA.

Effect of Nuclear Energy Flexibility on Integrating Large-Scale Distributed Solar PV in an Existing Power Network

This paper estimates the maximum integration level of residential rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity within the power network of the Duke Energy Progress (DEP) and Duke Energy Carolinas (DEC) under two scenarios embodying different assumptions about the flexibility of nuclear power plant (NPP) operations. A mixed-integer optimization model was constructed and simulated to find out the maximum solar penetration level under each scenario and to calculate the expected total system’s electricity generation costs, energy mix, atmospheric emission reductions, and emission abatement costs. Analysis reveals that improving NPP operation maneuverability would increase the maximum solar PV penetration level in the DEP and DEC power networks by 39%, from 8.9% to 12.4% of the total system’s electricity generation. Consequently, it would further improve the electricity generations’ unit costs and CO2 emission reductions by 3% and 8% points, respectively. On the other hand, increasing the solar PV penetration limit under high flexible NPP operation scenario leads to increase in the CO2 emission abatement costs by 8% points. The results of the study indicate that the flexibility of existing power system resources may present a barrier for a large uptake of solar energy.

Automatic Generation Control with Virtual Synchronous Renewables

As synchronous generators (SGs) are gradually displaced by renewable energy sources (RESs), the frequency stability of power systems deteriorates because RESs, represented by utility-scale solar and wind power sources, do not provide the inertial response, primary frequency response, secondary frequency response, and tertiary frequency regulation. As a result, the remaining SGs may not be sufficient to maintain the power balance and frequency stability. The concept and control strategies of virtual synchronous generators (VSGs) enable the inverter-based wind and solar power sources to emulate the outer characteristics of traditional SGs and participate in the active power and frequency control of power systems. This paper focuses on the automatic generation control (AGC) with virtual synchronous renewables (VSRs). First, the VSR strategy that enables the RESs to participate in AGC is introduced. Second, based on the interval representation of uncertainty, the output of RES is transformed into two portions, i.e., the dispatchable portion and the stochastic portion. In the dispatchable portion, the RESs can participate in AGC jointly with SGs. Accordingly, a security-constrained economic dispatch (SCED) model is built considering the RESs operating in VSR mode. Third, the solution strategy that employs the slack variables to acquire deterministic constraints is introduced. Finally, the proposed SCED model is solved based on the 6-bus and 39-bus systems. The results show that, compared with the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) mode, VSRs can participate in the active power and frequency control jointly with SGs, increase the maximum penetration level of RESs, and decrease the operating cost.

Optimal joint operation of coupled transportation and power distribution urban networks

The number of Electric Vehicles (EVs) and consequently their penetration level into urban society is increasing which has imperatively reinforced the need for a joint stochastic operational planning of Transportation Network (TN) and Power Distribution Network (PDN). This paper solves a stochastic multi-agent simulation-based model with the objective of minimizing the total cost of interdependent TN and PDN systems. Capturing the temporally dynamic inter-dependencies between the coupled networks, an equilibrium solution results in optimized system cost. In addition, the impact of large-scale EV integration into the PDN is assessed through the mutual coupling of both networks by solving the optimization problems, i.e., optimal EV routing using traffic assignment problem and optimal power flow using branch flow model. Previous works in the area of joint operation of TN and PDN networks fall short in considering the time-varying and dynamic nature of all effective parameters in the coupled TN and PDN system. In this paper, a Dynamic User Equilibrium (DUE) network model is proposed to capture the optimal traffic distribution in TN as well as optimal power flow in PDN. A modified IEEE 30 bus system is adapted to a low voltage power network to examine the EV charging impact on the power grid. Our case study demonstrates the enhanced operation of the joint networks incorporating heterogeneous EV characteristics such as battery State of Charge (SoC), charging requests as well as PDN network’s marginal prices. The results of our simulations show how solving our defined coupled optimization problem reduces the total cost of the defined case study by 36% compared to the baseline scenario. The results also show a 45% improvement on the maximum EV penetration level with only minimal voltage deviation (less than 0.3%).

Modelling and utilisation of frequency responsive TCSC for enhancing the frequency response of a low inertia grid

The objective of this paper is to enhance the frequency resilience and wind penetration level of a low inertia power system by utilising frequency responsive Thyristor Controlled Series Capacitor (TCSC). In recent years, wind power integration has become prolific in numerous power grids around the world. As such, Synchronous Generators (SGs) are being substituted from the generation mix. Unlike conventional synchronous generators, variable speed Wind Turbine Generators (WTGs) generally do not participate in system frequency control without additional control strategy. When subjected to prolific wind generation and interconnection import from an adjacent grid, number of online SGs in a grid can be scant. During such a situation, a large contingency in the power importing zone may overload an AC interconnection. Consequently, the interconnection could trip due to loss of synchronism. It eventually may cause a system-wide blackout. In addition, due to the risk of network separation, non-synchronous wind penetration level is kept restricted in many power systems. To overcome these challenges, this paper proposes a frequency responsive TCSC model to increase interconnection transfer capability by reducing the line reactance. To this end, for determining optimal TCSC parameters, a strategy is outlined. Furthermore, a generalised expression is developed to find the maximum wind penetration level while maintaining the frequency response adequacy. The developed techniques are applied to a low inertia test system. Simulation results reveal that the risk of blackout is averted, and the maximum wind penetration level is significantly increased after deploying the frequency responsive TCSC.

Operation of the Egyptian Power Grid with Maximum Penetration Level of Renewable Energies Using Corona Virus Optimization Algorithm

Countries around the world are looking forward to fully sustainable energy by the middle of the century to meet Paris climate agreement goals. This paper presents a novel algorithm to optimally operate the Egyptian grid with maximum renewable power generation, minimum voltage deviation and minimum power losses. The optimal operation is performed using Corona Virus Algorithm (CVO). The proposed CVO is compared to the Teaching and Learning-Based Optimization (TLBO) algorithm in terms of voltage deviation, power losses and share of renewable energies. The real demand, solar irradiance and wind speed in typical winter and summer days are considered. The 2020 Egyptian grid model is developed, simulated, and optimized using DIgSILENT software application. The results have proved the effectiveness of the proposed CVO, compared to the TLBO, to operate the grid with the highest share possible of renewables. The paper is a step forward to achieve Egyptian government targets to reach 20% and 42% penetration level of renewable energies by 2022 and 2035, respectively.

Determination of Control Requirements to Impose on CIG for Ensuring Frequency Stability of Low Inertia Power Systems

Power systems around the globe are undergoing a transformation characterized by a massive deployment of converter-interfaced generation (CIG) to effectively combat climate change. However, achieving a seamless transition from current power systems dominated by synchronous generators (SGs) to future ones with high levels of CIG requires overcoming several technical challenges. From a frequency stability perspective, reduced system inertia increases the frequency nadir after a loss of generation thereby endangering frequency stability. In this context, this paper proposes a novel methodology for determining control requirements to impose on CIG as their penetration in the network increases. Results of a case study based on the Chilean grid projected for the year 2046 show that, if only grid-following converters without frequency control capability are deployed, a maximum CIG penetration level of 75% can be achieved without threatening frequency stability. The Chilean system can reach a 99% CIG penetration, provided that the remaining CIGs are deployed in grid-following with frequency support capability. Finally, we show that if the last SG is replaced with a grid-forming converter, the system can still sustain frequency stability and exhibits a good dynamic performance. These results demonstrate that, at least from a frequency stability viewpoint, achieving a 100% based CIG system is technically possible. The proposed methodology can be used by energy regulators to define the control requirements necessary to impose on CIG for achieving renewable energy targets in a secure way. Although the obtained results are particular for the Chilean system, the proposed methodology can be applied to any power system.

Real-Time Energy Management Strategy for Parking Lot Considering Maximum Penetration of Electric Vehicles

With the rapid increase of electric vehicles (EVs), the uncoordinated charging of large-scale EVs will inevitably form a new peak of power consumption, which will put forward new requirements for the adjustment of EV charging behavior and the power supply capacity of the distribution network. However, upgrading the infrastructure of the distribution network is very expensive, so it is of great value to research on how to realize the optimal integration of EVs without infrastructure upgrading. In this paper, an intelligent grouping method is proposed considering the coupling relationship among EV travel information, battery status and other characteristics, and a charging/discharging priority model is established based on the contribution index of charging process. Finally, a smart real-time energy management strategy is formed in order to maximize the penetration level of EVs under current conditions. With the strategy proposed, the maximum penetration level of EVs is increased from 20% to 60% in the simulation. The strategy has good adaptability to the gradually growth of the base load, which can effectively delay infrastructure upgrading of the distribution network and reduce the overall operation cost of the station. It could furtherly provide a reference for the operation and upgrading of the parking lot charging station.

A New Tool to Assess Maximum Permissible Solar PV Penetration in a Power System

With diminishing fossil fuel resources and increasing environmental concerns, large-scale deployment of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) has accelerated the transition towards clean energy systems, leading to significant RES generation share in power systems worldwide. Among different RES, solar PV is receiving major focus as it is most abundant in nature compared to others, complimented by falling prices of PV technology. However, variable, intermittent and non-synchronous nature of PV power generation technology introduces several technical challenges, ranging from short-term issues, such as low inertia, frequency stability, voltage stability and small signal stability, to long-term issues, such as unit commitment and scheduling issues. Therefore, such technical issues often limit the amount of non-synchronous instantaneous power that can be securely accommodated by a grid. In this backdrop, this research work proposes a tool to estimate maximum PV penetration level that a given power system can securely accommodate for a given unit commitment interval. The proposed tool will consider voltage and frequency while estimating maximum PV power penetration of a system. The tool will be useful to a system operator in assessing grid stability and security under a given generation mix, network topology and PV penetration level. Besides estimating maximum PV penetration, the proposed tool provides useful inputs to the system operator which will allow the operator to take necessary actions to handle high PV penetration in a secure and stable manner.

Power Quality and Performance Assessment of Grid-connected Photovoltaic Distributed Generation with Compliance to Stipulated Grid Integration Requirements

Recently, the demand for electrical energy has increased more than energy production due to the growing population and industrialization. Therefore, the distributed generators integration (DGs) into the distribution system has been widely adopted. This work examines the effect of photovoltaic-based distributed generator (PV-DG) integration on power quality effect of a radial distribution system. Firstly, the capacity and optimum placement of the PV-DG units in the distribution network are determined by employing the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. Then, the impact of PV-DG integration on voltage harmonic distortion is analyzed by performing harmonic load flow analysis. Also, the P-V curve method is used to evaluate the effects of higher PV-DG penetration levels on loading margin and voltage magnitude. The simulation results show that as the PV-DG units’ penetration level increases, a greater level of harmonic distortion is injected, implying that the PV-DG units should only be integrated up to the network’s maximum capacity. Therefore, high harmonic distortion is produced when the PV-DG units are penetrated beyond this maximum penetration level, which has a negative impact on the system’s performance. The total voltage harmonic distortion is 4.17 % and 4.24 % at PCC1 and PCC2 at the highest penetration level, allowing the acceptable harmonic distortion limit. Also, grid-connected PV-DG units improve loading margin and voltage magnitude, according to the P-V curve results. The standard IEEE-33 bus distribution system is modelled in ETAP software and is used as a test system for this study.

Power Quality and Performance Assessment of Grid-connected Photovoltaic Distributed Generation with Compliance to Stipulated Grid Integration Requirements

Recently, the demand for electrical energy has increased more than energy production due to the growing population and industrialization. Therefore, the distributed generators integration (DGs) into the distribution system has been widely adopted. This work examines the effect of photovoltaic-based distributed generator (PV-DG) integration on power quality effect of a radial distribution system. Firstly, the capacity and optimum placement of the PV-DG units in the distribution network are determined by employing the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. Then, the impact of PV-DG integration on voltage harmonic distortion is analyzed by performing harmonic load flow analysis. Also, the P-V curve method is used to evaluate the effects of higher PV-DG penetration levels on loading margin and voltage magnitude. The simulation results show that as the PV-DG units’ penetration level increases, a greater level of harmonic distortion is injected, implying that the PV-DG units should only be integrated up to the network’s maximum capacity. Therefore, high harmonic distortion is produced when the PV-DG units are penetrated beyond this maximum penetration level, which has a negative impact on the system’s performance. The total voltage harmonic distortion is 4.17 % and 4.24 % at PCC1 and PCC2 at the highest penetration level, allowing the acceptable harmonic distortion limit. Also, grid-connected PV-DG units improve loading margin and voltage magnitude, according to the P-V curve results. The standard IEEE-33 bus distribution system is modelled in ETAP software and is used as a test system for this study.

Power Quality and Performance Analysis of Grid-Connected Solar PV System Based on Recent Grid Integration Requirements

The electrical energy demand is steadily growing, and hence, the integration of photovoltaic system to the distribution networks is also dramatically increasing though it has a significant effect on the network’s power quality. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of solar PV integration on the power quality of distribution networks. The study is conducted using ETAP software, taking one of the radial distribution networks available in Bahir Dar city during the peak of connected loads which has the least voltage profile. Furthermore, the optimal location of the PV in the network is done using particle swarm optimization. Accordingly, the appropriate location of the PV system is determined to be the farthest end bus (bus 34). Also, the impact in terms of voltage and current harmonic distortion on the distribution feeder network is comparatively discussed by comparing the distribution system parameters with different penetration levels of solar PV system. The simulation results obtained demonstrate that high harmonic distortion level is injected correspondingly as the penetration capacity of PV system increased which indicates that the solar PV system should be integrating only up to a maximum possible capacity the network can carry. The integration of the PV system beyond this maximum penetration level causes production of high harmonic distortion which adversely affects the system performance. At the maximum penetration level which allows the acceptable harmonic distortion limit, the total voltage harmonic distortion and current demand distortion are found to be 4.97% and 14.98%, respectively.

A novel method for determination of maximum penetration of distributed generation in radial distribution network

ABSTRACT The several benefits of distributed generation (DG) have encouraged the utility companies for the integration of different DG technologies in the radial distribution network. The large penetration of DG units has significantly influenced the voltage stability of the radial distribution network. In this paper, in order to determine the penetration level of DGs in the radial distribution network, a static voltage stability index (VSI)-based method has been explored for the identification of optimal locations at various penetration levels. The proposed method is compared with modal analysis-based optimal placement method at the various penetration levels of DGs. For the identification of the maximum penetration level (PL) of DGs in the radial distribution network, the IEEE 33 and 69 node radial distribution network with various DG penetration levels, i.e. 20%, 40% and 60% have been utilised in this study. The results show that the placement of DGs at nodes sensitive to voltage collapse has increased the voltage stability margins (VSM). It is also observed that the DGs penetration level beyond a certain limit have an adverse effect on static voltage stability margin and power losses of the network.

Understanding Small-Signal Stability of Low-Inertia Systems

Large-scale integration of renewable generation, usually interfaced to the network through power electronics, has led to drastic changes in power system dynamics. This paper presents novel insights into stability properties of such systems. For that purpose, a high-fidelity dynamic model of a generic low-inertia power system has been developed. The full-order, state-of-the-art control schemes of both synchronous and converter-based generators are included, with the latter differentiating between grid-forming and grid-following mode of operation. Furthermore, the dynamics of transmission lines and loads are captured in the model. Using modal analysis techniques such as participation factors and parameter sensitivity, the most vulnerable segments of the system are determined and the adverse effects of timescale coupling and control interference are investigated. More precisely, this work characterizes the maximum permissible penetration levels of inverter-based generation as well as the nature of the associated unstable modes and the underlying dynamics. Finally, potential directions for improving the system stability margin under different generation portfolios are proposed for several benchmark systems.

Hosting capacity enhancement of renewable-based distributed generation in harmonically polluted distribution systems using passive harmonic filtering

In spite of being economically viable for numerous applications, renewable energy cannot realise its true penetration potential until some of the barriers are not tackled with excellence. Such barriers are harmonic distortion, distribution cable’s ampacity and voltage rise limits, those put bound on the maximum allowable penetration level of renewable energy. This paper formulates the enhancement of power quality-constrained hosting capacity (HC) as a multi-objective optimization (MOO) problem under several constraints of system’s performance indices (PIs). The considered performance indices are individual order and total harmonic distortion in the line current and point of common coupling (PCC)’s voltage, load power factor (PF), distribution line’s ampacity and steady-state voltage profile. In the formulated multi-objective optimization model, an optimal design of a third-order damped filter and size of the distributed generation (DG) unit is simultaneously determined for achieving maximum hosting capacity and power factor at the PCC while keeping system’s other indices such as total voltage harmonic distortion (TVHD) and total filter cost (FC) incurred at a minimum by obtaining a best-compromised solution using the newly proposed Pareto-based multi-objective firefly algorithm (MOFA). The extension of the multi-objective firefly algorithm is considered for producing the Pareto optimal front and various conclusions are drawn by analysing the trade-offs among the objectives by plotting the same on different 2-axis planes. The optimization efficiency and superiority of the proposed multi-objective firefly algorithm based hosting capacity enhancement approach is validated by comparing the results with those obtained by popular multi-objective PSO (MOPSO) and non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) under similar objectives. Also, the results of the proposed methodology are compared with those achieved from one of the most recently introduced hosting capacity enhancement approaches in literature. Eventually, the impacts of different background voltage distortion (BVD) levels and load-side’s nonlinearity levels (NLLs) on filter performance, particularly filter cost as well as enhanced hosting capacity, are analysed and various conclusions are drawn.