Integrated Hosting Capacity Evaluation of Green Power‐Hydrogen Systems in Distribution Networks

ABSTRACT

With the rapid expansion of the global hydrogen industry, large‐scale integration of green electricity‐hydrogen systems into distribution networks has enhanced renewable energy consumption while introducing operational challenges such as increased line loading and congestion. Nevertheless, studies on the integrated hosting capacity of hydrogen systems in distribution networks remain scarce. Existing hosting capacity definitions typically only consider physical operational limits of the distribution network, which yields excessively idealised results. To address this problem, this paper develops an external characteristic model of the green electricity‐hydrogen system based on the energy hub concept, which is incorporated as a special node in distribution network optimisation. Subsequently, the maximum hydrogen load hosting capacity is proposed as an indicator for evaluating the integrated hosting capacity of green power‐hydrogen systems. Furthermore, an integrated evaluation framework is established, jointly considering economic efficiency, operational flexibility and security. In addition, the impacts of renewable energy integration and electrolyser deployment on the integrated hosting capacity of hydrogen systems in distribution networks are analysed. The proposed method is validated using an improved IEEE 33 distribution system and recommendations are provided to enhance the integrated hosting capacity of hydrogen systems in distribution networks.