Time-Series Analysis of Photovoltaic Distributed Generation Impacts on a Local Distributed Network

TL;DR

This study analyzes the impact of photovoltaic distributed generation on local distribution networks using real-world data and time-series analysis, identifying optimal penetration levels and locations to avoid power quality issues.

Contribution

It provides a real-world, time-series based assessment of PVDG impacts on distribution networks, including thresholds for safe penetration and optimal installation strategies.

Findings

Distributed PV on commercial buses reduces energy loss.

Identified maximum penetration ratios without power quality issues.

Optimal PVDG placement varies by scenario.

Abstract

Increasing penetration level of photovoltaic (PV) distributed generation (DG) into distribution networks will have many impacts on nominal circuit operating conditions including voltage quality and reverse power flow issues. In U.S. most studies on PVDG impacts on distribution networks are performed for west coast and central states. The objective of this paper is to study the impacts of PVDG integration on local distribution network based on real-world settings for network parameters and time-series analysis. PVDG penetration level is considered to find the hosting capacity of the network without having major issues in terms of voltage quality and reverse power flow. Time-series analyses show that distributed installation of PVDGs on commercial buses has the maximum network energy loss reduction and larger penetration ratios for them. Additionally, the penetration ratio thresholds for which there will be no power quality and reverse power flow issues and optimal allocation of PVDG and penetration levels are identified for different installation scenarios.