IMPACT OF DISTRIBUTED GENERATION ON DISTRIBUTION NETWORK LOSSES AND VOLTAGE PROFILE

Abstract

This research elaborates the impacts of installing DG on a distribution circuit. The work is focused on analyzing the impact of DG installation on distribution network operation including voltage analysis and electric losses of the system. Different DG penetration levels, locations and the impacts of installing one large-scale DG on the main distribution line and distributing it several locations on voltage profile and losses are explored. IEEE 34 node test feeder and Nagarkot feeder of Bhaktapur distribution system was built using its one-line diagram in DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2017 to perform detailed analysis. The research analyses several case studies that explains the impacts of installing distributed generation (DG) on a distribution network operation including the voltage profile and losses of the system. Wind Turbine Generators are introduced as Distributed Generators (DGs) at various nodes and the impacts that DG produces on power losses and voltage profile is studied. Simulated results obtained using load flow are presented and discussed. Research findings include: • Distributing DG at several locations along the distribution feeder can provide better voltage improvement and losses reduction than installation of aggregated DG of the same size at one location. • DG implementation as a source of active power has a great positive impact on improving the voltage profile and losses through the entire distribution network. • The losses of the system vary as the DG output changes. In general, the minimum losses occur when the size of the DG is equal to the feeder load which is distributed at several locations. However, it can vary depending on the characteristics of the feeder.