Analysis of Voltage Rise Phenomena in Electrical Power Network With High Concentration of Renewable Distributed Generations

Abstract

The increasing penetration levels of Renewable Distributed Generation (RDG) into power system have proven to bring both positive and negative impacts. The occurrence of under voltage at the far end of a conventional Distribution Network (DN) may not raise concern anymore with RDGs integration into the power system. However, a high penetration of RDG into power system may cause problems such as voltage rise or over-voltage and reverse power flows at the Point of Common Coupling (PCC) between RDG and DN. This research paper presents the voltage rise and reverse power flow effects in power system with high concentration of RDG. The analysis is conducted on a sample DN, i.e., IEEE 13-bus test system, with RDG by considering the most critical scenario such as low power demand and peak power injection to DN from RDG. The Simulations are carried out using MATLAB/Simulink software, a mathematical model of a distribution grid, integrating RDG is developed for studying the effects of voltage rise and bidirectional flow of power. Furthermore, a control strategy is proposed to be installed at PCC of the DN to control/or mitigate the voltage rise effects and to limit the reverse power flow when operating in a worst critical scenario of minimum load and maximum generation from RDG. The proposed control strategy also mitigates the voltage-current harmonic signals, improve the power factor, and voltage stability at PCC. Finally, recommendations are provided for the utility and independent power producer to counteract the effects of voltage rise at PCC. The study demonstrated that, PCC voltage can be sustained with a high concentration of RDG during a worst-case scenario without a reverse power flow and voltage rise beyond grid code limits.