Voltage Regulation in Low Voltage Distribution Networks with Embedded Photovoltaic Microgeneration

Abstract

Low voltage distribution networks have been originally designed to feed loads. However, recently, small dispersed renewable generators, mainly photovoltaics, are being connected to the low voltage grids. This new operational framework represents a challenge to the planning and operation of distribution networks, since the multidimensional stochastic dependence structure of the joint behaviour of the generation and load can be very complex to model. This paper intends to give further insight to the subject by presenting a three-phase unbalanced load flow method suitable to deal with radial networks with embedded microgeneration. Some results concerning the voltage profile as obtained after Monte-Carlo simulations for different load scenarios are presented in the paper, as well as an assessment of the generation shedding procedures undertaken to control the voltage.