A Study on the Configuration of Low‐Voltage Distribution Networks for High Penetration of Photovoltaic Power Sources

Abstract

In recent years, massive introduction of photovoltaic power sources (PV) has compounded the problem of voltage fluctuation in distribution networks. The problem has been recognized from early on, and many research studies have been already reported. However, majority of the previous studies focused on high‐voltage distribution networks. Hence, in this study, the authors investigated appropriate configurations for low‐voltage distribution networks in Japan to address the problem as a planning problem. The on‐site practical measures were examined, and by means of the obtained knowledge, a network configuration problem was formulated for low‐voltage networks. In addition, an effective solution method is proposed, based on the priorities of measures applied to the network equipment. Numerical simulations were conducted for verifying the performance of the proposed method, wherein corroborative results were obtained. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Comprehensive Solution Method Considering Load Distribution for Determining Low‐Voltage Network Configurations

“…The standard equipment measures that can be implemented in a low-voltage network to resolve issues that may occur when PVs are connected to the network (voltage, current, or transformer capacity) are listed below in order of priority [11,12]. This study focused on measures (A), (D), (F), and (G) and excluded measures (B), (C), and (E).…”

“…1. An image of a 'Section' [12] the applicable equipment and other details regarding these measures, we can summarize these items into the two following problems 1 and 2: Both problems were simultaneously considered as the 'lowvoltage system configuration determination problem'.…”

“…2. Modeling of the low-voltage network [12] between the maximum and minimum voltages for each time slot. Minimizing this objective function will result in an electrically flexible system configuration that will allow for a large number of PVs to be installed in the low-voltage network.…”

“…In this section, we summarize the issues that were addressed in our previous study [11,12], and provide our assumptions and the mathematical formulation.…”

“…If the ideal configuration anticipating large‐scale PV interconnections can be determined for target areas, it must contribute to efficient system operations. We previously reported possible equipment‐based measures to manage the influence of PV connections, and classified technical issues into several categories [11,12]. We focused on the voltage problem and formulated it as ‘low‐voltage system configuration determination problem’.. Then, to consider the corresponding costs, which would be important in terms of operational planning, we proposed a solution method based on the priority of the measures required in a low‐voltage network.…”