Monte Carlo-based Stochastic Analysis Results for Coordination of Single-Phase Rooftop PVs in Low Voltage Residential Networks

Abstract

Installation of single-phase rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems in low voltage (LV) residential feeders without controlling their ratings and locations may deteriorate the overall grid performance including reversed power flows, high losses and unacceptable voltage profiles. Therefore, in recent years the utilities have adopted limitations on the maximum allowable number of PVs in LV networks. To overcome these issues, this paper investigates the performance of a communication-based and intelligent voltage profile regulating technique under a Monte Carlo-based stochastic framework. This technique is applicable for LV residential feeders with single-phase rooftop PVs and relies on the availability of smart meters along the LV feeder to transmit phase voltage measurements to the controllers of the PV inverters. The objective of the voltage regulation technique is to minimize voltage unbalance along the feeder. The effectiveness of the voltage regulation technique are investigated in this paper by the help of MATLAB-based simulation studies.

Stochastic Monte Carlo‐based voltage variation analysis for low‐voltage hybrid DC/AC radial distribution feeders interfaced with DERs

“…V P,K Є {V AC,P,K , V DC,P,K } depends on whether the feeder analysed is AC or DC type. The instantaneous values of DER DC link voltage, V LINK,P,K (t) (within the power conditioning unit installed at the premises), are given by the below equation (see (10)) . Where α P,K = 1, if DERs are present within the household premises; P DER,P,K (t) is the instantaneous DER power output in AC or DC distribution feeder; P DC,P,K (t) and S AC,P,K (t) are the instantaneous power demand by DC and AC loads, respectively, in the household premises located at phase P and pole K of the AC or DC radial distribution feeders.…”

“…Stochastic MC-based sweep backward-forward load flow analysis technique is used to analyse the proposed distribution structure (Fig. 3) [10,22,23]. Self (in the case of both AC and DC networks) and mutual (only for AC distribution networks) impedance of distribution feeder conductors is calculated via modified Carson's equations [24].…”

“…Frequency stabilisation depends on the interfacing converter (IFC) control; however, voltage imbalance or voltage drop (VD) issues depend on a majority of factors, such as DERs power generation during a particular time of day, location and rating, loads, feeder specifications etc. [5,10]. VD is a vital factor in both DC and AC distribution feeders that needs to be noticed for efficient and fluent system operation.…”

“…are some of the crucial factors in regulating distribution feeder voltage sag, swell, and unbalance conditions [13]. Various techniques to control the voltage unbalancing and VD in the AC MG feeders are proposed in [5,10,13,14]. However, the studies related to voltage sag/swell in DC feeders are sidelined in the available literature.…”

Integrated arrangement of advanced power electronics through hybrid smart grid system

“…The high penetration level of DG units and large single-phase loads might lead to various problems and operational limit faults in electric power distribution systems. Although voltages are usually well balanced at the supply side, they can become unbalanced at the customer side due to the unequal system impedances, non-uniform distribution of single-phase loads and DG units [3][4][5].…”