Voltage Profile Improvement of Radial Feeder through Distributed Generation

Abstract

Small scale generations connected to distribution network instead of transmission is termed as Distributed Generation (DG). DGs normally use renewable energy sources like wind and solar photovoltaic resulting in clean environment. Pakistan has great potential for wind and solar generation. Lower construction time and less initial cost make DG a suitable and quick remedy for energy crises of Pakistan. DGs alter power flows in distribution network and therefore has effects of power losses, voltage profile and short circuit level depending on the size, type a and location of the installed DG. Voltage profile is an important measure of performance of a utility. Utility equipment and consumer appliances are sensitive to voltage variations. Low voltage will decrease performance of equipment and operating life of the equipment. In this research work, PSS SINCAL software is used for simulation analysis of 11 kV radial distribution feeder for DG impacts on voltage profile. Node voltages of existing network were observed below acceptable lower limit of -5% of rated voltage. Three DG units, each of 1 MW, are proposed to meet demands locally. Simulation results of the proposed network show considerable improvement in node voltages of both H.T and L.T networks. Node voltages are improved to lie within acceptable limit.