Evaluation whether photovoltaic distributed generation postpones or anticipates reinforcements detected by distribution network expansion planning

Abstract

There is a growth of distributed generation (DG) impacting the network. There are several studies which focus on defining the location and size of DG to optimise network performance. However, this approach is only possible in a market regulation where utilities can control the DG. Otherwise, this information depends on the consumer and not on the utilities. In this case, the optimisation studies do not make sense anymore. This work aims to identify if the distribution network expansion planning (DNEP) will be changed by the DG integration in a scenario where DG is not controlled by the utilities. The method consists of performing load flows in the feeder considering the load growth during the planning horizon to calculate voltage levels, currents and technical losses. Then, the procedures are repeated considering DG integration in many penetration levels, after that, the results are compared. The results showed that, for the feeder under study, the critical hours do not necessarily occur at the period of peak load, but in the moments with greater generation and smaller load. Therefore, the focus of the DNEP should be changed when considering DG integration.