Influence of Solar PVDG on Electrical Energy Losses in Low Voltage Distribution Network

Abstract

Renewable energy based distributed generation (DG) integration provides potential benefits to conventional distribution systems. However, DG has influence on the power flow in power system and hence presents one of the major concerns in modern distribution systems. It gives significant impact since distributed generators can affect the distribution system, both positively and negatively. In this paper, the influence of photovoltaic DG on electrical energy losses in low voltage network is investigated. Experimental results and data measured from Bosnia and Herzegovina low voltage distribution network are used for model development. A novel approach using Distribution Loss Factor (DLF) concept combined with power generation-demand probability is used for loss calculation. This paper does not introduce the DLF concept, but takes it from literature for the purpose of calculating losses in the considered network. This paper makes a contribution towards investigation of the exact photovoltaic distributed generation contribution to the overall cost of the network operation and managements. The obtained results are useful for distribution system operator in terms of better loss evaluation, and proposed analysis method could be accepted as an important part of the distributed generation planning process.