Voltage sensitivity study of LV/MV networks under high penetration of photovoltaic generation considering residential and industrial load profiles

Voltage rise in residential electricity distribution networks is expected to intensify when considering their traditional layouts and the possibility of reverse power flow due to ever increasing solar photovoltaic (PV) power injection. The paper discusses the impact of high penetration of solar PV generation on the voltage profile of low- and medium-voltage (LV and MV) networks. The installed PV generation peak capacity is assumed to be equal to the maximum load at each bus of a modified 13-Bus IEEE network which is simulated in DIgSILENT to assess its voltage performance. Complete grid data and the relevant European grid codes are considered. A detailed three-phase model for concentrated and distributed customer loads, various overhead line configurations, MV/LV transformer, capacitors and realistic line distances are used. The results of voltage sensitivity assessment, presented in the paper, confirm that a PV penetration strategy must be considered by distribution network operators to deal with expected voltage profile changes as a result of high PV penetration levels.