The effect of the volt/var control of photovoltaic systems on the time-series steady-state analysis of a distribution network

Grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems with relatively high capacity effectively reduce peak load, but because of their reverse power flow, they can cause overvoltage along a feeder that can exceed five percent of the rated voltage. Modern PV systems with the capability of Volt/Var control can mitigate overvoltage by either injecting or absorbing reactive power. Thus, the objectives of this study are to (1) model a distribution network (feeder J1 located in the northeastern United States and enhanced by thirteen PV systems) using OpenDSS; (2) use actual collected load profile data as input data to the simulation model and PV generation output data at 15-minute intervals; and (3) calculate the time-series steady-state power flow of the distribution network when PV systems generate or absorb reactive power. Finally, it addresses overvoltage resulting from the deployment of high-capacity grid-connected renewable PV systems and mitigation techniques for such overvoltage issues, particularly Volt/Var management and control.