Impact on Voltage Regulation in Medium Voltage Distribution Networks Due to the Insertion of Photovoltaic Generators

Abstract

The objective of this paper was to analyze the impacts caused by the operation of voltage regulators in electrical distribution networks and to evidence the number of operations in the face of short-duration voltage variation caused by the high intermittency of the connected PV generators. A real LV and MV feeder was used, modeled in OpenDSS software, based on normative standards, adjustments, and technical maneuvers strategically used by the local utility. The analyses considered the temporal variations for the photovoltaic generators and different load demand profiles connected to the feeder. The feeder was submitted to the demand curves varying the load percentage, framing it in high and conventional (nominal) load according to the profiles of consumers and prosumers connected. The simulations made it possible to observe the exacerbated elevation in the number of maneuvers performed by the voltage regulators of the network. The single-phase voltage regulators stood out by the elevation of control operations, causing premature wear of the PV generation equipment connected to the most loaded phase. It was observed that discrepancies in the power flow in the lines and the voltage levels at the busbars. The creation of strategies and decisions to correct these impacts caused to transformers and regulators is possible.