Dispersed Generation Enable Loss Reduction and Voltage Profile Improvement in Distribution Network—Case Study, Gujarat, India

Abstract

Distribution system operators are often challenged by voltage regulation problems, energy losses, and network capacity problems. This paper analyses a real-life 3.9-MVA distribution network in Gujarat State, India. Distributed generation from renewable energy sources like wind and solar, at optimal locations on distribution feeders, may enable energy loss reduction and voltage profile improvement. A methodology is developed and presented for deciding the appropriate location of these embedded renewable generators. Simulations are performed to calculate different scenarios, and the final analysis reveals that the low voltage problem has totally been eliminated on all of the nodes of the distribution network. Complimentary, significant energy loss reductions are also achieved in the distribution, and the network reserve capacity has also increased.