An investigation into the technical impacts of microgeneration on uk-type LV distribution networks

Abstract

In a bid to meet the UK renewable energy targets, and to reduce GHG emissions in accordance with the Kyoto Protocol, the UK government is encouraging small scale developers through different incentive schemes. So far, the UK renewable energy generation has seen a steady growth but there are concerns about the impacts of these on the power system network. Sequel to this, the UK research councils have invested in microgeneration specific researches, one of which is the impact of significant microgeneration penetration on the LV/MV/HV network to 2050. This paper investigates the technical impacts of microgeneration on the UK low voltage distribution networks, using the Solar PV as a case study. Technical impacts considered include voltage rise, voltage unbalance, reversed power flow, transformer and cable loading, system losses and harmonics. The networks were modeled using OpenDSS and simulations performed using MATLAB via the OpenDSS COM interface. The analysis of the results obtained show that the aforementioned impacts increased with high solar PV penetration, but within acceptable limits. However, the variations of solar PV penetration beyond the acceptable limits of the network were illustrated.