Distributed generation effects on voltage profile of distribution grid with SVC and Smart Inverter

Increased penetration levels of Distributed Generation (DG) can cause steady state and transient voltage issues and possible overloading conditions. This paper aims to verify the overvoltage and overloading issues caused by DG at high penetration levels. A typical utility distribution feeder was selected using cluster analysis for simulations. DG at various penetration levels was interconnected at 4 different locations on the feeder. Summer Peak (SP), Partial Peak (PP) and Winter Peak (WP) loading conditions have been studied. Solar Photo-Voltaic (PV) is used as DG for all simulations. Static VAr Compensators (SVC) and Smart Inverters (SI) and their mitigating effects have been reported as possible solutions. Acceptable DG penetration levels have been proposed depending on DG locations and associated voltage or overloading issues. Two special cases, one involving simultaneous high and low voltage conditions and the other related to high voltages at multiple locations have also been studied and reported.