Study of the Penetration of Photovoltaic Energy at the Self-consumption Customer Level using the IEEE 13-Node Test Feeder adapted to Panama

Abstract

This paper presents the modeling of the adoption of solar photovoltaic generation for residential self-consumption by means of mathematical models to make predictions of the adoption of this technology in upcoming years using real data provided by the National Authority of Public Services (ASEP). It is shown that the growth of residential self-consumption customers by means of PV will not exceed 1% in the next 5 years. On the other hand, several simulations are performed for case studies using the modified 13-node IEEE Test feeder with the addition of residential loads measured in different locations in Panama City and San Miguelito. The effect of photovoltaic penetration for residential self-consumption in this circuit is studied at penetration levels of 0%, 5%, 20%, 50% and 100%. 5 To analyze these case studies, PV generation plants are designed for each residential load with randomly assigned autonomy levels using programs and then the simulation of the complete circuit is performed using OpenDSS. From this research work it can be concluded that, at the moment, for a circuit of this magnitude and with the stipulated characteristics, a change in the regulation of PV systems for self-consumption is not necessarily due to the slow growth in the adoption of the technology. However, if there is an abrupt growth in the adoption of self-consumption at high levels of autonomy and penetration, it is necessary to initiate the construction of a new regulatory framework accompanied by a more detailed study that includes an analysis of harmonics in existing distribution circuits, since these levels may require adjustments in distribution network equipment and greater monitoring of the voltage limits established in the results of these simulations for the IEEE 13-node feeder test.