The effect of DG penetration on short circuit currents level

Abstract

Distributed Generation (DG) is the key solution for growing demand and higher power quality constraints in the sector of distribution networks. The performance assessment of the DG-equipped feeder is a challenging problem at the planning stage because of the uncertainties involved in both predicting the DG placement and operation. to deduce the effect on protective devices of the distribution network is investigated through simulating the IEEE 37 bus test feeder using PowerFactory (DIgSILENT) software. Three approaches are used; Minimum voltage tracking, Internal busbars and Combined techniques to solve this problem and to set the limits of each technique. The simulation is repeated for different cases at which the location and number of DG units is changed and results are compared to that of the base case (without DG) to study the effect on the short circuit currents level.