Analysis of the Impact of Photovoltaic Distributed Generation on a Medium Voltage Distribution Grid

Abstract

Mainly due to the benefits it provides to the distribution systems and also to the environment, the Distributed Photovoltaic Generation (DPVG) is growing in the international energy context. In such promising scenario, is essential to study the positive and negative effects that may be caused by the integration of photovoltaic systems in power distribution grids. This paper aims to propose a generic methodology for analyzing such effects by studying the impacts of the integration of a DPVG into the power distribution grid of one of the campuses of the Federal University of Espírito Santo (Ufes). Parameters such as bus voltage rise or fall, current level, technical losses and power factor changes were verified. An improvement in the voltage profile of the grid and in its operation levels was observed.