Impact of Intermittent Renewable Energy Generations Penetration on Harmonics in Microgrid Distribution Networks

The uncertainty and variability inherent in renewable energy creates operational and planning challenges for power systems. The issue of power system stability, lack of technical awareness and the study of the impact of the relevant renewable energy power grid are factors hindering the use of large-scale integration of renewable energy sources (solar and wind). The characteristics of intermittent renewable energy generators demand that grid impact studies should be carried out to ensure that the power grid is operated stably. This study focuses on assessing the impact of Intermittent Renewable Energy Generators (IREGs) on the power stability of the power grid by considering photovoltaic and wind power plants. This research focuses on analyzing the harmonics caused by the intermittent integration of photovoltaic and wind power systems in the microgrid distribution power network. The integration of photovoltaic and wind power involves steady state and dynamic analysis of the power grid. In addition, load flow simulations are carried out to assess the performance of the static conditions of the power grid. Furthermore, dynamic analysis is carried out by applying 3-phase short circuits at critical points of the network and observing how harmonic and stability in the system. The simulation was carried out using ETAP 19.0 software which was used to model a network of 20 kV distribution systems from the Substation of Meulaboh city. Simulation of existing conditions and after penetration shows that each bus has total harmonic distortion voltage and total harmonic distortion current values below the allowable standard. In addition, the results of the power flow simulation in the existing conditions experienced a voltage drop.