Technical impact of photovoltaic-distributed generation on radial distribution systems: Stochastic simulations for a feeder in Spain

The assessment of the technical impact of photovoltaic-distributed generation (PV-DG) units on radial distribution systems (RDSs) is complex because of the probabilistic nature of their output power and the diversity of potential sites where they can be installed. This type of evaluation thus requires a multivariate probabilistic analysis involving non-Gaussian correlated random variables. In a previous study, we applied an analytical technique to assess this technical impact for a single 10-mm period. In the research presented in this paper, this technique was improved so that it could be applied during a full year, assuming 10-min intervals for PV and load profiles. This is the time period required to accurately assess the effects of stochastic PV inputs, and to determine the improvement of power quality (PQ) parameters, based on current regulations. This article describes a case study for a rural RDS located in the region of Andalusia in the south of Spain with spatially correlated PV-DG units. Our objective was to improve the analytical technique and also the accuracy of probabilistic methods. In our opinion, this can enhance the operation and planning of PV-DG in RDSs and provides a better understanding of the effects of spatial PV dependence structures. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.