Impact of Distributed Generation on Voltage Profile of Radial Power Systems

This paper provides the results of a study conducted to assess the impacts of the “wind generation variability” on the voltage profile in a small-scale radial power system. The power network has been modeled using one of the well-known simulation programs used by the industry known as Powerworld^®. The study takes into account the irregular behavior of the wind patterns and focuses on effects of wind generation at variable penetration levels on the voltage profile of a 13-bus radial power system. The assessment introduces two unique scenarios. In one scenario, the wind-generation farms are connected to a remote location with a critical voltage profile. The intensity of wind penetration is fluctuated methodically to evaluate the influence on the grid's voltage profile. The Smallest Singular Value of Jacobian (SSVJ) analysis of the power flow Jacobian matrix is applied to further assess the networks voltage profile. This method has been favored and utilized as an index for evaluating voltage profiles by the industry as well as the utilities. Simulation results along with recommendation and suggestions for improvements in each scenario have been provided.