Penetration limit of photovoltaic distributed generation — Case study for the Italian Embassy in Brasília

This paper presents a study of the photovoltaic distributed generation (PVDG) in a radial distribution grid. These grids were devised for the power flow to run in a determinated direction, nevertheless it can be altered with the use of PVDG depending on the amount of power generated and the load demands from the consumer units. This paper aims to simulate a radial distribution grid when PVDG is installed in all consumer units and to determine the maximum power that can be installed without causing unwanted impact to the grid. An interactive method that comprises several variables involved in the process is proposed for this purpose and applied to the radial feeder where the Italian Embassy is located. Through the results alterations in the grid's performance are apparent after the insertion of the PVDG, and a maximum penetration level is found.