Reverse Power Flow Due to Solar Photovoltaic in the Low Voltage Network

Distributed generation has enhanced power production in recent times. Due to their benefits, Ghana is interested in grid-tied solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. Despite the benefits, solar PV integration studies in Ghana have not advanced. This study examines reverse power flow (RPF) due to solar PV in Low Voltage (LV) network branches. The methodology uses a modified IEEE European test network and an Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) LV network. ETAP software is used to simulate the two solar PV integrated LV networks, and the obtained data is used to formulate correlation models of solar PV penetration and key network parameters in Excel. Model results estimate the RPF critical values for the modified IEEE European test network and the ECG LV network as 7.36 kW and 7.44 kW, respectively. The RPF values are obtained at maximum penetration depths of 62.6% and 69.8% respectively. At maximum penetration levels, predicted line loadings are 6.42% and 7.28% respectively. Further analysis reveals branch-transformer RPF margins of 26.8% and 23.1% in the modified IEEE European test network and the ECG LV network respectively. The results are essential for establishing pre-determined settings to safeguard LV network branches and transformers from overload due to RPF.