Load-Flow Time-Series Simulation of a Distribution Grid with PV Modules and Voltage Regulation

Load-flow time-series (LFTS) simulation is a common type of simulation used for assessing the power flow and the system voltage over a large time window for renewable energy integration studies. This paper presents a JavaScript-based execution of LFTS simulations in EMTP software and analyzes the effect of photovoltaic (PV) generation, volt-var control, and voltage regulators on the grid voltage for the IEEE-34 benchmark distribution grid. This study considers realistic profiles for the load demand and the PV generation. The accuracy of the LFTS simulation results is verified by comparison with time-domain simulation results. The results show that a combined usage of voltage regulators and volt-var control can help to mitigate undervoltage issues on a highly loaded node if sufficient PV generation is installed. Volt-var control provides additional support for the grid voltage without significantly impacting the active power flow at the distribution grid's connection point with the transmission grid.