Overvoltage assessment in distribution networks with photovoltaic generators using Monte Carlo simulation

The number of connections of distributed generation systems to distribution networks are increasing very fast and special attention should be given to photovoltaic generation. Uncertainties resulted from both distributed photovoltaic power and loads have posed a serious challenge in network day-ahead scheduling and operation. Therefore, appropriate analysis tools are required to check distribution networks operating conditions in the evolving scenario. The load flow is typically used to estimate impacts in a static analysis. This work applies a methodology based on a probabilistic load flow and performance indices to analyze overvoltages due to photovoltaic generation in distribution feeders. Suitable models for representation of the active power produced by photovoltaic generators and the power absorbed by the loads are developed. Results indicate that, when average consumption equals photovoltaic generated energy, significant overvoltage can be observed in certain hours.