Evaluation of distributed generation impacts on distribution networks under different penetration scenarios

This paper presents a methodology and a computational tool developed for the assessment of the impacts caused by photovoltaic and wind generators, up to 100 kW, connected to the distribution networks, and aims at a real network application. The impact on the power distribution systems planning derive from the new network configuration caused by the installation of distributed generators and the demand growth. The curves associated with the distributed generators (DG) are modelled based on the average behavior of the inputs, such as irradiation and wind, and the technologies available. Their locations are defined by a DG probabilistic allocation algorithm based on attractiveness measures, as a function of economic variables. The network impacts consider prospective scenarios, and are determined by the diagnosis of network elements, by monitoring the loading of feeders and secondary networks, as well as the analysis of voltage profiles, losses, and protection effectiveness.