Application for technical evaluation of the "Distributed Generation Hosting Capacity" in electrical distribution networks

Abstract

The increase installation of Distributed Generation (DG) in distribution networks brings benefits to their operation, when the DG units are correctly located and well dimensioned. However, set out excessive penetration in inappropriate locations, it can lead to problems within the operation limits.

This paper presents a systematized application (computational tool) to evaluate the maximum DG capacity that can be connected in a network, ensuring the effective operation within pre-established quality parameters. It has been developed in open source software: Python and Distribution Simulator Systems (OpenDSS).

In particular, the application creates photovoltaic generators (PVSystem) and connected them in different locations under two alternatives: randomly selected nodes, or nodes list entered by the user. Also the user (engineer planner) can determine: amount of nodes, percentage of insertion and the number of evaluation days (N Montecarlo cases). In addition, the application allows simulating the uncertainty in demand and generation. In different simulation modes are evaluated lines currents and nodes voltages that reflect the performance of the network, in addition to energy losses and harmonic distortion indices. The application presents graphical and numerical results in pop-up screens and creates a report in * .csv format.