Impact of Smart Inverters on Feeder Hosting Capacity of Distribution Networks

Abstract

Penetration of renewable energy based distributed generators into power networks is limited. This is due to several reasons such as intermittency of the generation, low-inertia during disturbances and high variation of local voltage and frequency. Traditionally, distribution networks are designed for a finite voltage drop with distance from feeder connection. When PV panels are deployed at households, their impact on the local voltage profile becomes very substantial. Especially, when there is high solar radiation, generated power increases and the local voltage exceeds the permittable limits. Smart inverters are introduced to tackle this problem. Unlike other inverters, they can follow the local network measurements and provide auxiliary voltage and frequency support. With these features, smart inverters have the ability to push the renewable energy penetration level further. To investigate this phenomenon, custom smart inverter models are developed. Power flow calculation steps are modified to include smart inverter's active inputs. Then, feeder hosting capacity studies were run with conventional and smart inverters to investigate the improvement. Developed models, modified power flow algorithm and results of simulations are reported. Findings show renewable energy share can be increased in networks with smart inverter deployments only, without making substantial changes to rest of the network.