Advanced Techniques for Modeling Distributed Renewable Resources for Distribution Impact Analysis

Jeff Smith, Roger Dugan and Wes Sunderman, Electric Power Research Institute

Abstract The interconnection of distributed resources on the electric grid has steadily been growing over the past few years with distribution planners seeing a significant number of requests for distributed wind and solar PV generation. In order to effectively evaluate renewable resources on the distribution system either large-scale or small-scale projects at highsystem, penetration levels, certain characteristics unique to this resource must be considered in the system impact and planning processes, namely time-varying output, locationbased impacts, var control, and disturbance-based response characteristics. This poster describes how the Open Distribution System Simulator (OpenDSS) can be used to capture these important factors when performing distribution planning studies. DG Impact Evaluation Criteria % Voltage change Voltage rise DG kW to min Load DG kVA in % of Feeder Design kVA DG current in % of Short Circuit Current % DG contribution to faults
1-Sec Solar PV Output Shape with Cloud Transients
1 0.9 Per Unit of Maximum 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 0 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 Time,s Figure 1 PV Inverter Output with Cloud Transients

Features of OpenDSS OpenDSS is designed for DG evaluation and distribution system analysis research. It has some special features: Sequential power flow simulations in various time increments. Large distribution systems. Model multi-phase lines of arbitrary configuration. Controllers are modeled separately from circuit elements. Multiple loads at a bus. The source code is provided; the data and the API are public. Simulator behavior can be scripted from Excel VBA, Matlab, GIS systems, etc. Dynamics mode solution. Model n-phase, m-winding transformers. An extensive energy meter model. Harmonics analysis is a native capability. Object-oriented structure eases adding new models.

< 1%

Capacitor Switching and Regulator Tap Changes

Figure 3 Per Unit Voltages at PV Generation Location for Cloud Transient Shape

Time series simulation by the OpenDSS program can reveal the impact of varying renewable DG on large, complex utility distribution systems, including capacitor switching and regulator tap changing events. Technical Contact Roger Dugan 865.218.8074, rdugan@epri.com EPRI. Knoxville, TN
References Planning Methodology to Determine Practical Circuit Limits for Distributed Generation: With Emphasis on Solar PV and Other Renewable Generation. EPRI, Palo Alto, CA: 2010. 1020157. (EPRI Program 174) SOURCEFORGE.NET.

360 kW Solar PV Generator, 12 km from Substation

Figure 2 IEEE 8500-Node Test Feeder

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