Tan G. M. Alvin, Izham Z. Abidin, H.

Hashim

tangarmeng@hotmail.com
izham@uniten.edu.my
halimatun@uniten.edu.my

Outline
Introduction
Background Information

Methodology
Simulation Results
Conclusion

References

Introduction
Renewable embedded generation is known to create

reverse power flow issues in a distribution network.

Using MATLAB/Simulink, simulations could be made
to determine the effect of reverse power flow on fault
current levels in a distribution network.

Background Information
Growing demand for renewable energy.
Reason:
Increase in cost of generating energy
Renewable energy sources getting cheaper and easily
accessible
Introduction of feed-in tariff by the government
Renewed interest in embedded generation

 Embedded generation or distributed generation :

Generation units with a maximum capacity of 50 to

100 MW, usually connected to the distribution
network and neither centrally planned nor dispatched.
Integral part of early power system networks when DC
power supply is still used.
Phased out with the introduction of AC supply,
centralized grid and generation in bulk

 In Malaysia, climate condition makes it ideal for PV

Solar.
Solar Irradiation: 800 1000 W/m2
Ambient temperature: up to 40 C
However, with a tropical climate of uncertain rain and
cloud, shadows on PV Solar panels creates a significant
drop in PV Solar output.
Frequent fluctuations and unreliable supply.

 Disadvantages of embedded generation:

Reverse power flow
Disruption in the coordination of protection system
Voltage swell
System Islanding

Methodology
Simulation done on MATLAB/Simulink.
Based on model created by Centre of

Electromechanics, University of Texas, Austin.

PV and load blocks using current source blocks with
the power of the respective blocks as inputs.
Based on the equation:
2

=
3

Current sources of the load block

Calculation blocks for the current sources

Test system model

Simulation Result
Test system is simulated for a period of 24 hours.
Faults are created at 6 different times:
6 a.m.
9 a.m.
12 p.m.
3 p.m.
6 p.m.
9 p.m.

Power flow graph

Current magnitude without PV

Current magnitude with PV

 Test system model is expanded to 5 loads and 2 PVs.

System is fitted with overcurrent relay protection to

observe tripping time of each relay.

Fault is located at Load E.
Simulation is done for 20 seconds with the fault
starting at 5 seconds after the simulation starts.
Test system is equivalent to the system at 12 p.m.

Expanded test system network

Overcurrent relay tripping time for ground fault

Overcurrent relay tripping time for high

impedance fault

Conclusion
Reverse power flow causes significant drop in fault

current flowing through a section of the line.

Overcurrent relays will not work properly in the event
of a high impedance fault.
There is a need to revise current protection systems to
include protection during reverse power flow
conditions when supporting systems with high
penetration of PV.

[1]
[2]

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References

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Society General Meeting, vol. IEEE, p. 8, 2006.
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grid connected Photovoltaic System for Malaysian climate using Matlab/Simulink," Power and Energy (PECon),
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International Conference on, p. 2010, 487-492.
Kai Yang, Walid, A., "Outage-storage tradeoff in smart grid networks with renewable energy sources," 2012
International Conference on Computing, Networking and Communication, 2012.

[5]

Cipcigan, L.M., Taylor, P.C., "Investigation of the reverse power flow requirements of high penetration of smallscale embedded generation," IET Journal of Renewable Power Generation, vol. 1, no. 3, 2007.

[6]

M. Geidl, "Protection of Power Systems with Distributed Generation: State of the Art," Swiss Federal Institute
of Technology (ETH) Zurich, 20 July 2005.
M. T. Doyle, "Reviewing the impacts of distributed generation on distribution system protection," Power
Engineering Society Summer Meeting, vol. 1, no. IEEE, pp. 103-105, 2002.

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Girgis, Adly, and Sukumar Brahma, "Effect of distributed generation on protective device coordination in
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