Distribution network performance analysis with high penetration o RTPV and Bess

Abstract

The consequential effect of meeting electrical demands continues to burden the South African electrical infrastructure. Electrical violations tend to constrain a power system’s ability to supply suitable energy whilst meeting growth demands. Often optimization techniques are utilized to reduce violations, however; constrained networks in dense and radial distribution systems don’t have any quick or short-term solutions. This thesis explores solar rooftop photovoltaics (RTPV) and battery energy storage systems (BESS) as a distributed energy resource to alleviate violations which are currently constraining medium voltage (MV) networks. This research has studied the influential effect of hybrid RTPV systems, with and without BESS. The analysis, simulated with actual all-day load profiles, has uniquely considered RTPV installations for every residential customer connected to an MV network. For the identification of networks that experience violations; informative analysis-results from over eight hundred MV feeders have been studied. These results have been utilized to develop a methodological approach for a technical priority ranking system. This system helps to categorize the severity of network constraints for distribution networks. By modelling a case study, this thesis demonstrates what impact RTPV will have on a technically violated/constrained MV network. This thesis offers an alternative network optimization solution by using RTPV and BESS to address constrained/violated networks. This can assist Utilities to meet electrical demands while complying with statutory regulation limits.