Probabilistic evaluation of the impact of residential photovoltaic system on Malaysia low-voltage network using Monte Carlo approach

Electricity is usually generated in bulk from large scale conventional power stations and transmitted unidirectional from high to low voltage level where the users are located. More recently, the integration of solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems has been gaining attention in Malaysia given their potential technical benefits and strong governmental support. However, investigation on the potential impact of residential rooftop PV systems on the distribution network has not been properly addressed in the Malaysian context. Therefore, this paper aims to probabilistically assess the impact of different levels of PV penetration on the Malaysian low-voltage (LV) distribution network using the Monte Carlo approach. More specifically, a real and typical residential network in Malaysia has been utilized and used as the test network in this paper. In addition, uncertainties in terms of PV generation intermittency, distribution of the connected PV system capacities as well as allocations of PV systems across the different phases of the network were considered in the study. These allow a more meaningful conclusion to be made. Furthermore, two types of networks, namely, newly developed and matured networks were considered in performing the network impact assessment study. The network output performance metrics include voltage profiles, voltage unbalance, feeder and transformer thermal limits, as well as network losses. The results from the study suggest voltage unbalance and voltage rise are the two main reasons that could limit the higher PV penetration level in typical Malaysian residential LV networks. (C) 2015 AIP Publishing LLC.