A Study on the Configuration of Low-Voltage Distribution Networks for High Penetration of Photovoltaic Power Sources

In recent years, massive introduction of photovoltaic power sources (PV) has compounded the problem of voltage fluctuation in distribution networks. The problem has been recognized from early on, and many research studies have been already reported. However, majority of the previous studies focused on high-voltage distribution networks. Hence, in this study, the authors investigated appropriate configurations for low-voltage distribution networks in Japan to address the problem as a planning problem. The on-site practical measures were examined, and by means of the obtained knowledge, a network configuration problem was formulated for low-voltage networks. In addition, an effective solution method is proposed, based on the priorities of measures applied to the network equipment. Numerical simulations were conducted for verifying the performance of the proposed method, wherein corroborative results were obtained. (c) 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.