Quasi-Dynamic Evaluation of High Solar PV Penetration Effects on Voltage Stability and Power Quality in Unbalanced Distribution Networks

Jordan Valdez (), Edwin García, Alexander Águila and Diego Carrión
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Jordan Valdez: Smart Grid Research Group—GIREI (Spanish Acronym), Electrical Engineering Department, Salesian Polytechnic University, Quito EC170702, Ecuador
Edwin García: Smart Grid Research Group—GIREI (Spanish Acronym), Electrical Engineering Department, Salesian Polytechnic University, Quito EC170702, Ecuador
Alexander Águila: Smart Grid Research Group—GIREI (Spanish Acronym), Electrical Engineering Department, Salesian Polytechnic University, Quito EC170702, Ecuador
Diego Carrión: Smart Grid Research Group—GIREI (Spanish Acronym), Electrical Engineering Department, Salesian Polytechnic University, Quito EC170702, Ecuador

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 21, 1-16

Abstract: This study investigates the effects of high levels of photovoltaic (PV) generation on the unbalanced distribution network using the quasi-dynamic simulation method on DIgSILENT PowerFactory. We are motivated by the need to diversify the national energy matrix, following the power blackout that occurred in Ecuador in 2024 and the energy limitations characterized by the use of fossil fuels. For this purpose, we deployed the simulation of the PJM 13-Node Test Feeder, which is a low-voltage distribution network and mimics the U.S. system, and represents a realist distribution network with residential and commercial load profiles. We simulated realistic PV generation dynamics for a typical day, capturing stochastic solar irradiance, ambient temperature variation, and the impacts of cloud cover. In those conditions, PV generation reached 31.6% of the system total load. We found that during peak irradiance hours, the voltage levels on certain nodes, predominantly low-load buses, exceed nominal levels. The average power factor is noted to diminish by 0.90 p.u to 0.82 p.u at the feeder bus, and further drops to 0.35 p.u at the most PV-penetrated site. While distributed PV generation can effectively reduce line loading and improve energy efficiency, without reactive power compensation, the highest penetration PV generation scenario could result in deterioration of voltage stability and power quality. The prescribed quasi-dynamic framework is practical and computationally feasible, allowing for the assessment of operational performance of distribution networks with high renewables penetration.

Keywords: load demand curve; voltage unbalance; power factor; unbalanced load flow; photovoltaic (PV) generation; quasi-dynamic simulation; voltage stability; renewable energy integration (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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