Analysis of impact of distributed generation in a distribution grid by the use of photovoltaic generators

Alternative sources of energy and distributed generation (DG) are current subjects, especially in Brazil where the regulations had just changed and now the possibility of DG and compensation of energy can be considered. The use of solar energy has been increased along the last years, thus as a heat source or as photovoltaic (PV) generation, based mainly on the low environmental impact of this energy source. This analysis aims to study the impact of DG in the electrical energy distribution system caused by the use of grid-connected PV power systems. The study is done in steady state condition, in a specific feeder, considering typical curves proposed for sunny and cloudy days. It had been considered a penetration of DG of 20%, in two different hourly times for each kind of day, using sunny and cloudy typical curves. The power generated had been normalized related to the power consumed in different points of the feeder. The impacts observed in voltage levels of the distribution grid are not relevant. However, the DG did contribute to slightly raise some voltage levels that are already among the critical zone, in some of the sets analysed.