Modeling and validation of a utility feeder for study of voltage regulation in the presence of high PV penetration

A Florida utility feeder with a high penetration level of solar photovoltaic (PV) generation was modeled in RTDS/RSCAD. The feeder model was validated by comparing the results in different simulation tools, and using field measurements and short circuit data provided by the utility. The feeder has 2.6 MW of PV which is approximately 30% penetration (comparing with peak load). The feeder has a step voltage regulator (SVR) and 4 switched capacitor banks (SCB's) installed to regulate voltage. Studies were conducted to analyze feeder voltage characteristic for the existing circuit configuration and operating scenarios. Additional studies were conducted to determine the potential impact of additional PV penetration that might happen in the future. Validation results show full agreement with the software based validation and a reasonably acceptable match with the field data collected from different locations on the feeder.