Optimal location and impacts of 1 MWP solar pv plants on distribution network protection

Abstract

Nowadays, the penetration of the distributed energy resources into the power distribution network is increasing, especially the 1 MWp solar PV plants since they have been enjoying the Feed-in tariff scheme. In order to reduce the losses of the distribution power network efficiently, this paper uses the Symbiotic Organism Search (SOS) algorithm to determine the optimal location for these solar power sources. However, when these distributed power sources are connected to the distribution network, they can cause to lose the selective coordination between reclosers and fuses - the main protection devices of the distribution network. The prominent feature of this report is to be based on the availability of reclosers, fuses, and with consideration of the Khc coefficient (which is affected by the time and number of reclose attempts). Hence, a simple but efficient solution is proposed to ensure selective recloser – fuse coordination. The mentioned SOS algorithm and the solution are to be applied to the 473TH 22 kV distribution network in Tay Ninh province. The simulation results using Matlab and Etap indicate that the SOS algorithm along with the proposed solution are beneficial to planning and locating distributed power sources, and simultaneously help to overcome the non-selective recloser – fuse coordination.