Photo Voltaics and Municipal Solid Waste as Distributed Generation Resources: Modeling, Analysis and Benefit Quantification

Abstract

The modified quantification of some of the benefits of the Distributed Generation (DG), is proposed in this investigation. Two indices – System Loss Reduction Index (SLRI), and Voltage Regulation Ratio (VRR) are quantified and proposed. In addition, other issues like fault location and the kVA delivered by the substation are also analyzed with the inclusion of DG. Two resources are considered for DG. The PV solar energy is modeled using the probabilistic approach with the cloud cover as the random variable. Beta distribution is employed in the investigation. The energy generated by incinerating the Municipal Solid Waste, is selected as the second resource. This energy is modeled in terms of the waste flow paths and mass balance equations are analyzed. For both the resources, economic considerations are also carried out. To quantify the benefits of DG, a practical distribution system is simulated and both the DG resources are incorporated in the system. The two indices are obtained as a ratio of the corresponding quantity with and without the inclusion of DG with same loads. To analyze the effect of DG on the location of fault, a single line to ground fault is simulated on both the HV side and LV side and the location of the fault is obtained with and without the DG in the system. Similarly, the effect of DG on the kVA delivered by the substation is also analyzed by varying the operating power factor of the DG. With the inclusion of DG, the simulation results indicate that the system loss decreases and the voltage profile improves. However, this depends on the DG rating and the indices show a reverse trend as DG rating go up. As expected, the error in the location of fault increases with the rating of DG. The simulation results clearly show that the faults occurring on the low voltage side of the distribution system are not likely to be detected at the substation end and this becomes more significant with the inclusion of DG. On the contrary to the normal understanding that DG reduces theiii power demand on the substation, it is observed from the simulation that the kVA delivered by the substation is not reduced to a greater extent if the DG is not capable of supplying the reactive power demand.