Impact of Solar Photovoltaic Generation (SPVG) on Distribution Networks: A case study of Minna town 33/11kV Injection substation

Abstract

Distribution networks in Nigeria had suffered setbacks such as network losses and inadequate power injection into substations as compared with the net power delivered to load. This study examines the impact of solar photovoltaic generation on distribution networks of Minna Town 33/11kV injection substation. Distributed Generation (DG) is to minimize line losses and improve voltage profile of the network. Solar Photovoltaic Generation (SPVG) is one of the DGs that is capable of supplying real and reactive power into an existing distribution network to increase its overall efficiency. The SPVG was optimally placed in the network for case study by the use of Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) technique. 11 kV Minna town distribution feeders of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), used as case study was modelled and simulated in PSAT environment as a 17-node system. Results obtained showed reduction of overall active and reactive power losses to 63.7% and 64.1% respectively.