Presentation Details
| Operational Impact of High Rooftop PV Penetration on an Urban 11 kV Distribution Feeder: A Utility-Scale Simulation Study Rishu Garg, Hanumanth Raju GV, Stalon Jessin. Center for Study of Science, technology and Policy, Bangalore, India |
Abstract
India’s commitment to 500 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2070 has accelerated the deployment of distributed renewable energy (DRE), particularly rooftop photovoltaic (RTPV) systems, at the distribution level. While RTPV adoption improves daytime energy balancing, its large-scale integration poses operational challenges for electricity distribution companies (DISCOMs), especially under evening peak-load conditions. This paper presents a detailed impact assessment of high RTPV penetration on a practical 11 kV urban residential feeder comprising 55 distribution transformers (DTs). Using a full year of hourly load data (FY 2024–25), the feeder was modelled in DigSILENT Power Factory and evaluated under four scenarios: present-day operation (2025), projected demand growth to 2030, RTPV penetration meeting 80% of connected demand, and RTPV combined with battery energy storage systems (BESS). Load-flow analysis was conducted for peak-demand conditions to assess transformer loading, voltage profiles, and system losses. Results indicate that while RTPV significantly reduces daytime net demand, it provides limited relief during evening peak hours, with DT overloading and voltage violations persisting under high RTPV penetration. The integration of strategically placed BESS enables effective peak-load shifting, eliminating DT overloading, improving tail-end voltages, and reducing system losses from 2.8% to 2.2%. The study identifies critical RTPV penetration thresholds beyond which storage-backed solutions or network reinforcement become necessary. These findings provide actionable insights for DISCOMs to plan cost-effective grid upgrades and integrate DRE while maintaining reliability and resilience.
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No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.
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