Impact of Distributed Rooftop Photovoltaic Systems on Short-Circuit Faults in the Supplying Low Voltage Networks

Abstract

This article evaluates the effect of randomly distributed, residential single-phase rooftop photovoltaic systems in the low voltage residential networks, during short-circuit faults on the overhead lines. The important parameters such as the fault current, the current sensed at the distribution transformer secondary, and the voltage profile along the feeder during the fault are examined. A sensitivity analysis is carried out in which the rating and location of the photovoltaic systems in the feeder, as well as the fault location and type, are the considered variables. Moreover, to demonstrate the effect of multiple photovoltaic systems with different ratings and penetration levels when distributed unequally among three phases of the network, a stochastic analysis is carried out. The article summarizes the outcomes of these two analyses to provide a better understanding of the impact of single-phase rooftop photovoltaic systems on the residential feeders during short-circuit faults.

Keywords::

• Residential Rooftop single-phase photovoltaic systems
• Short-circuit faults
• Sensitivity analysis
• Stochastic analysis

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Hadi Hosseinian Yengejeh

Hadi Hosseinian Yengejeh received his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Curtin University, Perth, Australia in 2017. He is currently a sessional Academic at Curtin University, Perth. Prior to that, he has worked as an Electrical Engineer in several consultant companies in Iran from 2009–13. His fields of interest include distribution networks, power system protection, and application of artificial intelligence techniques in power systems.

Farhad Shahnia

Farhad Shahnia received his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia in 2011. He is currently a Senior Lecturer at Murdoch University, Perth, Australia. Prior to that, he was a Lecturer at Curtin University, Perth, Australia, in 2012–2015, and a research fellow at Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia, in 2011. His professional experience includes three years at the Research Office of the Eastern Azerbaijan Electric Power Distribution Company, Tabriz, Iran. His fields of interest include distribution networks, microgrids, and application and control of power electronics in power systems.

Syed M. Islam

Syed M. Islam received the B.Sc. degree in electrical power engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Bangladesh, in 1979, and the M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees electrical power engineering from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, in 1983 and 1988, respectively. Currently, he is the John Curtin Distinguished Professor of Electrical Power Engineering at Curtin University, Perth, Australia. He is an Editor of the IEEE Transactions on Sustainable Energy and the IEEE Power Engineering Letters, and an Associate Editor of the IET Renewable Power Generation. His fields of interest include smart grids, integration of renewable sources in power systems, and condition monitoring.