IMPACT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS ON SHORT CIRCUIT LEVELS IN POWER SYSTEM DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS

Abstract

The short circuit analysis secures the electrical power systems protection scheme. Thus, in turn ensures the power system reliability, safe mode of operation, and uninterruptable power supply. The impact of distributed generation on the power systems stability, power quality, and short circuit level is still unclear and uncertain. The different characteristics of each distributed generation type, such as synchronous generators, induction generators, power electronics inverters make it more complicated to assess. Studying the effect of the penetration of distributed generation on fault current level of existing distribution networks is crucial. This thesis will examine the impact of implementing distributed generation mix, including wind turbine generators, photovoltaic, and its combination on the fault current level of the distributed network under study. The short circuit analysis is carried out on the IEEE 37-bus distribution test system using ETAP 12.6 software. The simulation results are presented in a comparison between six cases, comparing the impact of the distributed generation mix on the fault current level at different levels of penetration. Moreover, a comparison showing the contribution of each distributed generation type separately as a percentage is presented. The selection of distributed generation technology and location has a significant impact on the fault current.