Study on Medium Voltage Energy Loss due to Interconnection of Embedded Generation to the Distribution Network

This paper presents the impact on the distribution line losses due to embedded generation. Studies were performed using SynerGEE simulation model on the selected feeders, where significant Embedded Generations (EG) are connected. Initially, a study was conducted assuming a hypothetical feeder with constant load and different level of EG capacity. It is seen that depending on the location of the load along the feeder and the EG capacity, the losses on the feeder will vary. Hence an attempt was made to identify the optimum EG capacity that will result in minimum allowable loss on a feeder. Thereafter, studies were performed on actual feeders with load variation and EG capacity variation. Daily load pattern for each feeder was assumed to be similar, but actual maximum demands were measured feeder wise. Historical monthly Plant Factor (PF) data was analyzed and used in actual simulation studies. It is concluded that excessive losses occur during low load condition and also during higher generation from EGs. Hence, appropriate measures are required in the longer term to absorb higher generation from EGs to minimize the losses in the distribution feeders.