Network distributed generation capacity analysis using OPF with voltage step constraints

The generation capacity connected in distribution networks is increasing, in large part because of the necessity of siting renewable generation where resources are available. If distributed generation is connected in inappropriate parts of a network, it can cause a significant decrease in the total potential of the network for new generation. An optimal power flow-based method has previously been proposed for assessing network generation capacities. As, for a realistic assessment, it is necessary to include as many of the relevant physical and technical constraints as possible, limits on the voltage step changes on loss of a generator are added to the model here. Results on the variation of the network capacity with the generator power factors and the allowed voltage step window are presented.