Impact of Large Scale Photovoltaic Generation on Voltage Stability in
Distribution Networks
Authors: Abdelaziz Salah Saidi, Khadija Ben-Kilani, Mohamed Elleuch
Journal: European Journal of Electrical Engineering, Vol. 18, No. 1–2, 2016, pp. 117–138
1. Background
The global expansion of solar photovoltaic generation (139 GW by 2013) has raised concerns regarding its impact
on power system stability. Unlike synchronous generators, photovoltaic (PV) units are grid-connected through
inverters and typically operate at unity power factor, meaning they provide no reactive power support. In radial
distribution networks, especially medium-voltage systems, large PV penetration can trigger instability due to
power flow reversal and insufficient reactive power. This paper analyzes static and dynamic voltage stability of a
53-bus Tunisian distribution system under high PV penetration.
2. Test System and Modeling
The studied system consists of 53 buses (33 kV), with 2 generators, 51 loads, and 1 transformer. Three PV farms
(PV1, PV2, PV3) are connected at buses 13, 18, and 46, totaling 12 MW. PV farms are modeled as constant
active power sources at unity power factor, loads as constant power, and the network through
differential-algebraic equations (DAEs) combining generator dynamics, load equations, and inverter controls.
3. Numerical Techniques (Core Contribution)
The study employs MATLAB/PSAT with four complementary numerical techniques to analyze static and dynamic
stability:
■ 1. Load Flow Analysis
Method: Newton–Raphson power flow. Purpose: Establish baseline voltages and power distribution. Result: All
bus voltages within 0.93–1.07 p.u.; swing bus supplies all reactive power.
■ 2. Continuation Power Flow (CPF)
Method: Numerical continuation to trace PV (P–V) curves. Purpose: Determine maximum sustainable PV
penetration. Results: Base load → 28.3 MW; Light load → 23.2 MW (≈18% lower). Insight: Excess PV causes
power flow reversal, leading to voltage collapse at the saddle-node bifurcation point.
■ 3. Bifurcation Analysis
Method: Eigenvalue analysis of the Jacobian matrix. Purpose: Detect saddle-node bifurcation (SNB). Result:
Instability occurs at λ ≈ 2.35 p.u. per PV farm (≈9.4 MW each). Significance: Provides mathematical confirmation
of PV penetration limit.
■ 4. Time-Domain Dynamic Simulation
Method: Numerical integration of DAEs. Purpose: Assess transient voltage and frequency stability. Scenarios: -
PV disconnection → severe frequency drop (up to 9 Hz). - Load disconnection → ~4% voltage rise, small
frequency deviation (0.12 Hz). - Voltage dips at PV bus → quick inverter recovery. - Short-circuit → voltage drops
to 0.08 p.u., recovers after clearance. Insight: PV aids recovery but sudden disconnection severely impacts
frequency stability.
4. Key Findings
- PV penetration improves voltage profile but beyond threshold risks collapse. - Maximum PV supported: 28.3 MW
(base load), 23.2 MW (light load). - Dynamic response: PV disconnection destabilizes frequency; short circuits
recover with inverter support; load shedding raises voltages.
5. Conclusions
- PV integration improves stability up to a limit but risks collapse when exceeded. - CPF and bifurcation analysis
precisely quantify safe margins. - Time-domain simulations reveal critical risks under disturbances. - Future work:
consider irradiance and temperature variations.
■ Numerical Techniques in Context (Highlight)
- Load Flow → Baseline voltages & power flows. - CPF → Determines maximum PV penetration and collapse
point. - Bifurcation Analysis → Exact instability detection (SNB). - Time-Domain Simulation → Captures real-world
transient behavior. Together, these methods provide a complete static + dynamic stability assessment of PV
integration.
