DG integration issues in unbalanced multi-phase distribution networks

This paper analyzes positive and negative impacts of the integration of distributed generation (DG) in unbalanced multi-phase distribution networks. Several aspects, for example, the static voltage stability, power loss, short-circuit and voltage unbalance studies are conducted on an IEEE 13 node unbalanced distribution feeder. Simulation platform used here is DIgSILENT PowerFactory. In this paper, synchronous generators and solar photovoltaic (PV) units are introduced as distributed generators. It is found that, although a DG unit has a positive impact on the voltage stability and power loss of the system, it increases the short-circuit current at all nodes of the feeder. In certain cases, it can impact both positively and negatively on the voltage imbalance phenomenon of a distribution network depending on the single-/three-phase connection of PV units to it.