Comparative analysis of reliability assessment indices for smart distribution systems integrated with solar PV distributed energy resource.

Over a period, the traditional power grid has met several challenges such as widespread blackouts and growing demand, among others, which have affected reliability especially in the distribution network. Reliability is today pertinent to both the consumer and the utility because of the attached economic losses. Various protection systems and devices have been deployed to improve reliability in the grid but many researchers are studying reliability improvement in the context of Smart Grid (SG) implementation. Further reliability improvement has been envisaged with integration of distributed energy resources (DER). This study assesses the reliability gains with integration of a distributed generation source typically a solar photovoltaic (PV) to an IEEE 34 node standard distribution test system. ETAP software is used for the reliability evaluation of the test system and the results are compared with a base case where DER is not connected in the test system. Reliability indices are calculated. The simulation results indicate significant improvements in most reliability indices with integration of DERs. A load flow study is conducted to understand the reasons for improved reliability. The voltage profile of the system is found to improve with DER integration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]