Impact of Photovoltaic Generators on the Three Phase Short Circuit Operating Conditions

Distributed generation (DG) produces many benefits for the distribution systems that are operated as active systems, even if they have been traditionally designed as passive networks. Then, new technical issues must be addressed, involving both normal and abnormal operating conditions such as short circuits. Photovoltaic systems (PVSs) are among the most diffuse DG and their contributions to the short-circuit operating conditions depend on several factors, such as environmental conditions, PVS inverter control characteristics, self-protection systems, and fault location and type. An analytical model that aims at quickly and accurately analyzing the three-phase short-circuit operating conditions in a distribution system in presence of PVSs is presented in this paper. The model is applied to a typical North American MV network characterized by large penetration of PVSs, investigating the influence of the aforementioned factors.