Voltage Stability and Hosting Capacity Assessment of a 33 kV Distribution Feeder with Integrated Solar Photovoltaic Generation

Ubril Adesanya Oladimeji, A. D. Usman

Abstract


This study presents a voltage stability and hosting capacity assessment of the Apo 33 kV radial distribution feeder in Abuja, Nigeria, with integrated solar photovoltaic (PV) generation. The increasing penetration of distributed renewable energy into power distribution networks has introduced operational challenges related to voltage regulation, reverse power flow, and feeder stability. In this study, the feeder was modelled in MATLAB/Simulink as a 12-bus radial distribution system to evaluate the impact of varying PV penetration levels on voltage profile, feeder current, and system performance. PV penetration scenarios of 0%, 20%, and 50% were considered. The simulation results showed that, without PV integration, the feeder experienced progressive voltage drop toward the downstream buses, indicating weak voltage support at the feeder end. The integration of solar PV improved the voltage profile and reduced feeder current demand through localized power injection. At 20% PV penetration, the feeder achieved optimal operational performance, with all bus voltages remaining within the acceptable range of 0.95–1.05 p.u., alongside reduced feeder losses and improved voltage stability. However, at 50% PV penetration, excessive voltage rise and the possibility of reverse power flow were observed near the PV integration point, indicating potential operational instability and protection coordination challenges. The hosting capacity assessment revealed that the feeder can safely accommodate moderate PV penetration without violating voltage stability constraints. The study concludes that distributed solar PV enhances feeder efficiency and reliability when properly controlled within allowable penetration limits. 


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