EEPM553 Power Systems Operation And Planning – Case Study Project Question, Semester 1, 2025/2026

EEPM553 Case Study

Project Question: Impact Analysis in a Distributed System with High PV Penetration for System Planners and Operators

Case Study Situation

You are an engineer working for Selangor Power Distribution Company (SPDC), a utility serving the suburban areas of Shah Alam, Selangor. SPDC has been experiencing an unprecedented surge in rooftop solar PV installations over the past two years, driven by generous government incentives and increasing environmental awareness among residents.

The utility is particularly concerned about a residential feeder in a newly developed eco-friendly neighbourhood called Green EcoPark. This feeder, known as GH-F1, has the following characteristics:

11 kV radial distribution system with 14 nodes

Peak load: 3 MVA

Current PV penetration: 35% of peak load (1.2 MVA)

Projected PV penetration by end of next year: 50% of peak load (2.4 MVA)

SPDC has received complaints from customers about voltage fluctuations, and the utility’s own monitoring systems have detected instances of reverse power flow during periods of high solar generation and low demand.

Project Tasks

As an operation and planning engineer, you are tasked with analysing this situation and proposing solutions. Your project should include the following components:

1. Load Flow Analysis

Develop a distribution model using appropriate software
You may select any test system as a study model (small system)

Run load flow simulations for the following scenarios:
a) Base case (current 35% PV penetration)
b) Future case (80% and 100% PV penetration)

Analyse and compare voltage profiles, power flows, and losses for both scenarios.

2. Reverse Power Flow Detection

• Propose a technique to monitor and detect reverse power flow in the feeder (location and magnitude).
• Justify your choice of monitoring technique based on effectiveness and feasibility of implementation.

3. Mitigation Strategies

Propose at least two different solutions to mitigate the reverse power flow issues.

Potential solutions may include, but are not limited to:
o Energy storage systems
o Reactive power control
o Dynamic voltage regulation
o Demand-side management

For each proposed solution, provide:
o A detailed description of the solution
o Implementation strategy

Deliverables

• A comprehensive report detailing your analysis, proposed solutions, and recommendations.
• Load flow results and relevant charts/graphs for simulation scenarios.
• A presentation summarizing your findings and recommendations for SPDC management.

Evaluation Criteria

The project will be evaluated based on:

• Accuracy and depth of load flow analysis
• Effectiveness and innovation of the proposed monitoring technique
• Feasibility and effectiveness of proposed mitigation strategies
• Clarity and professionalism of report and presentation