Enhancing Voltage Profile and Power Factor in SLD Distribution Networks via Radial and Cyclic Configurations with Solar Integration

Abstract

This study explores the enhancement of voltage stability and power factor in single-line diagram (SLD) networks by integrating solar energy within radial and cyclic systems. As electricity demand rises, effective demand-side management (DSM) becomes essential for optimizing energy consumption and improving grid reliability. The research highlights the challenges posed by voltage fluctuations and power factor imbalances when incorporating solar energy into existing power distribution networks. Utilizing load flow analysis via Electrical Transient Analyzer Program (ETAP), the study evaluates power losses, voltage profiles, and power factor variations across three scenarios: (1) Base Radial Network, (2) Optimized Radial System with photovoltaic (PV) and Capacitors, and (3) Cyclic System with PV and Capacitors, aiming to implement corrective measures for improved power quality. The methodology involves a comprehensive analysis of a 500kW grid-connected solar PV system, including calculations for energy generation, inverter selection, and land area requirements. The findings indicate significant improvements in voltage regulation (from 0.89 p.u. to 0.96 p.u.) and power factor (from 0.85 lagging to 0.98 lagging) through strategic modifications to distribution transformer ratings and the addition of capacitor banks. Crucially, a sensitivity analysis, varying solar irradiance by ±20%, confirms the robustness of the proposed Cyclic System against environmental fluctuations, yielding a system Voltage Deviation Index (VDI) improvement of 48% under the worst-case cloudy scenario. Simulation results demonstrate that the integration of solar energy not only mitigates overloading issues but also enhances overall system performance, reducing power losses and operational costs. The study concludes that the proposed DSM framework, leveraging real-time solar energy forecasting and adaptive techniques, offers a scalable solution for modern electrical networks, ensuring sustainable and reliable power distribution.