IOSR Journal of Electrical and Electronics Engineering (IOSR-JEEE)

e-ISSN: 2278-1676,p-ISSN: 2320-3331, Volume 10, Issue 1 Ver. IV (Jan Feb. 2015), PP 61-69
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Impact of Distributed Generation Placement on Stability of

Power Network in Nigeria
1

Omorogiuwa Eseosa and 2Elechi Promise

Department of Electrical/Electronic Engineering, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt

Department of Electrical Engineering, Rivers State University of science and Technology, Port Harcourt

Abstract: Power system loads have a significant impact on the dynamic behavior of the system. Therefore the
reliable determination of load characteristics becomes an important engineering task. In some cases, it is more
practical to aggregate several loads to an equivalent aggregate load model. Several aggregate load models
have been in use for quite some time now; however, no systematic effort has been made to develop an algorithm
to analyse stability of large amount of distributed generation in power system.ETAP was used in the modelling
of the power network system with its fault analysed. The impact of distributed generation on faults on the system
was also analysed and the results showedDG has much potential to improve distribution system performance,
the addition of DG units reduces the magnitude of the maximum power angle deviation, and Distribution
generation units improved significantly the transient stability of the system. The increase of the penetration level
of DG units within power systems provided the opportunity to handle larger disturbances. In some critical
situations like more severe faults, the use of DG units will help to maintain synchronism due to the reduction of
the maximum power-angle deviation.
Keywords: Transient, Distributed, Power, Network, Load

I.

Introduction

The impact of distributed generation (DG) on the electricity industry is always assessed in planning by
carrying out load flow computations, since the penetration ratios are still relatively small. However, as the
installed capacity of DG increases, its impact on the power system behavior becomes more expressed and will
eventually require full-scale detailed dynamic analysis and simulations to ensure a proper and reliable operation
of the power system with large amounts of DG. Though quite a number of models of the distributed generators
were created in recent years [2]. However, no analytic investigations of the dynamic properties of the power
system with large amount of DG using Nigerian power system as a case study has been done. The number of
case studies that can be found in literatures on DG focus mainly on numerical experiments using existing or
artificial networks. While the numerical experiments are of paramount importance to a better understanding of
the mechanisms which causes interaction between DG and the utility, the development of appropriate analytical
tools for stability will open a very new perspective for dynamic security assessment of the power system and the
design of control system for the large DG in the Nigerian network.
In this paper, a systematic method shall be used to analyze the transient stability of a large-scale
asynchronous generator driven distributed generation.Another important aspect of this paper is the analysis of
voltage collapse of power systems with large amount of intermittent power generators. It is well known that the
majority of available tools for voltage collapse analysis make use of implicit assumption that the power system
parameters are deterministic. While this is a valid engineering approximation for conventional power systems
with negligibly small uncertainties, it might become an over simplification in power systems with large
penetration ratios of DG.
1.1 The Nigeria Power System.
In Nigeria, the largest fraction of electric power used is generated in thermal plants. The remaining
smallerfraction comes from hydro stations. Oil/natural gas is the fuel for most of the steam plants; the rest
depends upon hydroand coal.Electric power is generated at a voltage of 11 to 25kV which then is stepped up to
the transmission levels in the range of66 to 330kV (or higher). As the transmission capability of a line is
proportional to the square of its voltage, research iscontinuously being carried out to raise transmission voltages.
The first stepdown of voltage from transmission level is at the bulk power substation, where the reduction is to a
range of33 to 132kV, depending on the transmission line voltage. Some industries may require power at these
voltage levels.This stepdown is from the transmission and grid level to sub transmission level. The next
stepdown in voltage is at the distribution substation. Normally, two distribution voltage levels are employed:
The primary or feeder voltage (11kV)
The secondary or consumer voltage (415V 3 phase/ 230 V single phase).
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Impact of Distributed Generation Placement on Stability of Power Network in Nigeria

The distribution system, fed from the distribution transformer stations, supplies power to the domestic,
or industrial andcommercial consumers. Thus, the power system operates at various voltage levels separated by
transformers.
Electricity plays a major role in the economy and the daily lives of Nigerians. There is no substitute for
this essential commodity. Unlike most commodities, electricity cannot easily be stored, so it must be produced
(by the Generating Plants using any of the available energy resources Coal, Gas, Oil, Hydro, Solar, Wind or
Nuclear) at the same instant that it is consumed.
The electricity delivery system (i.e. Transmission and Distribution networks) must therefore be robust
and flexible enough, every second of the day and every day of the year, to accommodate the nations demand
for electricity and deliver regular, reliable and affordable electricity especially in our production economy.

Figure 1: Existing 330kV Nigerian transmission network [PHCN Headquarters, Abuja]

II.

Materials And Method

Generally, a small number of small-size DG units compared to the large centralized power stations,
will not influence the operation of the power network and therefore their impact will be neglected. However, as
the installed capacity of DG increases, its impact on the overall dynamics of power system becomes significant
and full-scale detailed dynamic analysis is required to be done. Also, simulations to ensure a proper and reliable
operation of the power system with large amounts of DG will be carried out.
To evaluate its effect on transient stability with considerable contributions of the dispersed units,
Nigeria power network with the centralized power stations and several DG units connected to the distribution
system will be used. This study will be carried out at constant load demands but with varying generation of DG
units. DG units will be placed at different locations in the system network. The performance of the network will
be studied and different stability classes will be analyzed. The results will be compared with the performance of
the network without any DGs, which is the base case. The fault response with and without the DGs will be
studied and analyzed. This will help to evaluate the influence of the large scale utilization of DG in electrical
power networks.
The penetration level of DG can be calculated as:

% = . 100 % ---------------------------------------- (1)

Where PDG stands for the total active power of all distributed generators installed and PLoad is the total active
power of the load.
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Impact of Distributed Generation Placement on Stability of Power Network in Nigeria

2.1 Analysis of Rotor Angle Stability of Nigeria Power System.
2.1.1 Oscillatory Stability of Nigeria Power System.
The oscillatory instability occurs due to the insufficient damping of electro-mechanicaal
oscillations.Nigeria power system can be studied under power system angle stability which covers two areas :
small-signal (small- disturbance)stability and transient (large-disturbance) stability.Power system oscillations is
common to both areas.
2.1.2 Transient Stability of Nigeria Power System
Transient stability issues which are also known as the first swing stability are among the important
practical concerns in Nigeria power system operation and planning studies. Transient stability assessment which
entails the investigation of large disturbances is part of an essential requirements for the security of Nigeria
power system. Transient stability of this system depends on the initial operating conditions of the system as well
as the the type,severity and location of the disturbance.
The method that shall be used to assess the transient stability of Nigeria power system is based on the
time-domain simulations and the analysis of the transient energy function, which corresponds to the extended
equal area criterion under some assumptions.Time-domain simulation technique shall be used to assess the
impact of DG penetration level on the transient stability of the power system.The power angle shall be used as
indicator to assess the transient stability.To investigate the transient stability of the test system, faults shall be
applied to the transmission line between some buses of the network. After some time, the applied fault shall be
cleared by tripping the faulted line. None of the centralized and distributed generators based on synchronous or
asynchronous machines shall be disconnected during the applied fault.
2.1.3 Frequency Stability Analysis of Nigeria Power System
Following large disturbances in Nigeria power systems, significant imbalance takes place between
generated power and load demands. Imbalances also occur between the electromagnetic and the mechanical
torques of the generators. The consequence of this imbalance is the acceleration or deceleration of generators
which will result in changes in the frequency of the network.This can have impact on the stability of the system.
Frequency stability is the ability of electrical power systems to maintain fixed frequency after it has been
subjected to a severe disturbance. If the equilibrum between generation and load is restored,the frequency will
not cause a stability problem.To achieve this, sufficient generation reserve and good response from the control
and protection devices must be guaranteed. If the disturbance leads to prolonged frequency oscillations,
generating units will be tripped out of the network sequentially and stability will be lost.
To investigate the frequencyresponse of Nigerian network after severe disturbances, a load will be
switched on in the network and the frquency response of the network will be observed.The load will be switched
on at any of the buses. Nigeria network performance without DG units and with contributions from these units
will be compared.
2.1.4 Using Runge Kutta Method to Determine Time Response of Nigeria Power System.
The differential equations that are normally solved in power system stability analysis are non-linear
ordinary differential equations with known initial values.
The second-order R-K formula for the value of at = + is
1 + 2
1 = + = +
(2)
2
Where
1 = (0 , 0 )
2 = (0 + 1 , 0 + )
A general formula giving the value of x for the (n+1) step is
1 + 2
+1 = + = +
(3)
2
Applying this formula to power system we have the general formula as:
1 + 2
+1 = + = +
(4)
2
where
1 = ( , )
2 = ( + 1 , + )
This is called second order Runge Kutta Method because it is equivalent to first and second derivative terms
ofthe Taylor series.
For the fourth order Runge Kutta method the general formula is

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Impact of Distributed Generation Placement on Stability of Power Network in Nigeria

+1 = +

1
+ 22 + 23 + 4 (5)
6 1

where
1 = ( , )
1

2 = ( + , + )
2
2
2

3 = ( + , + )
2
2
4 = ( + 3 , + )
The physical interpretation of the above solution is as follows
1 = (slope at the beginning of time step)
2 = (First approximation to slope at mid-step)
3 = (Second approximation to slope at mid step)
4 = (Slopeat the end ofstep)
1
= 6 1 + 22 + 23 + 4 wheren = number of iterations
This method is equivalent to considering up to fourth derivative terms in the Taylor series expansion. It has an
error on the order of 5. [1].
2.1.5 Using EqualArea Criterion to Determine Time Response of Nigeria Power System
Information regarding the maximum angle excursion of rotor angle of the generators used in electric
power system like that of Nigeria system can be obtained graphically by using power angle diagram instead of
the swing equation to determine if the rotor angle increases indefinitely or oscillates about an equilibrium
position (figure 1).
P
Pe = Pmax sind

Pe = Pmax

c
Area 1

Pm1

Pm0

Area 2

a
0

max

Figure 1:Power-angle variation.

Using this method will enables us to determine the maximum swing of and therefore the stability of
the system. Although this method does not apply to multi machine systems with detailed representation of
synchronous machines, it helps to understand the basic factors that influence the transient stability of Nigeria
power system.We have the following relationship between the rotor angle and the accelerating power:
2 0
=
(6)
2 2
is a non-linear function of , therefore we cannot solve the equation directly.
If both sides are multiplied by 2 then
2 0 ( )
2
=
(7)
2

or
2 0 ( )
=
(8)

Integrating gives
2
0 ( )
=
(9)

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Impact of Distributed Generation Placement on Stability of Power Network in Nigeria

The speed deviation is initially zero. It will change when the system is subjected to
disturbances.To maintain stable operation, the deviation of angle must be bounded. This will require the speed
deviation to become zero after some time again after the disturbance. Therefore, from equation 9, as a
criterion for stability, we may write

0 ( )
= 0 (10)

0
Where 0 the initial rotor angle and is the maximum rotor angle.
Thus the area under the function plotted against must be zero if the system is to be stable [1].
In figure 1, this is satisfied when area A1 is equal to area A2.The kinetic energygained by the rotor during
acceleration when changes from 0 to 1 is given by :
1

1 =

( ) = 1 (11)
0

The energy lost during deceleration when changes from 1 to is

2 =

( ) = 2 (12)
1

Let us assume there are no losses, the energy gained is equal to the energy lost; therefore, area A1 is
equal to2 .This forms the basis for the equal area criterion. It helps us to determine the maximum swing of
and the stability of the system without computing the time response through formal solution for the swing
equation.
A1 =A2

Pe

Pe -prefault
(e)
(d)

A2

Pm

Pe -postfault

(a)

A1
(c)
Pe during fault

(b)

Figure 2:Stable case

A1>A2
Pe = prefault

Pe
Pe = postfault

Pm

A2

A1

(c)
Pe = during fault

(b)

c2

Figure 3: Unstable case

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Impact of Distributed Generation Placement on Stability of Power Network in Nigeria

Figures2 and 3 show - plot for three network conditions on Nigeria power system; (1) prefault, (ii)
during three-phase short circuit fault and (iii) post fault. In both cases, let us assume the input power is
constant. Initially, in the stable case of figure 2, the system is operating with = and = 0. When fault
occurs, the operating point changes suddenly from a tob. Due to inertia, angle cannot change instantly. is
now greater than , the rotor accelerates until the operating point reachesc, when the fault is cleared by
isolating the faulty circuit from the system. The operating point now suddenly moves to d. Now is greater
than , causing deceleration of the rotor. Since the rotor speed is greater than synchronous speed0 ,
continues to increase until the kinetic energy gained during the period of acceleration represented by A1 is
expended by transferring the energy to the system. The operating point moves from d to e, such that the area A2
is equal to A1. At operating point e, the speed is equal to synchronous speed 0 and has reached its maximum
value . Since is still greater than , the rotor continues to retard, with the speed dropping below
synchronous speed. The rotor angle decreases, and the operating point retraces the path from e to d and
follows the - curve for the post fault system farther down. The minimum value of is such that it satisfies
the equal-area criterion for the postfault system. In the absence of any such of damping, the rotor continues to
oscillate with constant amplitude.
With a delayed fault clearing in figure 3, area A2above is less than A1. When the operating point
reaches e, the kinetic energy gained during the accelerating period has not yet been completely expended;
consequently, the speed is still greater than synchronous speed and continues to increase. Beyond point e, is
less than , and the rotor begins to accelerate again. The rotor speed and angle continue to increase, leading to
loss of synchronism.
2.2 Calculation of Critical Clearing Time
To obtain a description for the critical clearing time, let us consider the period during which the fault occurs. We
then have = 0.
2 2
= = . (13)
0 2
Integrating the above equation with the initial acceleration being zero, we get

0
=
.

0 2
0
=
. . (14)
2

0
= 0 2 . . . (15)
0
0
0 =
2 (16)
4
Therefore,
=

( 0 ).

4
. . (17)
0

For critical clearing angle,

=

( 0 ).

III.

4
. (18)
0

Results And Discussion

3.1 Transient Stability Of Port-Harcourt Network.

To investigate the transient stability of Port-Harcourt distribution system, three feeders from PortHarcourt Zone2 distribution network with the associated network were modelled as a test case. A three phase
fault was applied to the 33KV bus and simulations were done for the network both with DG and without DG.
Figure 4 shows the ETAP model without DG while figure 5 shows the model with the addition of DGs to the
load buses.

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Impact of Distributed Generation Placement on Stability of Power Network in Nigeria

Figure 4: Port-Harcourt Zone2 Distribution Network without DG.

Figure 5: Port-Harcourt Zone2 Distribution Network with DG

The fault was applied at 0.5secs and cleared at 0.6secs. Figure 6 shows the power angle variation as a
result of the fault without the addition of DG in the system. Figure 7 shows the variation with the addition of
DG attached to the load buses.
3.2 Analysis of Result
The observation of the first swing showed that the addition of DG units reduced the magnitude of the
maximum power angle deviation. This is an indication that DG units improve significantly the transient stability
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Impact of Distributed Generation Placement on Stability of Power Network in Nigeria

of the system. This also shows that the increase of the penetration level of DG units within power systems
provides the opportunity to handle larger disturbances. In some critical situations like more severe faults, the use
of DG units will help to maintain synchronism due to the reduction of the maximum power-angle deviation.

Figure 6: Power Angle variation due to a 3-phase fault with no DG

Figure 7: Power Angle variation due to a 3-phase fault with DG

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Impact of Distributed Generation Placement on Stability of Power Network in Nigeria

IV.

Conclusion And Recommendation

The impact of distributed generation on faults on the system was also studied. With the results obtained
it can be concluded that ETAP is suitable software to simulate power quality problem. ETAP is powerful and
user-friendly software which allows the user to make use of its graphical interface for simulation of different
cases on power system. The results showed that DG has much potential to improve distribution system
performance, the addition of DG units reduces the magnitude of the maximum power angle deviation, and
Distribution generation units improved significantly the transient stability of the system. The increase of the
penetration level of DG units within power systems provided the opportunity to handle larger disturbances. In
some critical situations like more severe faults, the use of DG units will help to maintain synchronism due to the
reduction of the maximum power-angle deviation.

V.

Recommendation

The simulations used in this thesis were performed using synchronous generators. Same thing could be
done using induction generator and inverter type DG to carry out investigation of the impact of DG on power
system stability.Study should be carried out to determine the effect of Distributed Generation on power system
protection.

References
[1].
[2].
[3].

Kundur P. (1994): Power System Stability and Control,Tata McGraw-Hill, New Delhi: 94-102.
Akhmatov, V. and. Knudsen, H. (2002): Advanced simulation of windmills in the electric power supply. International Journal of
Electrical Power and Energy Systems, 22 (6): 421-434.
Operation Technology Inc, (2001): Electrical Transient Analyzer Program (ETAP)

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