A Hybrid Simulation Tool for the Study of PV Integration Impacts on Distribution Networks

This paper introduces a hybrid simulation tool that is used to study the impacts of integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems on distribution networks. The tool is composed of an electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulation tool interfaced with an open-source phasor analysis tool, OpenDSS. The purpose of this tool is to provide detailed modeling along with fast and accurate simulation of electric systems with interconnected PV systems. The developed tool models the PV energy system using detailed EMTP-type algorithms, while the rest of the distribution system is modeled in phasor domain using OpenDSS. This paper demonstrates some of the functions, applications, and advantages of the hybrid tool. The tool has been tested with a real Florida-based distribution feeder with multiple PV energy systems. A full EMT model of the feeder has been developed in SimPowerSystems to compare and validate the results. The results suggest that the hybrid tool offers significant benefits and functionality over OpenDSS.