A methodology to calculate maximum generation capacity in low voltage distribution feeders

• A methodology for calculating maximum capacity of a new DG is developed.
• The methodology applies to radial low voltage distribution feeders.
• Maximum capacity is determined from the voltage or thermal limit of the feeder.
• Feeder topology plays a decisive role in the methodology.

The aim of this article is to present an easily applicable methodology to calculate maximum distributed generation (DG) capacity in radial low-voltage feeders. The methodology indicates the highest capacity that can be installed at a fixed point in the feeder for which the voltage is kept within the permissible limits in critical scenarios, i.e. high generation and low load. The concept is based on the main findings of previous studies identifying the points of connections where the voltage may be exceeded. The provisional voltage profile of a line is strongly related to the topology of DGs along the line. The methodology can be applied in any radial feeder with or without existing DG installations.