Integrating Renewable Energy into the AL-Hera Distribution Network: A Load Flow and Protection Coordination Assessment

Abstract

The integration of renewable energy sources into existing distribution networks presents both opportunities and challenges for system planners and operators. This paper investigates the technical feasibility of integrating photovoltaic (PV) systems into the AL-Hera distribution network to address load growth challenges over a ten-year planning horizon. Using ETAP software, load flow analysis was conducted with an assumed annual load growth rate of 80%, revealing significant voltage drops and transformer overloading issues beginning in 2022 and recurring throughout the study period. The results demonstrate that strategic deployment of 10 MW PV systems at critical 11 kV busbars effectively resolve both voltage violation and transformer overloading problems. Furthermore, this study examines the protection coordination implications of distributed generation (DG) integration, drawing on established threshold analysis indicating that protection coordination is maintained up to 20% DG penetration under typical distribution feeder conditions. The findings provide practical guidance for utility engineers seeking to integrate renewable energy into aging distribution infrastructure while maintaining system reliability and protection selectivity.