Application of Geographic Information System to Power Distribution System Analysis

AbstractThis paper presents a new application of Geographic Information System (GIS) in the field of electric power engineering. GIS can analyze and visualize information related to Geography. Recently photovoltaic (PV) generation is introduced in the power system day by day for the needs of clean energy. If it is installed in large quantities, voltage variation occurs with a risk of worsening electric power quality. In this context the limit of introducing PV in the power system should be correctly grasped. This research focuses on distribution system with large amount of PV. In order to grasp the limit of introducing PV in the distribution system, PV generation should be evaluated correctly and analyze the state of the distribution system. Although PV generation is proportional to solar radiation, the amount of solar radiation is affected by the shadow of the building, the angle, and the direction. Therefore, it is difficult to grasp solar radiation falling on the PV panels accurately and calculate PV generation. GIS can solve the problem. GIS can model actual townscape and analyze the amount of solar radiation. By executing solar radiation analysis to the modeled townscape, the amount of solar radiation on any places in the town can be evaluated. Using the result of the analysis, PV generation installed on any places in the town can be estimated and more proper distribution system analysis can be performed than conventional analysis