Optimization of a Medium-Voltage Distribution Network via Photovoltaic Integration: A Case Study of the Liouesso MT Grid

Tite Lawd Ngouloubi; Rodolphe Gomba; Mathurin Gogom; Nianga-Apila; Amos Omboua Eyandzi

doi:doi:10.11648/j.sjee.20251303.11

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Optimization of a Medium-Voltage Distribution Network via Photovoltaic Integration: A Case Study of the Liouesso MT Grid

Tite Lawd Ngouloubi^*

, Rodolphe Gomba

, Mathurin Gogom, Nianga-Apila

, Amos Omboua Eyandzi

Published in Science Journal of Energy Engineering (Volume 13, Issue 3)

Received: 17 June 2025 Accepted: 30 June 2025 Published: 14 July 2025

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Abstract

This study rigorously investigates the technical implications of integrating a 3 MW photovoltaic (PV) power plant into a real-world medium-voltage (MT) distribution network located in Liouesso, Republic of Congo. The targeted grid is characterized by a semi-urban infrastructure with limited dynamic compensation capabilities and frequent critical undervoltage conditions. Unlike many studies that rely on theoretical models or synthetic datasets, this research is grounded in actual operational measurements (load profiles, nodal voltages) and high-fidelity dynamic simulations performed using the PSAT toolbox within the MATLAB environment. Two operating scenarios are evaluated: the baseline network performance without PV injection, and a modified configuration including active solar power injection at a strategically selected node (Bus 18). The results show that such controlled integration not only improves the voltage profile eliminating undervoltages below 0.95 p.u. but also significantly reduces active line losses (by 15 to 20 %), all while complying with international power quality standards such as IEC 61000-4-30 and EN 50160. The adopted methodological approach combines topological analysis, dynamic electrotechnical modeling, and empirical data utilization, thereby offering a robust operational framework for optimal PV sizing and siting in weakly interconnected African networks. The study also highlights that these benefits are achieved without the need for costly compensation equipment such as STATCOMs or SVCs, reinforcing the economic feasibility of this solution for developing countries. Beyond its environmental merits, photovoltaic energy emerges in this context as a strategic tool for modernizing MT networks, contributing to enhanced voltage stability, improved power quality, and greater overall system resilience. This research thus provides actionable recommendations for energy planning and intelligent renewable integration strategies in African settings.

Published in	Science Journal of Energy Engineering (Volume 13, Issue 3)
DOI	10.11648/j.sjee.20251303.11
Page(s)	108-119
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

MT Distribution Network, Photovoltaic Integration, Voltage Stability, PSAT Simulation, Real-world Network, Energy Optimization, Distributed Injection, Topological Analysis

References

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[2]	Amos Omboua Eyandzi, Rodolphe Gomba, Nianga-Apila, Timothee Nsongo, Ursula Vanelie Kani Mboyo. Analysis of Dynamic Interactions Between Reactive Compensation and Voltage Stability in THT Networks with SVC.American Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems.Volume 14, numéro 3. June 2025. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.epes.20251403.11
[3]	Abdelouadoud, S. Y. (2014). Intégration des énergies renouvelables au réseau de distribution d’électricité [Doctoral dissertation, École Nationale Supérieure des Mines de Paris (ENMP)]. (in French)
[4]	Acquaviva, V. (2009). Analyse de l’intégration des systèmes énergétiques à sources renouvelables dans les réseaux électriques insulaires [Doctoral dissertation, Université Pascal Paoli]. (in French)
[5]	Kerdoun, D. Contribution à l’étude d’une installation photovoltaïque avec stockage connectée au réseau électrique [Doctoral dissertation, Université Frères Mentouri-Constantine 1]. (in French)
[6]	Kanchev, H. (2014). Gestion des flux énergétiques dans un système hybride de sources d’énergie renouvelable: Optimisation de la planification opérationnelle et ajustement d’un micro réseau électrique urbain [Doctoral dissertation, École Centrale de Lille; Université Technique de Sofia. Faculté Francophone]. (in French)
[7]	Omar, C. I. (2023). Modélisation, optimisation et gestion d’énergie d’une centrale hybride à énergie renouvelable [Doctoral dissertation, Normandie Université]. (in French)
[8]	Le, T. (2020). Architectures électriques optimales de centrales photovoltaïques linéaires et services contribués au réseau [Doctoral dissertation, Université Grenoble Alpes]. (in French)
[9]	Turitsyn, K., Sulc, P., Backhaus, S., & Chertkov, M. (2011). Options for control of reactive power by distributed photovoltaic generators. Proceedings of the IEEE, 99(6), 1063-1073. https://doi.org/10.1109/JPROC.2011.2116750
[10]	Riffonneau, Y., Barruel, F., & Bacha, S. (2008). Problématique du stockage associé aux systèmes photovoltaïques connectés au réseau. Journal of Renewable Energies, 11(3), 407-422. https://doi.org/10.54966/jreen.v11i3.92
[11]	Maghami, M. R., Pasupuleti, J., & Ling, C. M. (2023). Impact of photovoltaic penetration on medium voltage distribution network. Sustainability, 15(7), 5613.
[12]	Moutevelis, D. (2025). Voltage Stability and Control of Electrical Distribution Systems with High Penetration of Power Electronic Converters. arXiv preprint arXiv:2504.18466. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15075613
[13]	Li, C., Disfani, V. R., Haghi, H. V., & Kleissl, J. (2019, August). Optimal voltage regulation of unbalanced distribution networks with coordination of OLTC and PV generation. In 2019 IEEE Power & Energy Society General Meeting (PESGM) (pp. 1-5). https://doi.org/10.1109/PESGM40551.2019.8973852
[14]	Bouri, S. (2021). Réseaux et transport d’électricité Cours. ESSAT. (in French)
[15]	Zegaoui, A. (2019). Cours de réseaux electriques. Université Hassiba Benbouali de Chlef (UHBC). (in French)
[16]	Montoya, O. D., Gil-González, W., Arias-Londoño, A., Rajagopalan, A., & Hernández, J. C. (2020). Voltage stability analysis in medium-voltage distribution networks using a second-order cone approximation. Energies, 13(21), 5717. https://doi.org/10.3390/en13215717
[17]	Prasetya, C. A., & Sudiarto, B. (2023). The Impact of a 1.1 MWp PV Rooftop Integration in Medium Voltage Distribution Networks. International Journal of Electrical, Computer, and Biomedical Engineering, 1(1), 11-23. https://doi.org/10.62146/ijecbe.v1i1.7

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APA Style

Ngouloubi, T. L., Gomba, R., Gogom, M., Nianga-Apila, Eyandzi, A. O. (2025). Optimization of a Medium-Voltage Distribution Network via Photovoltaic Integration: A Case Study of the Liouesso MT Grid. Science Journal of Energy Engineering, 13(3), 108-119. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjee.20251303.11

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ACS Style

Ngouloubi, T. L.; Gomba, R.; Gogom, M.; Nianga-Apila; Eyandzi, A. O. Optimization of a Medium-Voltage Distribution Network via Photovoltaic Integration: A Case Study of the Liouesso MT Grid. Sci. J. Energy Eng. 2025, 13(3), 108-119. doi: 10.11648/j.sjee.20251303.11

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AMA Style

Ngouloubi TL, Gomba R, Gogom M, Nianga-Apila, Eyandzi AO. Optimization of a Medium-Voltage Distribution Network via Photovoltaic Integration: A Case Study of the Liouesso MT Grid. Sci J Energy Eng. 2025;13(3):108-119. doi: 10.11648/j.sjee.20251303.11

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@article{10.11648/j.sjee.20251303.11,
  author = {Tite Lawd Ngouloubi and Rodolphe Gomba and Mathurin Gogom and Nianga-Apila and Amos Omboua Eyandzi},
  title = {Optimization of a Medium-Voltage Distribution Network via Photovoltaic Integration: A Case Study of the Liouesso MT Grid
},
  journal = {Science Journal of Energy Engineering},
  volume = {13},
  number = {3},
  pages = {108-119},
  doi = {10.11648/j.sjee.20251303.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjee.20251303.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.sjee.20251303.11},
  abstract = {This study rigorously investigates the technical implications of integrating a 3 MW photovoltaic (PV) power plant into a real-world medium-voltage (MT) distribution network located in Liouesso, Republic of Congo. The targeted grid is characterized by a semi-urban infrastructure with limited dynamic compensation capabilities and frequent critical undervoltage conditions. Unlike many studies that rely on theoretical models or synthetic datasets, this research is grounded in actual operational measurements (load profiles, nodal voltages) and high-fidelity dynamic simulations performed using the PSAT toolbox within the MATLAB environment. Two operating scenarios are evaluated: the baseline network performance without PV injection, and a modified configuration including active solar power injection at a strategically selected node (Bus 18). The results show that such controlled integration not only improves the voltage profile eliminating undervoltages below 0.95 p.u. but also significantly reduces active line losses (by 15 to 20 %), all while complying with international power quality standards such as IEC 61000-4-30 and EN 50160. The adopted methodological approach combines topological analysis, dynamic electrotechnical modeling, and empirical data utilization, thereby offering a robust operational framework for optimal PV sizing and siting in weakly interconnected African networks. The study also highlights that these benefits are achieved without the need for costly compensation equipment such as STATCOMs or SVCs, reinforcing the economic feasibility of this solution for developing countries. Beyond its environmental merits, photovoltaic energy emerges in this context as a strategic tool for modernizing MT networks, contributing to enhanced voltage stability, improved power quality, and greater overall system resilience. This research thus provides actionable recommendations for energy planning and intelligent renewable integration strategies in African settings.
},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Optimization of a Medium-Voltage Distribution Network via Photovoltaic Integration: A Case Study of the Liouesso MT Grid

AU  - Tite Lawd Ngouloubi
AU  - Rodolphe Gomba
AU  - Mathurin Gogom
AU  - Nianga-Apila
AU  - Amos Omboua Eyandzi
Y1  - 2025/07/14
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjee.20251303.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.sjee.20251303.11
T2  - Science Journal of Energy Engineering
JF  - Science Journal of Energy Engineering
JO  - Science Journal of Energy Engineering
SP  - 108
EP  - 119
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2376-8126
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjee.20251303.11
AB  - This study rigorously investigates the technical implications of integrating a 3 MW photovoltaic (PV) power plant into a real-world medium-voltage (MT) distribution network located in Liouesso, Republic of Congo. The targeted grid is characterized by a semi-urban infrastructure with limited dynamic compensation capabilities and frequent critical undervoltage conditions. Unlike many studies that rely on theoretical models or synthetic datasets, this research is grounded in actual operational measurements (load profiles, nodal voltages) and high-fidelity dynamic simulations performed using the PSAT toolbox within the MATLAB environment. Two operating scenarios are evaluated: the baseline network performance without PV injection, and a modified configuration including active solar power injection at a strategically selected node (Bus 18). The results show that such controlled integration not only improves the voltage profile eliminating undervoltages below 0.95 p.u. but also significantly reduces active line losses (by 15 to 20 %), all while complying with international power quality standards such as IEC 61000-4-30 and EN 50160. The adopted methodological approach combines topological analysis, dynamic electrotechnical modeling, and empirical data utilization, thereby offering a robust operational framework for optimal PV sizing and siting in weakly interconnected African networks. The study also highlights that these benefits are achieved without the need for costly compensation equipment such as STATCOMs or SVCs, reinforcing the economic feasibility of this solution for developing countries. Beyond its environmental merits, photovoltaic energy emerges in this context as a strategic tool for modernizing MT networks, contributing to enhanced voltage stability, improved power quality, and greater overall system resilience. This research thus provides actionable recommendations for energy planning and intelligent renewable integration strategies in African settings.

VL  - 13
IS  - 3
ER  -

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Author Information

Tite Lawd Ngouloubi

Polytechnic Superior National School (ENSP), Marien Ngouabi University, Brazzaville, Congo

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0007-7234-141X
Rodolphe Gomba

Polytechnic Superior National School (ENSP), Marien Ngouabi University, Brazzaville, Congo

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0002-8183-5060
Mathurin Gogom

Polytechnic Superior National School (ENSP), Marien Ngouabi University, Brazzaville, Congo

Contact Email
Nianga-Apila

Polytechnic Superior National School (ENSP), Marien Ngouabi University, Brazzaville, Congo

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0007-9756-9007
Amos Omboua Eyandzi

Polytechnic Superior National School (ENSP), Marien Ngouabi University, Brazzaville, Congo

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0001-3001-8258

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APA Style

Ngouloubi, T. L., Gomba, R., Gogom, M., Nianga-Apila, Eyandzi, A. O. (2025). Optimization of a Medium-Voltage Distribution Network via Photovoltaic Integration: A Case Study of the Liouesso MT Grid. Science Journal of Energy Engineering, 13(3), 108-119. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjee.20251303.11

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ACS Style

Ngouloubi, T. L.; Gomba, R.; Gogom, M.; Nianga-Apila; Eyandzi, A. O. Optimization of a Medium-Voltage Distribution Network via Photovoltaic Integration: A Case Study of the Liouesso MT Grid. Sci. J. Energy Eng. 2025, 13(3), 108-119. doi: 10.11648/j.sjee.20251303.11

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AMA Style

Ngouloubi TL, Gomba R, Gogom M, Nianga-Apila, Eyandzi AO. Optimization of a Medium-Voltage Distribution Network via Photovoltaic Integration: A Case Study of the Liouesso MT Grid. Sci J Energy Eng. 2025;13(3):108-119. doi: 10.11648/j.sjee.20251303.11

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.sjee.20251303.11,
  author = {Tite Lawd Ngouloubi and Rodolphe Gomba and Mathurin Gogom and Nianga-Apila and Amos Omboua Eyandzi},
  title = {Optimization of a Medium-Voltage Distribution Network via Photovoltaic Integration: A Case Study of the Liouesso MT Grid
},
  journal = {Science Journal of Energy Engineering},
  volume = {13},
  number = {3},
  pages = {108-119},
  doi = {10.11648/j.sjee.20251303.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjee.20251303.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.sjee.20251303.11},
  abstract = {This study rigorously investigates the technical implications of integrating a 3 MW photovoltaic (PV) power plant into a real-world medium-voltage (MT) distribution network located in Liouesso, Republic of Congo. The targeted grid is characterized by a semi-urban infrastructure with limited dynamic compensation capabilities and frequent critical undervoltage conditions. Unlike many studies that rely on theoretical models or synthetic datasets, this research is grounded in actual operational measurements (load profiles, nodal voltages) and high-fidelity dynamic simulations performed using the PSAT toolbox within the MATLAB environment. Two operating scenarios are evaluated: the baseline network performance without PV injection, and a modified configuration including active solar power injection at a strategically selected node (Bus 18). The results show that such controlled integration not only improves the voltage profile eliminating undervoltages below 0.95 p.u. but also significantly reduces active line losses (by 15 to 20 %), all while complying with international power quality standards such as IEC 61000-4-30 and EN 50160. The adopted methodological approach combines topological analysis, dynamic electrotechnical modeling, and empirical data utilization, thereby offering a robust operational framework for optimal PV sizing and siting in weakly interconnected African networks. The study also highlights that these benefits are achieved without the need for costly compensation equipment such as STATCOMs or SVCs, reinforcing the economic feasibility of this solution for developing countries. Beyond its environmental merits, photovoltaic energy emerges in this context as a strategic tool for modernizing MT networks, contributing to enhanced voltage stability, improved power quality, and greater overall system resilience. This research thus provides actionable recommendations for energy planning and intelligent renewable integration strategies in African settings.
},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Optimization of a Medium-Voltage Distribution Network via Photovoltaic Integration: A Case Study of the Liouesso MT Grid

AU  - Tite Lawd Ngouloubi
AU  - Rodolphe Gomba
AU  - Mathurin Gogom
AU  - Nianga-Apila
AU  - Amos Omboua Eyandzi
Y1  - 2025/07/14
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjee.20251303.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.sjee.20251303.11
T2  - Science Journal of Energy Engineering
JF  - Science Journal of Energy Engineering
JO  - Science Journal of Energy Engineering
SP  - 108
EP  - 119
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2376-8126
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjee.20251303.11
AB  - This study rigorously investigates the technical implications of integrating a 3 MW photovoltaic (PV) power plant into a real-world medium-voltage (MT) distribution network located in Liouesso, Republic of Congo. The targeted grid is characterized by a semi-urban infrastructure with limited dynamic compensation capabilities and frequent critical undervoltage conditions. Unlike many studies that rely on theoretical models or synthetic datasets, this research is grounded in actual operational measurements (load profiles, nodal voltages) and high-fidelity dynamic simulations performed using the PSAT toolbox within the MATLAB environment. Two operating scenarios are evaluated: the baseline network performance without PV injection, and a modified configuration including active solar power injection at a strategically selected node (Bus 18). The results show that such controlled integration not only improves the voltage profile eliminating undervoltages below 0.95 p.u. but also significantly reduces active line losses (by 15 to 20 %), all while complying with international power quality standards such as IEC 61000-4-30 and EN 50160. The adopted methodological approach combines topological analysis, dynamic electrotechnical modeling, and empirical data utilization, thereby offering a robust operational framework for optimal PV sizing and siting in weakly interconnected African networks. The study also highlights that these benefits are achieved without the need for costly compensation equipment such as STATCOMs or SVCs, reinforcing the economic feasibility of this solution for developing countries. Beyond its environmental merits, photovoltaic energy emerges in this context as a strategic tool for modernizing MT networks, contributing to enhanced voltage stability, improved power quality, and greater overall system resilience. This research thus provides actionable recommendations for energy planning and intelligent renewable integration strategies in African settings.

VL  - 13
IS  - 3
ER  -

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