What Is a Distribution Network and Its Relation to Distributed PV?

A distribution network is an electric power network that receives electricity from the transmission grid or regional power plants and distributes it locally or step by step by voltage level to various users through distribution facilities. It mainly consists of overhead lines, cables, poles and towers, distribution transformers, disconnectors, reactive power compensation capacitors, metering devices and some auxiliary facilities. It is generally designed in a closed-loop configuration but operated open-loop, with a radial structure.

The connection of distributed generation to the distribution network makes generation and consumption coexist in the distribution system. The distribution network structure changes from a radial structure to a multi-source structure, and the magnitude, direction and distribution characteristics of short-circuit currents all change.