Impact Study: Photo-voltaic Distributed Generation on Power System

Abstract: The grid-connected photo-voltaic (PV) system is one of the most promising renewable energy solutions which offers many benefits to both the end user and the utility network and thus it has gained the popularity over the last few decades. However, due to the very nature of its invariability and weather dependencies, the large scale integration of this type of distributed generation has created challenges for the network operator while maintaining the quality of the power supply and also for reliable and safe operations of the grids. In this study, the behavioral impact of large scale PV system integration which are both steady and dynamic in nature was studied.  An aggregate PV model suited to study the impacts was built using MATLAB/Simulink.  The integration impacts of PV power to existing grids were studied with focus on the low voltage residential distribution grids of Mälarenergi Elnät AB (10/0.4 kV). The steady state impacts were related to voltage profile, network loss. It was found that the PV generation at the load end undisputedly improves the voltage profile of the grid especially for the load buses which are situated at farther end of the grid. Further, with regard to the overvoltage issue, which is generally a concern during the low load demand period it was concluded that, at a 50% PV penetration level, the voltage level for the load buses is within the limit of 103% as prescribed by the regulator excepting for few load buses. The voltage level for load buses which deviate from the regulatory requirement are located at distance of 1200 meter or further away from the substation. The dynamic impact studied were for voltage unbalancing in the grid, which was found to have greater impact at the load buses which is located farther compared to a bus located nearer to the substation. With respect to impact study related to introduction of harmonics to the grid due to PV system integration, it was found that amount of harmonic content which was measured as total harmonic distortion (THD) multiplies with integration of more number of PV system. For a 50 % penetration level of PV, the introduced harmonics into the representative network is very minimal. Also, it was observed from the simulation study that THD content are be less when the grid operates at low load condition with high solar irradiance compared to lower irradiance and high load condition.