Analysis of large scale photovoltaic power system integration into the existing utility grid using PSAT

Abstract

When alternative power sources are connected to the utility grid the core characteristics of the system are changed. This fact is especially true for intermittent, volatile power sources such as photovoltaic (PV) systems. In recent years, PV power systems have become increasingly cost competitive leading to greater penetrations of both large and small scale PV systems. The large scale integration of PV power systems into the existing utility grid may have significant - and potentially negative - impacts on the power flow, power quality, and overall stability of the system. This paper analyzes the impacts of connecting a large scale photovoltaic power source to the existing utility grid using the MATLAB based Power System Analysis Toolbox (PSAT). This paper reveals a solid method for analyzing the effects a large scale PV system can have on the stability of the power grid and the results of this analysis reveal the potentially harmful effects of integrating such a system into the existing grid.