Automatic Power Factor Controller in Low Voltage Residential Distribution System with High Solar Power Generation

Abstract

Solar PV installations are increasing in the distribution system at houses, industries, schools, and markets, to support environmental concern and to reduce the electricity bills. The high voltage rise problem is common during solar generation is higher than load demand, where solar power penetration is high. Automatic power factor controller (APFC) is used to decide the capacitor steps of the capacitor bank, such that the unity power factor is maintained at the grid connection.This paper analyses the working of APFC in low voltage distribution system (LVDS) with high solar penetration. The condition is found when connected capacitors should be shed, and the coordination between APFC, solar inverter reactive power control and solar inverter active power curtailment are examined to manage the high voltage rise problem.