Behavioural Study of a Remote Power System with High PV Penetration During a State of Emergency

Abstract

Due to weak nature, off-grid power system (remote and industrial) integrated with high penetration of solar PV systems encounters several technical challenges during its regular operation. These challenges exaggerate in case of any emergency caused by any malfunction, natural disaster or any other obstruction and hence, threaten the system stability and resiliency, if not appropriately managed. For example, any unanticipated emergency event may cause a forced and rapid halt of production in industries and create generation-load imbalance and stability issues. Remote off-grid power systems comprising of a high level of solar PV penetration and industrial loads may face severe disturbance which could eventually lead to a system collapse if the contingencies are not planned appropriately during the planning phase. This study looks into proposing a step by step methodology that confronts a few likely contingencies in a remote off-grid industrial system with a high level of PV penetration. Findings show that appropriate planning of PV systems considering its hosting capacity can ensure grid-code compatible and stable operation despite abrupt disturbances across the power system.