Abstract
This paper evaluates the potential of Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park (QASP), Pakistan and examines its impact on distribution networks. To estimate the PV plant yields, solar park’s historical hourly weather data from the years 2000 - 2014 is used. For handling of such huge data, the yearly data is partitioned into four seasons. Further, the seasonal data is modelled by using Beta Probability Density Function (PDF) and a 24 hour solar curve for each season is generated. The solar farm power outputs are tested in IEEE 33 bus distribution network by using time-varying seasonal hourly loads, meanwhile system losses and bus voltages are calculated. The results show that with the passage of time, the impact of solar PV power on reduction of system losses gradually decrease due to yearly degradation of PV module efficiency. System losses at end of PV farm life are 10 - 12% higher than those losses as in the first year. Furthermore, low voltage buses also pose to risk as system voltages also start to decrease. From the analysis, it is suggested that for maintaining the quality of network, time varying detailed assessments should be performed during the calculations of sizing of distributed generation.
Highlights
Renewable energy has been considered as a key solution for producing electricity in coming years
It is suggested that for maintaining the quality of network, time varying detailed assessments should be performed during the calculations of sizing of distributed generation
The real energy losses of the peak loaded hour during the 25th year are ranging between 136 kW to 193 kW, this shows that by the passage of time, the impact of solar PV power on reduction of system losses will gradually decrease due to lower PV outputs
Summary
Renewable energy has been considered as a key solution for producing electricity in coming years. Various renewable energy technologies such as large wind farms, biomass, solar photovoltaic and thermal plants and hydroelectric power plants, are emerging and are widely available ranging from small to large scale in megawatt sizes. Research shows that installation of renewable energy sourced Distributed Generations (DGs) into grid without planning may worsen the power quality rather than giving benefits to distribution networks. The country is inviting investors to invest in developing power plants by using Renewable Energy Sources (RES) and in that regards, competitive tariffs for wind farms and solar PV plants have been advertised publically [9]. The preliminary site assessment results submitted for this solar farm to National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) are provided in Error! Impacts of solar PV farm on distributed network due to varying demand and varying power outputs, are undetermined
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