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Abstract
Photovoltaic (PV) generation systems have been increasingly used to generate electricity from renewable sources, attracting a growing interest. Recently, grid connected PV micro-generation facilities in individual homes have increased due to governmental policies as well as greater attention by industry. As low voltage (LV) distribution systems were built to make energy flow in one direction, the power feed-in of PV generation in rural low-voltage grids can influence power quality (PQ) as well as facility operation and reliability. This paper presents results on PQ analysis of a real PV generation facility connected to a rural low-voltage grid. Voltage fluctuations and voltage harmonic contents were observed. Statistical analysis shows a negative impact on PQ produced by this PV facility and also that only a small fraction of the energy available during a sunny day is converted, provoking losses of revenue and forcing the converter to work in an undesirable operating mode. We discuss the disturbances imposed upon the grid and their outcome regarding technical and economic viability of the PV system, as well as possible solutions. A low-voltage grid strengthening has been suggested and implemented. After that a new PQ analysis shows an improvement in the impact upon PQ, making this facility economically viable.
Highlights
Fluctuation in fossil fuel prices, their shortage and an increasing concern with global warming have fostered a new decentralized mode of energy generation—distributed generation (DG)—which is becoming increasingly attractive
The integration of DG in grids with renewable energy (RE) systems leads to energy efficiency and a reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and offers voltage support, diversification of power sources, reduction in transmission and distribution losses, and improvement of reliability [1]
This paper presents power quality (PQ) analysis results for a real rural grid-connected PV system for energy generation
Summary
Fluctuation in fossil fuel prices, their shortage and an increasing concern with global warming have fostered a new decentralized mode of energy generation—distributed generation (DG)—which is becoming increasingly attractive. The recent growing interest in RE generation, especially front-end inverter-based large-scale photovoltaic (PV) and wind systems, has imposed new challenges to accommodate these sources into the existing transmission/distribution systems, while keeping power quality (PQ) indices within acceptable limits [2]. Electric power systems are characterized by centralized generation and are designed for energy to flow in one direction, from transformer plants to each feeder. The increasing number of devices connected to the existing grids raises concerns about PQ, as the energy starts to flow in both directions [3]. The injection of harmonics or excessive neutral currents cause low efficiency and poor power factor, decreasing the energy PQ [4]. They can cause disturbances to other consumers. PQ of medium to low voltage (LV) power distribution
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