Proposal for an aggregated solar PV power plant simulation model for grid code compliance

Abstract

• Evaluation of the most recent Spanish grid code requirements. • A new tool to speed up the commissioning of new solar PV power plants is presented. • The accuracy of the aggregated PV power plant dynamic model proposed is demonstrated. • The aggregated model is shown to be ten times faster than the detailed equivalent. • The aggregated solar PV power plant simulation model approved by the Spanish TSO. Renewable energy and, in particular, solar PV power, will play a crucial role in achieving net-zero emissions scenarios over the coming decades. Increasing the share of renewables in countries’ energy mixes is therefore a major challenge that must be urgently addressed. Within this context, the present work proposes an innovative tool that may accelerate the commissioning process of new solar PV power plants, in the form of an aggregated simulation model to assess a power plant's responses under the technical requirements established in the Spanish grid code. Our analyses, based on the comparison of the proposed model with a detailed model -both representing the same installation, show, from a quantitative and qualitative viewpoint, the accuracy and usefulness of the dynamic simulation model proposed. The aggregated model is shown to be ten times faster than the detailed equivalent, while the errors encountered in the simulation responses of both models are below 0.1% in all cases. It must also be noted that the present paper has allowed for the introduction, in the most recent version of the Spanish grid code and following approval of the Spanish Transmission System Operator (TSO), Red Eléctrica de España (REE), of this new and advantageous PV power plant model. Finally, it is worth mentioning that this study could form the basis for encouraging other countries to also adopt this model in their grid codes as a new tool to help integrate PV power into power grids.