Study of Power Quality at the Point of Common Coupling of a Low Voltage Grid and a Distributed Generation System of 7.8 kWp in a Tropical Region

Agustín Granja,Teófilo De Souza,Daniel Santos,Pedro Sobrinho

doi:10.3390/en11061539

Agustín Granja, Teófilo De Souza + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/en11061539

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Abstract

In this paper we analyze an experimental 1000 kWh/month distributed generation system in a tropical region connected to a point of common coupling in a low voltage grid that was characterized according to NTC 5001. This photovoltaic system has 7.8 kWp and uses 30 polycrystalline silicon-panels of 260 Wp each. Its maximum energy produced was 850 kWh/month, equivalent to 72.65% of the installed capacity. Finally, there was an increase of 2% with respect to the minimum voltage value that was recorded. The voltage unbalance decreases between 3.5 and 70% and voltage harmonics in each line increased by 7% on line U1, 0.8% on U2, 3% on U3 and current harmonics have a 22% increase. Likewise, the total active and reactive power were increased by 58% and 42% respectively, and the thermography study allowed to establish a temperature increase at the point of common coupling of 7.5%. Therefore, it is expected that this paper can serve as a reference for the application of Colombian law 1715 in solar energy.

Highlights

In response to the increase in energy demand and environmental restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions around the world, attention is focused on renewable energy sources
The total active and reactive power were increased by 58% and 42% after the photovoltaic system started operating (Tables 9 and 10)
A study of a photovoltaic system of 7.8 kWp connected to the low voltage electrical grid belonging to the Universidad de Ibagué Colombia, from February to August 2016, determining its performance parameters and the energy quality at the common point of connection, is reported

Summary

Introduction

In response to the increase in energy demand and environmental restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions around the world, attention is focused on renewable energy sources. Solar energy is considered an unlimited resource, so it could contribute to reduce the use of fossil fuels and their negative impacts It is considered more environmentally-friendly [1], safer, noise-free and easy to install [2]. The PV industry and the market have grown rapidly in recent years, the main reason being the reduction of the generation costs and government policies that promote the introduction of PV systems connected to the grid This growth has not been followed by developments in the field of failure diagnosis, monitoring and detection in PV systems, in power outputs smaller than 25 kWp [5], a procedure that allows one to establish the state of a PV installation, the efficiency with which it is operating, as well as its behavior against climatic variables, such as ambient temperature, solar radiation and wind speed

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