Estimation of maximum penetration level of grid connected Solar Photovoltaic system in distribution network

Abstract

Solar Photovoltaic Generation (SPVG) system is one of the key strategies to meet the growing energy demand. Advantages from SPVG can be enhanced if they are optimally sized, located and configured in the system. The contribution of solar energy is gradually increasing in modern power systems, in terms of absolute value and in terms of share in total energy. However, the trade-off between the share of non-renewable energy in the system and associated power quality issues is to be optimized in order to propose a pragmatic policy for renewable energy integration. Therefore, it emerges imperative for the network planners to determine Maximum Penetration Level (MPL) of SPVG system. Identifying MPL is crucial for system planners and network operators to keep the system parameters within the acceptable limits. This thesis provides a systematic and extensive procedure for evaluation of MPL of SPVG, and its enhancement methods in distribution systems, keeping the power quality within acceptable limits. More specifically, it illustrates a novel algorithm for fixing the penetration cap of SPVG. As an initial step, the methodology derives a new stability index for locating SPVGs in the system, including both active and reactive power support from SPVGs. Various interconnecting points of SPVGs in the test systems are fixed through a novel and analytically derived index value - Improved Power Stability Index (IPSI) - in a deterministic scheme.