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Impact and Integration of Mini Photovoltaic Systems on Electric Power Distribution Grids

Gökhan Demirel, Simon Grafenhorst, Kevin Förderer, Veit Hagenmeyer

Abstract

This work analyzes the impact of varying concentrations mini-photovoltaic (MPV) systems, often referred to as balcony power plants, on the stability and control of the low-voltage (LV) grid. By local energy use and potentially reversing meter operation, we focus on how these MPV systems transform grid dynamics and elucidate consumer participation in the energy transition. We scrutinize the effects of these systems on power quality, power loss, transformer loading, and the functioning of other inverter-based voltage-regulating distributed energy resources (DER). Owing to the rise in renewable output from MPVs, the emerging bidirectional energy flow poses challenges for distribution grids abundant with DERs. Our case studies, featuring sensitivity analysis and comparison of distributed and decentralized DER control strategies, highlight that autonomous inverters are essential for providing ancillary services. With the growing use of battery energy storage (BES) systems in LV grids for these services, the need for adaptable DER control strategies becomes increasingly evident.

Impact and Integration of Mini Photovoltaic Systems on Electric Power Distribution Grids

Abstract

This work analyzes the impact of varying concentrations mini-photovoltaic (MPV) systems, often referred to as balcony power plants, on the stability and control of the low-voltage (LV) grid. By local energy use and potentially reversing meter operation, we focus on how these MPV systems transform grid dynamics and elucidate consumer participation in the energy transition. We scrutinize the effects of these systems on power quality, power loss, transformer loading, and the functioning of other inverter-based voltage-regulating distributed energy resources (DER). Owing to the rise in renewable output from MPVs, the emerging bidirectional energy flow poses challenges for distribution grids abundant with DERs. Our case studies, featuring sensitivity analysis and comparison of distributed and decentralized DER control strategies, highlight that autonomous inverters are essential for providing ancillary services. With the growing use of battery energy storage (BES) systems in LV grids for these services, the need for adaptable DER control strategies becomes increasingly evident.
Paper Structure (28 sections, 19 equations, 6 figures, 1 table)

This paper contains 28 sections, 19 equations, 6 figures, 1 table.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Related Work
  3. Background
  4. Regulatory Framework
  5. System Architecture
  6. Active Voltage Control Problem
  7. Regulatory Control Constraints
  8. Electrical System Environment
  9. System Model with Uncertainty
  10. Influence of the Configurable Rates
  11. $\alpha-Characteristic$: Penetration of Systems
  12. $\beta-Characteristic$: Concentration of Systems
  13. Control Strategies for DER Systems
  14. Reactive Power and Voltage Control for
  15. $-Control$: Reactive Power-Voltage Characteristic
  16. ...and 13 more sections

Figures (6)

  • Figure 1: Illustration of the European Power System showing interactions and connections via transformers between the transmission grid, inclusive of extra high voltage, the distribution grid, comprising high-voltage (indicated in red), medium-voltage (shown in yellow), and (represented in black). Power absorption is depicted in red arrows, while power injection into the higher and lower levels is indicated with green arrows.
  • Figure 2: Equivalent circuit in a radial electrical distribution system including Loads, s, s, and s.
  • Figure 3: distribution grid segmented into four feeder control zones extending from the feeder end-terminal to the substation. Blue circles mark each bus. Buses 0-4 indicate the main connections between the substation and the external grid.
  • Figure 4: Illustration of the influence of integrating s into grids using four solar cell capacities: subfigure (a) 800 W, (b) 1200 W, (c) 1600 W, and (d) 2000 W. Each subfigure shows the interaction between the concentration rate and performance metrics for three different levels of inverter apparent power: 600 W, 800 W, and 1000 W.
  • Figure 5: Reactive power generation and voltage variation performance in the distribution grid using the different methods on a summer day.
  • ...and 1 more figures