Logo
ScienceStack
Table of Contents
Fetching ...
Sign In

Emerging Challenges of Integrating Solar PV in the Ireland and Northern Ireland Power Systems

Taulant Kerci, Manuel Hurtado, Simon Tweed, Marta Val Escudero, Eoin Kennedy, Federico Milano

TL;DR

This study investigates the operational challenges associated with solar PV integration in the All-Island Power System using actual SCADA data. It analyzes four aspects—dispatch down, long-term frequency deviations, voltage magnitude variations, and minimum operational demand—to quantify PV’s impact despite its still comparatively low penetration relative to wind. The analysis combines case-study observations with a Pearson correlation assessment across multiple data resolutions to characterize PV’s contribution to frequency dynamics and voltage issues. The findings motivate continued TSO actions, including SOEF updates, dynamic network strategies, and storage or curtailment as fallback options, to enable higher PV shares while maintaining security and reliability.

Abstract

This paper discusses emerging operational challenges associated with the integration of solar photovoltaic (PV) in the All-Island power system (AIPS) of Ireland and Northern Ireland. These include the impact of solar PV on: (i) dispatch down levels; (ii) long-term frequency deviations; (iii) voltage magnitude variations; and (iv) operational demand variations. A case study based on actual data from the AIPS is used to analyze the above challenges. It is shown that despite its (still) relatively low penetration compared to wind power penetration, solar PV is challenging the real-time operation of the AIPS, e.g., maintaining frequency within operational limits. EirGrid and SONI, the transmission system operators (TSOs) of the AIPS, are working toward addressing all the above challenges.

Emerging Challenges of Integrating Solar PV in the Ireland and Northern Ireland Power Systems

TL;DR

This study investigates the operational challenges associated with solar PV integration in the All-Island Power System using actual SCADA data. It analyzes four aspects—dispatch down, long-term frequency deviations, voltage magnitude variations, and minimum operational demand—to quantify PV’s impact despite its still comparatively low penetration relative to wind. The analysis combines case-study observations with a Pearson correlation assessment across multiple data resolutions to characterize PV’s contribution to frequency dynamics and voltage issues. The findings motivate continued TSO actions, including SOEF updates, dynamic network strategies, and storage or curtailment as fallback options, to enable higher PV shares while maintaining security and reliability.

Abstract

This paper discusses emerging operational challenges associated with the integration of solar photovoltaic (PV) in the All-Island power system (AIPS) of Ireland and Northern Ireland. These include the impact of solar PV on: (i) dispatch down levels; (ii) long-term frequency deviations; (iii) voltage magnitude variations; and (iv) operational demand variations. A case study based on actual data from the AIPS is used to analyze the above challenges. It is shown that despite its (still) relatively low penetration compared to wind power penetration, solar PV is challenging the real-time operation of the AIPS, e.g., maintaining frequency within operational limits. EirGrid and SONI, the transmission system operators (TSOs) of the AIPS, are working toward addressing all the above challenges.
Paper Structure (13 sections, 3 equations, 6 figures, 6 tables)

This paper contains 13 sections, 3 equations, 6 figures, 6 tables.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Motivation
  3. Literature Review
  4. Contributions
  5. Paper Organization
  6. Background on the All-Island Power System
  7. Case Study
  8. Dispatch Down
  9. Impact on Frequency Quality
  10. Pearson’s correlation coefficient
  11. Impact on Voltage Magnitude Variations
  12. Impact on Minimum Operational Demand
  13. Conclusions

Figures (6)

  • Figure 1: Typical daily solar PV and wind power profiles in the AIPS.
  • Figure 2: Solar PV dispatch down over the recent years in NI.
  • Figure 3: Frequency and solar PV traces for two relevant hours in the AIPS.
  • Figure 4: Daily reactive power and voltage profiles for a relevant solar PV plant.
  • Figure 5: Daily active power profile for a relevant solar PV plant.
  • ...and 1 more figures