Observed behavior of distributed photovoltaic systems during major voltage disturbances and implications for power system security

Naomi Stringer, Navid Haghdadi, Anna Bruce, Jenny. Riesz and Iain MacGill

Applied Energy, 2020, vol. 260, issue C, No S0306261919319701

Abstract: As distributed photovoltaics (PV) levels increase around the world, it is becoming apparent that the aggregate behavior of many small-scale PV systems during major power system disturbances may pose a significant system security threat if unmanaged. Alternatively, appropriate coordination of these systems might greatly assist in managing such disturbances. A key issue is PV behavior under extreme voltage events. PV connection standards typically specify aspects of inverter voltage behavior. However unresolved questions remain regarding compliance, ambiguity and transition between versions of these standards. In addition, how major voltage disturbances manifest in the low voltage network is complex, and analysis of operational system data could be particularly useful for establishing the behavior of distributed PV in the field. Our study utilizes 30 s operational PV generation data from 376 sites during two major voltage disturbances in Australia. Australia has one of the highest penetrations of distributed PV worldwide, and as such provides a useful case study. Results show that an aggregate ~30–40% reduction in distributed PV generation occurred during these events, but individual inverter behavior varied markedly. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time the aggregate response of distributed small-scale PV to voltage disturbances originating in the transmission system has been demonstrated. Four novel techniques for analyzing events are proposed. Results show a potential increase in system security service requirements as distributed PV penetrations grow. Our findings would seem to have major implications for development of composite load models used by power system operators and for contingency management.

Keywords: Distributed PV; Power system security; Voltage disturbance; Operational data; Voltage response (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2019.114283

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