Reducing Voltage Volatility with Step Voltage Regulators: A Life-Cycle Cost Analysis of Korean Solar Photovoltaic Distributed Generation

To meet the United Nation’s sustainable development energy goal, the Korean Ministry of Commerce announced they would increase renewable energy generation to 5.3% by 2029. These energy sources are often produced in small-scale power plants located close to the end users, known as distributed generation (DG). The use of DG is an excellent way to reduce greenhouse gases but has also been found to reduce power quality and safety reliability through an increase in voltage volatility. This paper performs a life-cycle cost analysis on the use of step voltage regulators (SVR) to reduce said volatility, simulating the impact they have on existing Korean solar photovoltaic (PV) DG. From the data collected on a Korean Electrical Power Corporation 30 km/8.2 megawatts (MW) feeder system, SVRs were found to increase earnings by one million USD. SVR volatile voltage mitigation increased expected earnings by increasing the estimated allowable PV power generation by 2.7 MW. While this study is based on Korean PV power generation, its findings are applicable to any DG sources worldwide.11Nsciescopu

Ancillary Services in Hybrid AC/DC Low Voltage Distribution Networks

In the last decade, distribution systems are experiencing a drastic transformation with the advent of new technologies. In fact, distribution networks are no longer passive systems, considering the current integration rates of new agents such as distributed generation, electrical vehicles and energy storage, which are greatly influencing the way these systems are operated. In addition, the intrinsic DC nature of these components, interfaced to the AC system through power electronics converters, is unlocking the possibility for new distribution topologies based on AC/DC networks. This paper analyzes the evolution of AC distribution systems, the advantages of AC/DC hybrid arrangements and the active role that the new distributed agents may play in the upcoming decarbonized paradigm by providing different ancillary services.Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad ENE2017-84813-RUnión Europea (Programa Horizonte 2020) 76409

Voltage Rise Problem in Distribution Networks with Distributed Generation: A Review of Technologies, Impact and Mitigation Approaches

Energy demand has constantly been on the rise due to aggressive industrialization and civilization. This rise in energy demand results in the massive penetration of distributed generation (DG) in the distribution network (DN) which has been a holistic approach to enhance the capacity of distribution networks. However, this has led to a number of issues in the low voltage network, one of which is the voltage rise problem. This happens when generation exceeds demand thereby causing reverse power flow and consequently leading to overvoltage. A number of methods have been discussed in the literature to overcome this challenge ranging from network augmentation to active management of the distribution networks. This paper discusses the issue of voltage rise problem and its impact on distribution networks with high amounts of distributed energy resources (DERs). It presents different DG technologies such as those based on conventional and unconventional resources and other DERs such as battery storage systems and fuel cells. The study provides a comprehensive overview of approaches employed to curtail the issue of voltage increase at the point of common coupling (PCC), which includes strategies based on the network reinforcement methodology and the active distribution network management. A techno-economic comparison is then introduced in the paper to ascertain the similarities and dissimilarities of different mitigation approaches based on the technology involved, ease of deployment, cost implication, and their pros and cons. The paper provides insights into directions for future research in mitigating the impact of voltage rise presented by grid-connected DGs without limiting their increased penetration in the existing power grid

PRZEGLĄD METOD REGULACJI NAPIĘCIA W SIECIACH ELEKTROENERGETYCZNYCH NISKIEGO NAPIĘCIA Z DUŻYM UDZIAŁEM GENERACJI ROZPROSZONEJ

Deterioration of voltage conditions is one of the frequent consequences of connecting an increasing number of photovoltaic sources to the low-voltage (LV) power grid. Under adverse conditions, i.e. low energy consumption and high insolation, microgeneration can cause voltage surges that violate acceptable limits. Research shows that the increase in voltage is the main limitation for connecting new energy microsources to the LV network and forces the reconstruction of the network. An alternative to costly modernizations can be the implementation of appropriate strategies for controlling network operation to maintain the voltage at the required level. The article presents an overview of the methods and concepts of voltage control in a low-voltage network developed so far to mitigate the undesirable phenomenon of voltage boosting. The focus was mainly on local methods—not requiring communication infrastructure—as best suited to the conditions of Polish distribution networks. Gathering the results of many tests and simulations carried out in different conditions and on different models allowed for the formulation of general conclusions and can be a starting point for further research on a control method that can be widely used in the national power system.Jedną z częstych konsekwencji przyłączania do sieci elektroenergetycznej niskiego napięcia (nn) coraz większej liczby źródeł fotowoltaicznych jest pogorszenie warunków napięciowych. W niesprzyjających warunkach – przy niskim poborze energii i wysokim nasłonecznieniu – mikrogeneracja może powodować podskoki napięcia przekraczające dopuszczalne granice. Badania pokazują, że wzrost napięcia stanowi podstawowe ograniczenie dla przyłączania nowych mikroźródeł energii do sieci nn i wymusza przebudowę sieci. Alternatywą dla kosztownych modernizacji może być wdrożenie odpowiednich strategii sterowania pracą sieci pozwalających utrzymać napięcie na wymaganym poziomie. W artykule zaprezentowano przegląd opracowanych dotychczas metod i koncepcji regulacji napięcia w sieci nn mających na celu opanowanie niepożądanego zjawiska podbicia napięcia. Skupiono się głównie na metodach lokalnych – nie wymagających do prawidłowego działania infrastruktury komunikacyjnej – jako najlepiej przystosowanych do warunków polskich sieci dystrybucyjnych. Zebranie wyników badań i symulacji, przeprowadzonych przy różnych założeniach i na różnych modelach, pozwoliło na sformułowanie ogólnych wniosków i może stanowić punkt wyjścia do dalszych badań nad metodą sterowania mogącą znaleźć szerokie zastosowanie w krajowym systemie elektroenergetycznym

Efficient Control of Active Transformers for Increasing the PV Hosting Capacity of LV Grids

The increased penetration of grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems in low-voltage (LV) grids creates concerns about overvoltage in these grids. The proposed methods to prevent overvoltage, such as reactive power absorption by PV inverters and active power management of customers, focus on decreasing the voltage rise along LV feeders, and the potential of active medium-voltage to low-voltage (MV/LV) transformers for overvoltage prevention has not been thoroughly investigated. This paper presents the application of active MV/LV transformers for increasing the PV hosting capacity of LV grids. The potential interferences between the operation of active transformers and the reactive power absorption by PV inverters are investigated, and a voltage droop control approach is proposed for the efficient control of these transformers during high PV generation periods. The proposed method can potentially increase the PV hosting capacity of the grid, while eliminating the need for a complex and centralized controller. The voltages of specific locations or the grid state estimations provide adequate data for adjustments of the droop parameters. The simulations and field test results associated with the implementation of the proposed method to a newly developed active LV grid with high PV penetration in Felsberg, Germany, confirm the efficiency of the proposed method

Impact of distributed generation on protection and voltage regulation of distribution systems : a review

During recent decades with the power system restructuring process, centralized energy sources are being replaced with decentralized ones. This phenomenon has resulted in a novel concept in electric power systems, particularly in distribution systems, known as Distributed Generation (DG). On one hand, utilizing DG is important for secure power generation and reducing power losses. On the other hand, widespread use of such technologies introduces new challenges to power systems such as their optimal location, protection devices' settings, voltage regulation, and Power Quality (PQ) issues. Another key point which needs to be considered relates to specific DG technologies based on Renewable Energy Sources (RESs), such as wind and solar, due to their uncertain power generation. In this regard, this paper provides a comprehensive review of different types of DG and investigates the newly emerging challenges arising in the presence of DG in electrical grids.fi=vertaisarvioitu|en=peerReviewed

Voltage Control in Low-Voltage Grids Using Distributed Photovoltaic Converters and Centralized Devices

This paper studies the application of distributed and centralized solutions for voltage control in low voltage (LV) grids with high photovoltaic (PV) penetration. In traditional LV grids, the coordination of distributed PV converters and a centralized device would require massive investments in new communication and control infrastructures. The alternative of exploiting distributed PV converters for voltage control is discussed, showing that it can help to stabilize the voltage in the grid connection points also without coordination between them and/or with a centralized unit. The goal of this paper is to investigate how the setup of the voltage controllers inside PV inverters affects the operation of these controllers taking into account the limits for reactive power injection. In addition, the interaction of distributed PV converters with centralized devices (static var compensators and on load tap changers) is analyzed to assess whether additional benefits may come in these cases

An assessment of high distributed PV generation on eThekwini electricity distribution network.

Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Small-scale Distributed Photovoltaic Generation (DPVG) continues to grow with increasing operational challenges for electricity utilities and Distribution Network (DN) operators. In Low Voltage (LV) DNs, there are well researched potential issues that arise with high Photovoltaic (PV) penetration. These include: feeder voltage rise, voltage fluctuations and reverse power flow. Among these, the most important issue is voltage rise at the LV distribution feeder. In a broader perspective, to this point in time, there has not been more detailed research on small-scale DPVG interconnections in the LV networks in South Africa (SA) and in the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) region. There is a great need for research in this field for ensuring network efficiency, reliability and future regulatory standards. Other network systems have been studied around the world were conditions, environment, network characteristics and electricity customer loads will be different; e.g in the North-West of England, Germany, and Queensland, Australia. Hence, the main objective of this research study is to analyze the mentioned problems, identify and test the appropriate mitigation solutions, in the event of high DPVG. This study was carried out on a typical SAn LV DN model, which represents an existing housing development estate at eThekwini Municipality. Consequently the aim is to identify solutions suitable for networks in SAn or of similar architect and characteristics. As a result, a specific application is undertaken at the KZN region, which is also representative of network characteristics of SAn networks. A voltage rise, voltage fluctuation and network power loss issues were analyzed at different PV penetration levels and varying customer loads. An innovative approach of utilization of a standard central On-Load-Tap-Change (Off-LTC) transformer for voltage regulation with high DPVG was tested. Usage of this technique has not been reported in the literature to date. National standards in SA were used as a basic guide in this study and stated the possibility of grid voltage control of distributed PV inverters. Assessment of the typical LV network showed that there is indeed voltage rise and hence possible voltage fluctuation, when PV system output power varies. The Off-LTC transformer was able to maintain network voltages within the allowed operational range and reduced the magnitude of voltage rise. This implies that there is a possibility of avoiding expensive upgrades of the existing and widespread Off-LTC transformers technology