Activities on Solar Photovoltaics and Real Time Simulation in the Smart Grid and Interoperability Laboratory of the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission: "Smart Grid Simulation" Traineeship Report

Abstract

This technical report aims to investigate the upper limit of single phase (1Φ) PV power connection (kWp) the low voltage (LV) electricity distribution system and the single phase (1Φ) contracted power (kVA) levels in member states of the EU. One of the key goals during the process of writing this report was to minimize the extent of the provided information with a simultaneous maximization of its efficacy for the end user. The sources used for the creation of this report are all properly referenced in the respective section of this work. Tables summarizing the current state for the upper limit of PV power connection (kWp) to the low voltage (LV) electricity distribution system in the EU are provided. Bar charts visualizing the single phase (1Φ) contracted power (kVA) levels in the EU member states are also provided. Additionally, in order to create a macroscopic view of the situation regarding the upper limits of the single phase (1Φ) PV power (kWp) connection to the low voltage (LV) electricity distribution system and the single phase (1Φ) contracted power (kVA) levels for the EU Member States, a bar chart and a coloured map, summarizing and visualizing the findings of the research that took place for the needs of this traineeship, are provided too. The significant importance of the website RES LEGAL [1] (Legal sources on Renewable Energy), an initiative of the European Commission, has to be acknowledged. The information provided in the website of RES LEGAL acted as an important starting point during the process of searching the relevant legislative documents of DSOs regarding the situation for single phase (1Φ) RES penetration (kWp) and single phase (1Φ) contracted power (kVA) levels in the EU member states. The ratio of installed single phase (1Φ) PV capacity (kWp) over the single phase (1Φ) contracted power (kVA) of a consumer is of importance when planning the penetration of RES to the electricity distribution system in the member states of the EU. For the majority of the member states this ratio is explicitly stated in relevant legislative documents. In case of lack of explicit definition of a coefficient that relates maximum allowable RES power injection (kWp) with contracted power (kVA) levels at the consumption side, this ratio can be calculated. In the following pages the reader will find relevant information, with respect to the goals of this literature review, for the member states of the EU. Additionally, work conducted in the laboratory including my involvement with the Elgar TerraSAS ETS 1000 PV Simulator hardware and software tools as well as the simulation of simple power system circuits in the Real Time Digital Simulator (RTDS Technologies) are also presented in respective chapters of this report. The tools that have been used for the realization of this report were Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Google Search, Google Translate, Map Chart, Elgar TerraSAS PV Simulator Software, RSCAD (software environment for creating power system models to be simulated in the RTDS hardware environment).JRC.C.3-Energy Security, Distribution and Market