Mitigation of rapid voltage variations caused by passing clouds in distribution networks with solar PV using energy storage

Authors

Md Jan E AlamFollow
Kashem M. Muttaqi, University of WollongongFollow
Danny Sutanto, University of WollongongFollow

RIS ID

98699

Publication Details

M. J. E. Alam, K. M. Muttaqi & D. Sutanto, "Mitigation of rapid voltage variations caused by passing clouds in distribution networks with solar PV using energy storage," in 8th International Conference on Electrical and Computer Engineering: Advancing Technology for a Better Tomorrow, ICECE 2014, 2014, pp. 305-308.

Abstract

Passing clouds can create unacceptable rapid voltage variations in weak distribution networks with a significant solar PV penetration. This paper investigates the benefit of a PV inverter ramp-rate control strategy using battery energy storage for the mitigation of rapid voltage variations. By controlling the discharging/charging operation of the energy storage appropriately, not only the inverter ramp-rate can be maintained at a desired level, but also the voltage variations can be controlled within acceptable limits. Results, from simulation using a real Australian distribution feeder with real load demand and PV output profile, show that with a high penetration of PV, the voltage variations can increase beyond the allowable limit stipulated by the IEC 61000-2-2 standards. However, with the proposed ramp-rate control, the variation can be maintained well below the limits.