ANALYSIS SUPPLY QUALITY IN A DISTRIBUTION NETWORK WITH DISTRIBUTED PHOTOVOLTAIC GENERATION

Abstract

ABSTRACT The electrical system must adapt to the addition of distributed generation nodes in the networks. These generation nodes could influence the electric power quality and may affect the operation of the distribution networks. Grid connected photovoltaic (PV) systems are a good example of the increase of distributed generation. The impact of a PV plant in power quality parameters of a rural distribution network is shown in this paper. The characteristics of the PV plant and distribution network are listed and also the equipment used to carry out the measurements. Power quality parameters measured at the beginning of the grid are analyzed before and after to the PV plant connection. The voltages and currents waveforms are compared in both situations. Power quality parameters measured at the point of common coupling (PCC) of the grid and PV plant are shown and also the currents waveforms of PV inverters. The measures carried out on the grid show the influence of PV plant in the power quality of the distribution network. PV plants have introduced operational particularities in the networks that have to be considered for future PV grid connected regulation.