PV Reactive Power Impact on MV Distribution Grid Operating Conditions - Case Study

Abstract

This paper presents a study on photovoltaic reactive power impact on energy loss and voltage profiles in the medium-voltage distribution grid. The concern of contradiction in the requirements of reducing load energy loss and mitigating voltage fluctuations by photovoltaic reactive power injection in the grid is also considered. An algorithm based on actual profiles of grid load and photovoltaic output has been developed to simulate the grid operating conditions. The studies have shown that the choice of an adequate photovoltaic inverter control method should be carried out by correctly analyzing the photovoltaic impact on the voltage fluctuations and energy loss in the grid.