PIDE: Photovoltaic integration dynamics and efficiency for autonomous control on power distribution grids

Abstract

With a focus on larger rooftop or utility-scale solar systems, there is a lack of research on the potential impact of mini photovoltaic (MPV) systems, often referred to as balcony power plants. This work analyzes the impact of varying concentrations of MPV systems, on the stability and control of low-voltage (LV) grids. We offer a comprehensive technical assessment of MPV within a distribution grid and quantify their effects on power quality, losses, transformer loading, and the performance of other inverter-based voltage-regulation devices. For this purpose, this paper introduces the open-source Python-based framework PIDE (Photovoltaic Integration Dynamics and Efficiency), a tool for simulating the integration of distributed energy resources (DER)s and evaluating their impact on autonomous reactive power control in the distribution grid. Our case studies include a one-year sensitivity analysis based on Monte Carlo simulations, compare distributed and decentralized DER control strategies, and demonstrate the role of autonomous inverters in providing ancillary services. With the growing use of battery energy storage (BES) systems in LV grids for these services, the need for adaptable DER control strategies becomes increasingly evident. Our results show that high MPV penetration increases mean transformer load by up to 3%, line load by 2.5% and total power losses by around 17%.