Reactive-power control of photovoltaic inverters for mitigation of short-term distribution-system voltage variability

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18 Scopus citations

Abstract

The output power variability of intermittent renewable sources can cause significant fluctuations in distribution system voltages. A local linear controller that exploits the capability of a photovoltaic inverter to provide both real and reactive power is described. This controller substitutes reactive power for real power when fluctuations in the output of the photovoltaic source are experienced. In this way, the inverter can help mitigate distribution system voltage fluctuations. The local linear controller has a control parameter called the substitution rate, and several methods of calculating this control parameter are described, including sensitivity minimization and violation optimization methods, which can be applied on a local or global basis and on a per-phase or phase-average basis. This controller is examined using an example distribution system, and it is found that the controller is effective at mitigating voltage violations. Furthermore, comparisons between the alternative methods of selecting the substitution rate are performed.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the IEEE Power Engineering Society Transmission and Distribution Conference
ISBN (Electronic)9781479936557
StatePublished - Jul 23 2014
Event2014 IEEE/PES Transmission and Distribution Conference and Exposition, T and D 2014 - Chicago, United States
Duration: Apr 14 2014Apr 17 2014

Publication series

NameProceedings of the IEEE Power Engineering Society Transmission and Distribution Conference
ISSN (Print)2160-8555
ISSN (Electronic)2160-8563

Conference

Conference2014 IEEE/PES Transmission and Distribution Conference and Exposition, T and D 2014
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityChicago
Period4/14/144/17/14

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2014 IEEE.

Keywords

  • Distributed power generation
  • Photovoltaic systems
  • Power quality
  • Voltage control

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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