PV plant modeling for power system integration using PSCAD software

PV Plants connected to the medium voltage grid do not contribute to the grid stability. In order to prevent grid instability, directives (codes) for connecting PV plants to the medium voltage power grid have been released. The supply and control of the reactive power from the renewable generation plants are becoming important issues to be studied, because they can facilitate the integration of PV in power grids. In this paper, two new models of a 6.09 MW PV plant, used to analyze its grid integration according to the grid code, are presented. The first is a simplified model, without taking into account transformers and cables, while the second one is a more complex model which includes these components. The model was developed using PSCAD-EMTDC software. The final part of the paper presents the active-reactive power (P-Q) charts, calculated at the common coupling point (CCP), for different levels of solar radiation (0% to 100%). Based on these charts, it is determined the maximum output power level which can be generated by the plant, according to the current grid code.