Reducing overvoltage problems with active power curtailment —Simulation results

High penetration levels of photovoltaic systems on low voltage electricity nets tend to lead to overvoltage problems. Currently, in the residential sector of the Belgian Flanders region, the only way to reduce those problems is by means of completely halting the inverter. This paper investigates the power quality improvements of a fixed method of gradual active power curtailment in order to minimize overvoltage problems, as well as a basic economic impact on the end user. The method is simulated on 3 models of existing low voltage feeders located in the northern region of Belgium. Results show that overvoltage problems are nullified and unbalance is improved.