Influence of large-scale installation of energy saving lamps on the line Voltage distortion of a weak network supplied by photovoltaic station

The aim of this research is to calculate and analyze the harmonic distortion extent caused in weak low-voltage networks due to a possible large-scale installation of the widely spread compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). The research uses data from laboratory measurements of the produced harmonic currents by CFLs, as well as field measurements of the harmonic content and other characteristic measurements of the electric network of a small Greek island, which is supplied by an autonomous photovoltaic (PV) station. The PV station is also a harmonic generator by itself. This fact combined with other highly nonlinear loads—such as CFLs—causes serious problems at the network power quality as undesirable harmonic components are induced. The whole network is simulated and three scenarios of CFL installation extent are considered, so that the harmonic flow analysis reveals the influence in the power quality. It is examined whether this weak low-voltage electric network is able to keep the total harmonic distortion factor at all nodes under 8%, as more and more CFLs are installed. The conclusions drawn from this analysis are important and must be taken into account in every electric network design.