Local Voltage Control Strategies for PV Storage Systems in Distribution Grids

Local PV storage systems are emerging in Germany as PV feed-in tariffs have dropped below electricity prices for households. These PV storage systems provide the opportunity to increase the local consumption of locally generated PV energy. The so called self-consumption does not imply an explicit benefit for highly PV penetrated distribution grids suffering PV related voltage rises. Hence, this paper introduces several local voltage control strategies using PV storage systems. These strategies focus on adding a voltage control capability to self-consumption strategies through a combination of voltage dependent battery charging, automatic reactive power provision as well as PV power curtailment. Their potential to smooth the grid integration of PV while increasing self-consumption is assessed through grid simulations and an economic evaluation. In conclusion, PV storage systems which are capable of voltage control can improve PV grid integration and provide a benefit to storage system owners.