PV system modeling for grid planning studies

Validated electrical performance models of power system components are required to support a range of power system planning studies, interconnection studies and plant design. This includes steady-state (power flow) models, detailed transient models for the study of electromagnetic interactions, dynamic models for the study of electromechanical phenomena, and short circuit models. Transmission and distribution simulation platforms commonly used by system planners do not presently have full-featured models for PV systems representation. Interest in positive-sequence power flow and dynamic models has increased recently due to the trend toward larger PV system plant sizes, both commissioning and interconnection applications, and interest in understanding the possible impacts of high PV penetration levels on grid performance. Compared to conventional generator models, PV system models are very much a work in progress. This paper describes advances in power flow and dynamic modeling of PV systems for grid planning studies based on on-going efforts by the Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) Renewable Energy Modeling Task Force (REMTF). The goal of REMTF is to improve the adequacy, availability and accessibility of PV system models for grid planning and interconnection studies.