Voltage regulation via photovoltaic (PV) inverters in distribution grids with high PV penetration levels

The need to switch from conventional ways of energy production to renewable power generation creates new challenges for utilities and power producers as the distribution network is still set to operate in a passive way transferring the energy from power stations to consumers. This paper focuses on the study of varying concentrations of photovoltaic (PV) systems on a proposed electricity grid in an attempt to propose corrective actions based on the distribution grid dynamics. From simulations of varying concentrations of PV systems, it has been observed that no significant voltage distortion is caused when the inverters comply with standard EN 61727. The only problem seen while increasing the PV penetration levels above the load demand is the overvoltages during high PV power production. Based on that observation, a voltage regulation scheme is utilized to maintain the voltage quality at acceptable levels set by international standards and the outcomes are evaluated.