Performance analysis of the DigSILENT PV model connected to a modelled malaysian distribution network

Abstract

The global growth of Photovoltaic (PV) is remarkable with a total of 135 GW in 2013 from 10GW in 2007. Operation of PV has changed from standalone to grid-connected which brings several challenges. This sudden spike in PV capacity is due to the reduced cost of PV modules over five times in last six years and followed by advancements in PV inverter technologies. Integration of distributed generation alters the unidirectional power system to bidirectional and alongside present's issues such as overvoltage on distribution feeders, overloading of feeders, and undesired exchange of reactive power. Traditional methods that are in practice to control the voltage and reactive power is by controlling the transformer tap changer and using capacitor banks. Volt-VAr control (VVC) activities by traditional methods are no longer appropriate due to intermittency solar irradiation caused by cloud transients. Modern PV inverter has the capabilities to mitigate voltage related issues when they are allowed to operate at power factor other than unity as stated in the IEEE1547-a. Germany and Spain are the pioneer countries in adopting 'smart' inverter operation in accordance with their countries interconnection grid guidelines. Similar operation of PV inverters for Malaysian scenario is prohibited as the current guideline does not allow the participation of PV inverters in voltage control activities. Therefore it is essential to allow the operation of smart inverter for Malaysian scenario, as the number of grid connected PV system is on the rise. This paper extensively analyses the performance of the DigSILENT's PV model control aspects in terms of active power reduction and dynamic voltage support in a test network and validation of static voltage support on modelled Malaysian distribution network according to the new German Grid Code. © 2016 SERSC.